fighting4mom

Hello LCSC Family, Since my last posting, Mom and I revisited our 2 oncs (we had both consulting collaboratively so that we could make the best possible treatment decisions). We decided together that instead of the weekly chemo plan of carbo/taxol, we are going with the cisplatin/topo regimen (2 cycles) in addition to the radiation (6-7 weeks) . We’ve been amply advised that the treatment is much more aggressive and has a couple additional possible side effects but Mom (and I am SO proud of her) wants to fight it with everything she has – and with the strongest drugs possible. Treatment commences next week … we know it will be tough (especially around the 2 week mark, right?) but with this attitude I am thinking and praying that great things are possible. I believe in miracles … all of you reading this post are to me. Thank you for your support – and any advice you may have. Wishing you all the best in your fights! With blessings, Kimberly

Thanks again - to all of you. Having just been an observer until this week, I now feel so 'connected' to the community and it is a good, warm feeling. I really appreciate all of the sharing and having the chance to reach out and chat, question or just vent as needed. You all are truly wonderful people.

Oh Ladies, thank you ever so much. I can just feel the support and well wishes! I return to you hugs, warm thoughts and strength. From what I have read and been told by the radiation oncologist, Mom will have an effect called esophagitis ... explained as a condition kind of like heart burn or a sore throat but in the esophagus that lasts from about week 3 through 6 of treatment. We're told that neither very hot nor very cold liquids or foods are tolerated. Mom is a BIG iced water fan so the prospect of tepid water to drink drew a big sneer from her (she is keeping her humor through this, thankfully). So I am hopeful that issue doesn't prevent her from wanting to eat. Here's a kind of scary question -- if we never ask, will the onc mention any kinds of stats or prognosis? Though it isn't my decision, I would almost prefer if he didn't. So far he says "very treatable" and we'll evaluate after the 6 weeks of treatment. Of course I have read a lot -- she hasn't due to her eye condition. I don't want to hide anything from my Mom but I don't want to volunteer any negative info. Any suggestions there?

This is my story. I am the primary caregiver for my 71 year old Mother who just diagnosed with NSCLC - Stage IIIB (less than a month ago). I imagine our experience has been similar to many. In this past few weeks we have been to see many doctor, my Mom has had the standard battery of tests and we are commencing treatment in about a week and a half. Until today, I have merely been an avid reader of many of the stories and wonderful pieces of advice found here – and I can’t say enough about what a truly wonderful resource – and refuge – this board has been. Until a routine x-ray, no one had any suspected the cancer. Thankfully, my Mom is pretty healthy – only slightly elevated BP and cholesterol – but she also does have macular degeneration as well (preventing her from driving). Its hard for me to completely comprehend the “why” (which I know I shall never know) she has been selected to receive these two unfavorable conditions, but I know our Lord is in control so I’ll not question that any farther. I decided to write today – as we get ready to start down the path of treatment – to reach out and thank each one of you who has contributed their messages and advice and hope that we have some good news to share down the road. My Mom will have radiation treatments 5 days a week and chemo (carboplatin and taxol) 1 day a week – each for 6 weeks. I pray each day that her strength remains, she doesn’t loose any (much) weight (she weighs just 105 now) and other side effects are minimal. Thank you for any suggestions or advice you may have for us. My sincere appreciation to all of you – and especially Rick & Katie – that this organization exists!