thatpersontoo

Hi All Firtsly let me express my sincere gratitude for all of your kind and informative answers, I was very moved when I saw the replies the first time, That so many people care enough to reply. Thank you all. Since my last post my wife and I have packed up and gone "home" to be with my mother. When Diagnosed my mother initially told us all, that she was so glad the cancer was not caused by smoking, because that would feel "troublesome". after having spoken to her doctor, he stated he had clearly explained to her that the cancer is most likely related to smoking... Since I don't have any wish to add to my mothers guilt, I thought I would let her continue to believe this is the case, but since she has gone back up to almost a pack aday of smoking... and when I hint towards it perhaps not being the best for her, she behaves as she always has towards those comments, "Yeah, yeah, whatever, let's not talk about it." I am at a loss. Since I really like the idea of treating this as a chronic condition, I am assuming, the faster she quits the greater her chances of survival. Is this correct or will continuing to smoke, hardly have an effect? As for fighting, I can't really get through with my attempts at suggesting strategies, she only says she is too tired, maybe later,don't stress me etc. I am panicking, because I can't get through and I can feel the days slipping away. I get the feeling she has given up, and is set on living 6 months, period. As for mom's condition, she has gone through first round of chemo, another round in about 1 week, she seems pretty up, and has been very chirpy for a few days, which is great. I am assuming the test values will come in this week, and will tell us what her response to the treatment has been. sorry for my gloomyness, I guess I just feel powerless... Thanks again for your help, Jamie

My mother found out last week that she had small cell Lungcancer in both lungs, that has spread to the bronchial..(tubes?) and to the liver. the tumors apparently look like spider webs(and therfore apparently inoperable?) in both lungs( probably started in the right one, the say). the first symptoms, except weightloss which I hardly reflected on when I saw her over christmas, where about 4 weeks ago, when she had extreme pain in her stomach, then they x-rayed, and... well now we know... They gave her 2-3 months to live without chemotherapy, and about 6 ( maybe more )depending on how she responds to Chemotherapy. She started Chemotherapy today, and is going to have 4 cycles about 3-4 weeks apart of etoposide and carboplatin. she is currently on 60 mg tablets of morphine which she finds a bit to strong, this is to numb the pain in her stomcach(Liver?) which is there all the time. The doctors thought the tumors had started and spread over the past 2-3 years, which apprently is very quickly. Mom had A hysterectomy about 4 years ago,because cell changes had been found. She has Smoked about 20 cigarettes aday for 35 years, and she had a stress peak at which I think she was up to 35-40 aday about 3-4 years ago for a few months. Since this type of cancer seems to often be related to smoking I am wondering if that peak + related anxiety was the trigger... now I've described it. please help me providing the best care I can for my mother? She Turns 60 in 7 Months, and I know whe is looking forward to experiencing it. - are there any alternative treatments that may prolong my mothers life -or does anyone have knowledge of someone who has beaten or extended life with this Cancer, what did they/you do to achieve that - are there any special dietary things we should focus on - should she exercise in some way( yoga, weights, breathing??, whatever), even though she seems totally exhausted constantly( she hasn't exercised much before) - Are there any clinical trials ongoing or about to Start, that we could get involved in. -any tips on how to get maximum response from the chemotherapy I am forever greatful for any help I can get, every extra day My mother and I can spend together will be worth alot to us both. thank you all in advance Jamie