New here with dad with NSCLC

[Lovemypresley]

Hi all,

Im so glad I found this site. My dad was just diagnosed last month and is in the hospital doing just awful. I'm so scared and so shocked and need support and hope to help others, too.

thanks

[cindi o'h]

Hi Debbie.

Glad that you found us too. Oh yeah, this is the place to come when your head is twirling. We have all been in your shoes at least once.

So, what is going on with your Dad? He was diagnosed about a month ago you say? With what kind of lung cancer and stage?

Why is he in the hospital? Is he sick from treatments? How old is your Dad? How can we help you and him?

The more info. you can give us about your Dad and his illness, the better we can direct you.

Try to fill the profile out. It is in the upper right corner of this page.

Look at other's profiles and see how they did theirs. There is no right way or wrong way. Just your way and the information that you want to share.

What part of the country do you live? We have people who take advantage of the buddy system. There is a link for that at the top of the welcome/introduce yourself! Forum. If you like to talk with one on one, that might be a good place to get advice, information, and comfort.

Will look for your updates. Until then, God bless.

Cindi o'h

[Lovemypresley]

Thanks Cindi. I just did my profile. I posted his story on the Family/Caregivers forum. Oh, and we're in VA.

[Don Wood]

Welcome! Plenty of support and hope here. Just let us know how we may support you. Keep us posted. Don

[J.C.]

Hello Debbie,

Welcome where you don't want to be.

will read the Family section for more

details.

Best vibes,

Jackie

[Treebywater]

Welcome--we'll be pulling for you and your Dad all the way.

[Don M]

Hi Debbie: I hope your dad can get out of the hospital soon and get going on his treatment. Your dad an you all have my best wishes.

Don M

[TamHol]

Hi Debbie,

I hope to hear your father is doing better very soon. I can only offer to share your simular emotions, uncertianty, and the fright you must be feeling and going threw. Threw is the key word ... and each event will not be as extreme or controled as the last. Keep talking about it to anyone who will lend an ear or willing to stand long enough. Talking is a great way to sort out your information that is changing by the day. I'm new to this lung cancer, my Dad was diagnosed in Feb/06 as well. Talking is really the only soothing thing I can offer and know right now! Hopefully someone else more experienced on this site has some other technics to offer you.

Tammy

[RandyW]

Squamous Cell Treatment

Types of treatment

After a physician's examination, a biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. This involves removing a piece of the affected tissue and examining it under a microscope. If tumor cells are present, treatment (usually surgery) is required. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to eradicate squamous cell carcinoma. The choice of treatment is based on the type, size, location, and depth of penetration of the tumor, as well as the patient's age and general state of health. Treatment can almost always be performed on an outpatient basis in a physician's office or at a clinic. A local anesthetic is used during most procedures. Pain or discomfort is usually minimal with most techniques, and there is rarely much pain afterwards.

Excisional Surgery

The physician uses a scalpel to remove the entire growth and a surrounding border of what happens to be normal skin as a "safety margin." The incision is then closed with sutures. The removed tissue is sent to the laboratory, where it is examined microscopically to ensure that all the malignant cells have been removed.

Curettage and Electrodesiccation (Electrosurgery)

The physician scrapes the cancerous tissue away from the skin with a sharp, ring-shaped instrument called a curette, then uses an electric needle to burn the scraped area and a margin of normal skin around it. This two-step procedure may be repeated several times, a deeper layer of tissue being scraped and burned each time, until the physician determines that no tumor cells remain.

Cryosurgery

The physician uses liquid nitrogen to destroy tumor tissue by freezing. No cutting is involved in this bloodless procedure, which may be repeated several times at the same visit to ensure total destruction of malignant cells. Easy to administer, cryosurgery is favored for patients with bleeding disorders or intolerance to anesthesia. Redness, swelling, blistering, and crusting can occur following this treatment.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery (microscopically controlled surgery)

The surgeon successively removes very thin layers of the tumor. Each layer is examined immediately under a microscope. Removal and microscopic examination are repeated until the site is tumor-free. Mohs micrographic surgery saves the greatest amount of healthy tissue and reduces the rate of local recurrence. It is most often used on tumors that have recurred and on those in locations that are difficult to treat (for example, the nose, ears, and around the eyes).

Radiation

A radiation therapist directs X-ray beams at the tumor. Total tumor destruction generally requires a series of treatments, usually several times a week for one to four weeks. Radiation therapy is ideal for certain elderly patients or for individuals whose overall health is poor.

Laser Surgery

The laser beam is used either to excise the tumor, much as a scalpel does, or to destroy it by vaporization, in a procedure similar to electrodesiccation. The major advantage of this relatively new surgical technique is that it seals blood vessels as it cuts, making it useful for patients with bleeding disorders.