My mom, my best friend

[sophie06]

Hi everyone -

I found this forum last month but didn't have a chance to post then. I was doing research for my mom, who was diagnosed last Christmas Eve day with metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer.

She was first diagnosed with a tumor in the occipital lobe, then they found tumors in her diaphragm and liver. Today we found out that it has spread to the adrenal glands and her creatinine level is too low.

Since last January, she's been through gamma knife radiation, and today started her first chemo (Alimta).

She has "spells" as she calls them - shaking & passing out - just about every day. At first the oncologist & neurospecialist thought it was due to the brain tumor, or epileptic seizures, etc., but now they have admitted that the gamma knife radiation actually did some neurologic damage.

Talk about a trade off.

I have tried to stay strong for her, but lately it's been hard to keep it together. I'm not handling this very well at all. She's been my best friend, my rock.

My feelings vary between anger and sadness, sometimes overwhelming grief, for my beautiful mother and the suffering she is enduring.

I'm glad I found this forum - thank you for all of the information you've shared & your personal stories. It really has helped us.

[ernrol]

Sophie,

Sorry to hear about your mom, there are a lot of people here to support you. Is your mom getting any other chemo along with the Alimta? Maybe you could tell us a little more about your mom’s treatment since last December. Is this the first chemo? Keep us posted.

Stay positive,

Ernie

[Don Wood]

Welcome, Sophie. Keep us posted on your mom and how we may support you. Don

[Ry]

I am so sorry for what your mom is going through. It is so hard for both of you. I hope the Alimta helps her--

Rochelle

[cindi o'h]

Glad that you found us.

Hope she will have easier times ahead. And you too.

Cindi o'h

[michelepal]

Praying for you and your Mom..

(((HUGS)))

LOve, Michele

[dihen]

Sorry to hear about your mom's latest struggle with the neurologic damage, and hope things get better for both of you. My mom is my best friend too, and I know it hurts so bad to watch them suffer...

[trish2418]

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, Sophie. I hope her future treatments bring her some relief. Please keep us posted on her progress.

Trish

[Linda661]

Welcome. We're here anytime you need support.

Best wishes to you and your mom,

Linda

[Don M]

Welcome Sophie. I am sorry that you and your mom are going though this.

Don M

[marym]

Hi Sophie and welcome.

I'm so sorry to hear of you mother's problem. Have you discussed what can be done for the seizures? Does she know when they are going to happen?

I had radio surgery for brain mets and have had a problem with my leg. It's caused by the radiation, but expected to be fine once the edema goes away. But I know when an attack is going to happen, so I can sit doen or hold something to avoid falling.

Best wished to you Mom and I'm so sorry you have this to deal with. It's almost tougher on the caregiver.

Mary

[mamasbabygirl]

Sophie,

I feel for you and understand (unfortunately) how you feel. I will say a prayer for you.