EDRJR Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Hey everyone, I am a 46 year old man, one of five children (three girls, 2 boys). Our father is 78 years old and was recently diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma. He has an eight cm mass in his right lung, and several small lesions on both lungs. We do not know the stage yet, but we are guessing late II or early III. He has some fatigue, but is still active. He is not having any pain, but does have some spells of difficulty breathing. He is currently having test, (PET scan today) and we will get more info from his Oncologist today sometime. I guess what all of us want to know is what we can expect next. What is the normal progression of this untreated. They are telling us he can't handle radiation, and tradition chemo is probably too toxic for him. They did mention tarceva, and would like any information on that also. We really want to know how much time we most likely have. Any info, thought, or support would be greatly appreciated. We all love our Dad very much, and want to help him through this as loving, but as real as we can be. We know that this is terminal, and very much want him in complete control of all his treatment decisions, we want to make sure that he has a good quality of life in the time he has left. Any info would be helpful! Thanks to all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Welcome to LCSC. Many here will be able to offer you info and support, but right now you really don't have enough facts for us to even speculate just what the situation is. You will need the results of all your scans and the input of the specialists. Once you have a stage and all the facts, post it in a Profile (what we all have beneath our signatures) and THEN you will find many chiming in with experiences. Many of us will recommend a second opinion (I actually had 4 opinions) befoe making any decisions. In the meantime..........step back and take some deep breaths. Read many of the inspiring stories of hope here.........many of us surviving and thriving after a dismal prognosis. Take it one step at a time and allow us to accompany you on this journey. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Welcome. Sorry to hear about your dad. Many of the wise people here will be able to help you when you learn more from the doctors. In the meantime, our resident expert, Dr. Jack West, at onctalk.com has many informative posts about Tarceva and other treatment options on his site. I'd recommend registering and taking a look. Hope treatment goes well for you dad. Hang in there. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Sorry you have to be here, but glad you found us. I agree that a second opinion is in order and you shoudl definatley do some reading on Dr. West's site Onctalk.com. The other thing to remember is to not pay attention to the statistics. It is overwhelming at first, but we will be here to help you through it. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy-OK Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 As many have said, life is "terminal". It is very overwhelming when you first get this sort of news and this is a great place to get support. Many folks on here are on or have been on Tarceva and will be along to comment of it. Please realize that none of us come with an expiration date stamped on us and the statistics you will read as you cruise the internet are only numbers. Let us know what the scans show on your dad and what they offer as any and all treatment options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhutch1366 Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Hi EDRJR, Welcome to the club no one wants to belong to; glad you found us. I would ask the drs why they think your dad can't handle radiation or chemo? You didn't say anything about his being in otherwise poor health. I'd get a second opinion after the PET results were in. Much about staging and treatment depends on whether the smaller lesions are cancer or not. I'd look for a doctor or group that was willing to help your dad fight this, if that is what he wants to do. Radiation and chemo together can pack a pretty powerful punch, even if surgery isn't an option. I think if your dad was not otherwise in very poor health he'd at least want a say in his treatment options. Let us know how things go; keep us posted. XOXOX MaryAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daddyslittlegirl Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Hi there, I just wanted to say welcome and I'm sorry about your father. I'm pretty new to this whole thing myself so I can't really answer your questions, but I can offer prayers. Hang in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Welcome to the site. You say your dad is active so there is no reason he cannot have radiation and chemo. There are many mild chemo drugs now that several of our older members have had. My husband is currently on Avastin and it is a very easy chemo to tolerate. He was also on Tarceva and did well with it but truly he had more side effects (rash and diarrhea) with Tarceva than Avastin. It is a good idea to get a second opinion and to find an oncologist you like that will fight for your dad. We are on our 3rd oncologist. Good luck-- let us know what you find out. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernrol Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Sorry about your dad. I was stage IIIb/IV. I took Tarceva along with the other chemo. It is thought that the Tarceva has helped a lot. I am still taking Tarceva. I had no bad reactions from the Tarceva. It could put your dad in remission. It is dertainly worth a try. Stay positive Ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 I would mrecommend a second opinion. You should have a Dr tht will fight for every day for your father. Find out why Rad and Chemo will not work. This sounds too defeatist to me personally. Tarceva is a gret stabilizer and maintenance drug for lots of people. Would ask about that at the very least. Let us know what transpires Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Get a second opinion. If one is willing and has the strength, all cancer is treatable. I have a 4.5 by 7 cm in my right lung and I intend to have it killed with cyberknife. I am 62 years old now. I imagine myself living to be in my 80s or 90s, enjoying my great grandchildren. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blaze100 Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 Yes I agree with Don. Sounds like there is not enough info yet to make any predictions. My tumor was 12.5 cm and they were able to remove it...although the first few weeks after diagnosis nobody was sure if they could. Also some types of lc are slower growing than others. Did you get a report from a biopsy/bronchoscopy? My aunt was dx'd with breast cancer at age 82, had radical mastectomy and scraped down to the bone. She will be turning 100 in the fall. So you never know.... Best of luck to your Dad on his treatment plan and please keep us posted on his progress, Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbara5452 Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 Most definitely a second opinion, too many other options and treatments. Keep us informed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EDRJR Posted May 14, 2007 Author Share Posted May 14, 2007 Thank you all for you kindness. We know a little more. Seems Dad also has a severe problem with a valve in his heart. He had a PET scan friday and we will find more about it this week. His CT of his abdomen was clear. Because of his heart, the Doctors are not very optimistic, because they don't think he can stand treatment, even the Tarceva. We are trying to talk him into a second opinion, but he is a very proud and stuborn man. We have not given up hope, but are preparing. All the encouraging stories are great, but we are all new at this (the cancer) and just don't know what to expect. Again thanks to all...this has been a very tough time for us..the outpooring of love and support helps more than I can express! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 EDRJR--The beginning can be ovrwhelming. As you know more about what you are dealing with and what treatments are available you can process it all a little better. Keep us posted. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daddyslittlegirl Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 You know that sounds like I could have written it myself. I have been trying to get my dad to go for a second opinion for a while. I just really beleive that with all the treatments options available that there should be something else they can do. You got to love that good ole male pride. There are so many wonderful stories here and I try to share as many of them as possible with him to try to give him hope. Once he realizes that, perhaps he will change his mind about going for antother opinion. I'm praying things get better. Hang in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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