Guest tjhailmom Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 my dad, age 56, was just diagnosed with stage IIIb nsclc about a month ago, with mets to lymph nodes. he has to begin chemo once every three weeks next week and i am so scared. i'm not sure if my parents are telling me everything and i don't know what i can do to help him. now he has to have a bone scan and a brain scan to see if the cancer has spread, he's already had a pet scan and a needle biopsy. what else can they be doing, or asking the dr's?? i feel like we are so at the dr.'s mercy, and my dad should be in charge of his treatment, not some dr.!!! sorry to ramble, i'm just feeling so helpless and clueless... heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David W Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 Heather, you came to the right place. First go to www.blockcancer.org to get info on questions and 2nd opinions. Next, and here is the hard part, stop a minute and realize how blessed you are to have your father still. It sounds sappy but it's true, he's here for a reason! Saying a prayer for both of you tonight, Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 Wow, if your dad has already had a PET scan he's in good hands. The other scans are standard protocol in the beginning to make sure they know if the cancer has spread. They have to know what is going on to formulate a treatment plan. They probably don't know anymore than what they've told you at this point. How about going with him to some appointments? It's nice to have family there during chemo treatments they take a long time. Keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 Heather, You need to calm yourself and realize that you and your family can be in control of your Dad's treatments. I know it seems that you are in a frantic situation, but you don't have all the facts yet. I hope that your parents will give you all the information and that TOGETHER you can tackle this. Ask all the questions you have and come back to this list and rant/rave/cry. as necessary. You are not alone. Peace, Margaret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjhailmom Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 thank you all so much for your kind words. he will go in this friday for a brain/bone scan, hopefully all will go well. i'm so grateful i've found this board, and know that you knowledgable people can help us get through this. i'll keep you updated, thanks again! heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 I understand where you are coming from. I'm new with all of this also. My mom was diagnosed last month and just finished her 2nd chemo treatment. Try to be strong for your Dad. He will need it. You will get so much info. from this message board. Glad you found it! I have been going to my Mom's doctor appts. with written down questions and I take notes. I don't want to miss a thing. I have also read all of her reports, ct-scans, etc. a lot of technical words, but you'll learn. Get copies of everything. Don't be afraid or intimidated to ask any and all questions. My prayers are with you. And lastly, talk, talk, talk, to people it helps so much AND they can be a wealth of information- which is POWER to fight. Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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