agent_samsonite Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 Hello everybody. Im a young college student who's mother has been diagnosed with lung cancer an hour ago. I dont have all the details but she had a lump taken out last week for a biopsy. We just got the results today only to find out the lump has squamous cancerous lung cells in it. The cancer isnt in her lungs however but its on the mid sternum. My mom looks and feels fine. She has never coughed up blood or anything like that. She started chantix last week to quit smoking after I begged her for 5 years to quit and I'm really angry that it took her this long to realize she needed to stop smoking. Im really afraid right now as well as angry and just trying to educate myself as well as my mother as to what kind of fight were up against. Shes going in wednesday to see a specialist and see what treatment options are available. If you could offer any advice or info to help me out it would greatly be appreciated. Keep her in your prayers please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Char81062 Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 Your Mom is going through some difficult emotions and I was told when my Mom was dx with lung cancer that only someone who was going through or who had been through the same thing could truly understand all that she is feeling. I as a daughter can understand how you feel though. You are scared and angry. Angry at her because of what you possibly feel may be a self-inflicting disease. I tell you now that you cannot blame. Your Mom may be saying the same thing to herself and it is productive for no one. Take charge of this disease and the care of your Mother in as much as you can. This requires support from the entire family. This site also brings great comfort in being able to talk about your feelings and a wonderful source of information about lung cancer. You will see the people here are wonderful. It will bring you comfort and peace in your battle as this is a battle, make no mistake about that. My prayers and good thoughts come your way. Char Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick C Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 Agent, I am sorry you and your mom have found yourself at the place you are. There are a LOT of survivors here! Don't ever let anyone dismiss you. Ask all the questions you want or can think of of your doctors. I understand the anger, and I would never say don't be angry, I've been told that one which is laughable. But put the anger aside right now. Fight for her, be her greatest support. Tell her you want whatever she wants, because that will make whatever treatment she chooses feel more like she is in this with you together. I wish you the very best, we'll be here when you need us. All you need to do is post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 I would also add that you don't know and you may never know if smoking is what caused your mom's cancer. A lot of people smoke like a chimney their entire lives and never get sick. Many others (way too many, and we don't really know why) have never touched a cigarette, have had very little second-hand smoke exposure, haven't worked around carcinogenic materials, have little or no history of cancer in their families, yet get lung cancer in their twenties. Add to that the fact that quitting smoking is relatively easy for some, essentially impossible for others, and somewhere in between for the rest. And I don't think willpower, appeals from loved ones, or knowledge of tobacco's harmful effects make much difference. It's an addiction, sometimes an extremely strong addiction. For me to tell someone that I quit smoking 44 years ago (which is true), then go on to say that they should be able to quit too, is less than helpful and I simply don't do it. Your mom needs all the love and understanding you can give her right now. My Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendyr Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 I can only say ditto to Ned's post. That says it all wendyr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missyk Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 Welcome Agent...and sorry you've had to find your way here...but really glad you have! I remember finding this place what seems like eons ago now and feeling the same things that you're feeling (minus the smoking anger...Mom had quit 20 years before her diagnosis) and not knowing which way was up. This is a wonderful place of knowledge full of survivors and HOPE! Ditto to what Nick said about not letting anyone dismiss you along the way. This is a fight for her life and she needs every single person who's fighting with her to be willing to go all out! One thing I did want to mention about the Chantix. I took it to quit smoking (yup, Mom had lung cancer and I'm still smoking ) and one of the side effects that *can* show up that they don't talk alot about is depression and an increase in suicidal thoughts. PLEASE, watch your mom closely for such things, especially with the diagnosis...depression can really creep up. Best of luck to you and your mom...let us know how we can help along the way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ztweb Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 I am so sorry you need to be here. Please know you have come to an amazing place! You will get valuable information here, as well as love and support. My advice.... Learn all you can Throw stats out the window and focus on the positive Have mom keep something in her stomach during chemo...even something little just to ward off the nausea GermX and Handwashing are a must during chemo Have her drink water, water, water Show her love, support, and hope Pray - God grants the miracle of healing every day. Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LolasDaughter Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 Hi Agent, I'd like to say welcome - so sorry you have a need for the board but I think you'll find much support here as you try to help your mom, as I have. I can't add much more to what you already have received from all the great posts above. Just stand by your mom and love her. Nicole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey's First Son Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Agent- Read this board all you can. I just lost my Mom, this disease progresses so fast, I can't believe how quickly we went from diagnosis to where I am now. I wish I had more to offer, I am still so in shock over the whole thing. All I can say is my heart goes out to you and your Mom. Make every moment count now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalouDP Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Welcome to the board. Sorry you have to be here, Everyone in this board has been so incredible when I went through this ordeal with my husband. Read as much as you can and don't hesitate to ask questions ok? I will be praying for your mom and your family. God Bless Malou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandyswa Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 I too am sorry you had to find out about this board but the people here is awesome. When I was having down days durning my grandpas chemo & radiation the support here was the best therpy to me. Everyone here understand you and they are all so encouraging. The battle is just begining but hanging in there and even when your head is spinning in circles stop by and vist, it makes you feel better. Hugs to you and your family, Brandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Welcome Agent. If your mom can quit smoking , it will make her treatment a bit more effective I am told. I quit smoking 19 years before I got lung cancer. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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