bihheh Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 My father-in-law was recently diagnosed with Pancoast tumor. Biopsy results of the tumor are nonsmall cell lung cancer, enlarged undifferentiated cells. His CT scan showed invasion of the first 3 ribs, vertebra and scapula. He is having horrible shoulder pain and weakness/tingling of his left arm and hand. He has also had a CT scan of the brain that shows a lesion. They have only biopsied the tumor. And the brain CT is the only other thing they have done. What can I expect now in order for them to be able to stage this and give us our options. I have noticed him being very hoarse the last couple of days and I don't know if this is significant for anything, or just a cold coming on. He also looks very jaundiced to me, he is taking a lot of pain meds so I don't know if it because of that or if it is possible it has spread to his liver. His urine looks like dark tea to me. I am also worried about the reality of surgery. If they were to tell us that it is operable, how bad is the surgery. His lungs are in horrible shape form years of smoking and several lung infections in the last 5 years. He can not walk to his bedroom from the kitchen without being winded. I can't find anywhere that tells me what I can really expect. I have read several of the posts here and have been pleased that the prognosis may not be as grim as my previous research led me to believe. Any answers at all would be great. Thanks, Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 So sorry your father in law has a Pancoast tumor. The shoulder pain in part of the "Pancoast syndrome ". It is what most all of us with a Pancoast tumor had as a symptom. The syndrome was described by a Dr. Pancoast hence the name. You do not mention a plan for him. In the beginnning most all of us have appointment with Pumonologists, Onocologists, Neurologists, Radiologist etc. Most of us do not start with surgery. First is chemo and radiation. For your father in law I imagine he needs that brain metastasize treated soon. Keep us posted. DonnaG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bihheh Posted January 28, 2008 Author Share Posted January 28, 2008 We really don't have a plan, we still have a few days before our first visit with the oncologist and his medical doctors only say "I think he may need radiation and chemo". The pulmonologist only saw him long enough at the VA hospital to say, "I don't feel comfortable doing the biopsy". So an intervention radiologist at a referral hospital did it. I was just wondering what other tests would most likely be performed on him to be able to determine the stage of the cancer. He is so weak right now and I just don't know what he can withstand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 I am so sorry your father-in-law has been diagnosed with the Pancoast tumor. One of the tings that frustrated a lot of us in the begining is the amount of time it takes to get a diagnosis and a treatment plan. It seems to be the norm that this does not move swiftly. Please feel free to ask any questions you have. There are many people who have been through this and are more than willing to share their experiences. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 Heather- First, your FIL is dehydrated. His urine is dark because he is not getting enough fluids. You need to really get some fluids in him and that will help. Dehydration is dangerous-- and may be part of his weakness and bad color. Once you see the doctor and get a treatment plan let us know what it is. I hope all the tests go well. Welcome to the board. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bihheh Posted February 7, 2008 Author Share Posted February 7, 2008 thanks for all of your help. We were told by the oncologist that it is too advanced to operate on and that he can not be cured, then at his radiation consult, the radiation oncologist then told him that with aggressive therapy (his plan is for 35 treatments) there was no reason he can't be cured. He went Tuesday for a repeat CT and markings and was supposed to return next Thursday for his first radiation treatment, the hospital called early yesterday and wanted him there to start treatment as soon as possible because the tumor is close to some nerves and they are worried about severe neurological deficit. After the first treatment was over I was told that the doctor that read the new CT and wanted him to come in then had only ordered 18 treatments. Could someone tell me why they would only be doing half the therapy they had originally discussed with us? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Wow, it sure seems like you've been given the runaround and conflicting information. I was too. What comes to mind about the lesser number of radiation tx is that if one is to be able to become a surgical candidate, there can't be too much radiation. For example, I was originally scheduled for 30 some tx, but only had 22. That was the max I could have and still be able to have surgery. Now, all that being said, have you considered getting a second, or even third opinions? Pancoast tumors are tricky to operate on and many surgeons are not skilled enough to do it. I know the local doctors said no to surgery as did the next 2 places I went. Most folks here would recommend at least one other opinion. Keep up updated and I want to wish you the best of luck. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 It may be that they aren't stopping but just changing after half the treatments or stopping to scan him and see how it's going. My husband had radiation and chemo only and lived 5 1/2 years. While it may not be curable-- he may be able to live and keep it stabilized for a long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bihheh Posted March 17, 2008 Author Share Posted March 17, 2008 I know it has been a while since I have visited. First I would like to thank everyone for sharing their story with us. My father-in-law only made it to 7 radiation treatments, no chemo and passed away Feb 17. This was only 1 month from diagnosis and 19 days from his first visit with the oncologist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 I'm very sorry for you loss. I can relate, that also happened to a friend of mine. She was dx.d and 6 weeks later she was gone. This is a horrible disease. My prayers for comfort to you and your family during this difficult time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 I am so sorry. I pray for you and the family that you will be comforted and know where he is- he has been cured. DonnaG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 My sympathy, May the memories of your FIL comfort and console you. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomsGirl Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 I'm so sorry... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teriw Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 I'm so sorry for the loss of your father in law. You must all be in shock. Thinking of your family... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.