Trawna Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 Hello: I guess I should have introduced myself a couple of weeks ago when I found this site, but I haven't got around to it until now. I am the caregiver for my husband, age 64. He had kidney cancer in 1991 and had the right kidney and that adrenal gland removed at that time, and so we thought he had the big C beat, until August 2007 when a standard chest x-ray showed a shadow ... subsequently, after the usual ritual of tests, CAT scans, lung biopsy, etc. he was diagnosed in November with stage 3a lc(involvement was given as being one lung and one nodule in mediastinal area), but subsequent tests revealed likely nodules in other lung and possible adrenal spread so that staging was upped to 3b. No identifiable mets to liver, bone or brain at this time. After a nightmare of three totally different treatment plans they finally decided on a six-cycle treatment plan using cisplatin and vinorelbine, (1 week both, next week cisplatin only, 3rd week rest week) and he is to be re-assessed after that to see if the tumors have shrunk enough to make radiation of the mediastinal node and one lung a realistic option. His treatment is complicated by the fact that he had a heart attack and stroke in 2001, and subsequently had a triple bypass and carotid artery replacement. He has currently completed two cycles but has come down with a high fever in the last three days, and so the start of cycle 3 has been delayed a week and he is being treated with antibiotics for the next week. He is very positive and says he beat cancer once and will do so again. I am up and down like a yoyo and am trying to stay positive for him. He does not want to know his prognosis or even the type of tumor he has, he just wants to do what the oncologists say and fight it with their chemicals and his mental strength. I really would be much better if I knew more details, but this is his battle and I have no option but to respect his choice not to learn more. So ... I look elsewhere for all the information I can. I stumbled across this site through a post on another one, and it appears to have a wealth of information as well as being a great support resource. I am grateful it is here, and thanks for providing it ... a support community is so very helpful for all of us, patients and caregivers alike, who are just putting one foot in front of the other and trying to get on with our lives day by day as best we can while dealing with this rotten disease. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlemike Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 Sounds like your husband has a good attitude. I hope and pray the best for you both at this difficult time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted March 1, 2008 Share Posted March 1, 2008 Jane- Welcome to our board-- I'm glad you found us. Let us know how things go with your husband's treatment plan. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendyr Posted March 1, 2008 Share Posted March 1, 2008 Hi Jane: welcome to our group. My husband also is not interested in staging or prognosis and he just does what the oncologist tells him to do. I think this is a good thing as it keeps his mind clear so he can focus on living. I am the one who does all the research and when we show up at the oncs office, I am the one with the list of questions. I'm so glad you found us. this is a support and information community second to none. Please take the time to read the profiles of our members, you'll learn a lot. In fact you'll learn everything you never wanted to know about lung cancer. Keep us posted on your hubby's progress and treatment and let us know how we can help you. wendyr PS I used to live in Hamilton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patti B Posted March 1, 2008 Share Posted March 1, 2008 Hi Jane- Welcome to the forum. You will receive tons of information here along with a lot of friendship and strength. Sounds to me like you husband is quite a fighter - and I truly believe that a positive attitude goes an awfully long way with the fight against cancer. Ask any questions you may have, come here to cry or vent - we will be here for you. Hugs to you and hubbie - Patti B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trawna Posted March 1, 2008 Author Share Posted March 1, 2008 Thanks to you all for the welcome, and my best to each one of you on this difficult journey. I am exploring the boards and find the posts are most helpful and supportive. I am already very glad I was led to this site, and blessings to those who founded it and support it. (((All))) Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted March 2, 2008 Share Posted March 2, 2008 Hi Jane, Just wanted to welcome you and wish you and your husband the very best. There are many of us caregivers, as well as cancer patients out here who will be here to support you and try to help in any way we can. It's good to know that you aren't alone. I don't know what I would have done without all these wonderful people. Keep us informed. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted March 2, 2008 Share Posted March 2, 2008 "Trawna" ...He does not want to know his prognosis or even the type of tumor he has, he just wants to do what the oncologists say and fight it with their chemicals and his mental strength. I really would be much better if I knew more details, but this is his battle and I have no option but to respect his choice not to learn more... I agree with your husband about not wanting to hear prognosis figures, though it may be for a different reason than mine. I don't want to hear them because they have no direct relevance to me as an individual -- they're based on historical averages (or medians) of a large number of people with a similar diagnosis, and I've probably outlived those numbers already, whatever they are. I do like to know the tumor details and see my scans, as that helps me apply "mental strength" as you put it, but his technique of emphasizing only the positive is perfectly valid too and I applaud him for that. For your part, if you can mainly keep up with the names of the drugs and other treatments along the way, we can help you understand the side effects that he may be having. You're a great advocate and partner. Best wishes and Aloha to you both! Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsC1210 Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Hello Jane and welcome I am glad you have joined us and hope we will be able to help you and your husband along this journey. His attitude and positive thinking will serve him well! Warmly Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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