karinb Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 Hi, I'm Karin. My dad, 72, was diagnosed with Stage IV NSCLC Adenocarcinoma with pleural effusion at the end of January. He is taking Tarceva. Cancer is mainly in his right lung, but he does have some in the left, as well. It is nowhere else, as far as we know. He is constantly freezing, which the doctors have attributed to being on Coumadin. The plan is to wean him off that. His legs and feet are extremely swollen, in spite of having been on Lasix for at least a couple of weeks. Walking even a very short distance causes him to become very short of breath, which in turn causes him great anxiety. The result of this - he spends most of his time on the couch, and also doesn't do the exercises the PT has asked him to do. I am feeling frustrated, as he is not doing what he can to help himself - those exercises and lots of deep breathing through his nose, which was also recommended. Thanks for any helpful suggestions you might be able to provide. Thanks to all for sharing your stories - it is so helpful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 not sure where to try and start because no experience with this situation but trying to get some advice and help for you..... did not have this experience so... Hang in there though trying to get some answers !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karinb Posted April 16, 2014 Author Share Posted April 16, 2014 Hi Randy and Katie, Thanks so much for your responses and encouragement! I really appreciate it! I watched - and bookmarked - some of the survivor videos, including Jamie Young's several weeks ago. Thank you for the reminder! I will send along her video to my dad and hope it will inspire him! I'm so grateful to have this board and people who care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 also lots of inspiring stories i our Good news forum and Inspiration forum also!!!! we help and support caregivers as well.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michellep Posted April 24, 2014 Share Posted April 24, 2014 Hello Karin! My husband had the same stage as your dad. He too had the swollen legs and didn't do the exercises he was told to do at first. I believe it was slow in coming because he was depressed not only by the diagnosis but just felt generally weak from the treatments. Hang in there and just try to be as supportive as you can. ((hugs)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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