Helpingmom Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 Hi. My mom was recently diagnosed with lung cancer, well, they did a biopsy and found cancer in her lung. we don't know yet the stage or origin. she is a long time smoker, but only 53. I am really hoping they found it early, even though I know that is rarely the case. My question today is she has an appointment set and it lists 3 different departments she is meeting with. Radiation/Oncology, Hematology/Oncology, and behavioral medicine. the radiation oncology is obvious , but can anyone tell me what roles the other 2 have in treatment of lung cancer ? Mally 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieB Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 Hi there! I'm sorry about your mom and hope for the best scenario. I believe that hematology/oncology will be where chemotherapy will be administered and blood tests/levels monitored- the general oncologist is located in this dept and will be her primary "quarterback" physician so to speak. Behavioral medicine may be where pain management and psycho-social services are offered- but this is different at different facilities. Definitely seek out oncology social workers and patient navigators if they are available- nutritional services, pulmonary rehabilitation and pain management if she has any pain or breathing difficulties. If you are looking for questions to ask at appointments- I really recommend this section of our website https://www.lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/asking-right-questions please keep posting and keep us updated on your mom. We are here for you! Best hopes, KatieB Tom Galli, LaurenH and Mally 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helpingmom Posted June 1, 2017 Author Share Posted June 1, 2017 Wow. Thank you so much for the quick response. I will check on all of those things. I am so glad I found this site. It is frustrating as my mom doesn't ask many questions and no answers are given voluntarily. she had a CT and biopsy last month. They did her PET scan finally just a few days ago. she can see the results online and it it doesn't say anything different that the CT. This is all so new and I've been trying not to Google too much, but it's hard when she doesn't ask for more info from her doctors. LaurenH and Mally 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laney Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 Hi Helpingmom, I can't answer your question, so glad KatieB could help. But my mom was diagnosed last Fall with NSCLC - stage 1. It's been a rollercoaster since then. I have went to many appointments with her to ask questions and to be another set of ears because it's over whelming. I pray for the best outcome for your mom. As "excited" as we were for my mom to be stage 1, we also know there is a higher chance of return do to it being Squamish cell. The fear will never go away! She has a follow up CT scan in a week and it's weighing on us all!! But on a positive note we are planning a family vacation to help us look forward to the near future!! Mally 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helpingmom Posted June 1, 2017 Author Share Posted June 1, 2017 Thank you. I wish my mom would let me or someone go with her, but she won't allow it which makes it much more difficult for those who care about her. I will keep your mom in my thoughts as well. I'm getting married in a few months and I want so much for my mom to be there and be healthy . Fred G and Mally 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helpingmom Posted June 3, 2017 Author Share Posted June 3, 2017 So found out today the cancer is in one lung and just the tiniest spot in her liver. The doctor is running tests on the biopsy tissue because his hope is to start her on keytruda instead of chemo. If anyone can share some experiences with this treatment , I would be very grateful . everything I have read about it sounds promising . ViviAnn and Mally 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 Helpingmom, From your mention of Keytruda, I conclude your mom's biopsy reported NSCLC (non small cell carcinoma lung cancer) with her tumor showing high level of PD-L1 expression. The link gives you some information about this new immunotherapy treatment, and it is fortunate that your mom's PD-L1 level allows her to receive Keytruda as a first line treatment. With tumors in the lung and liver, your mom's cancer stages at IV, but what type of non small cell carcinoma does your mom have - Adenocarcinoma or Squamous cell? Letting us know the type of cancer will help folks who have a similar type with Ketytruda treatment give you feedback about their experience. You'll likely have more questions and you may want to invite your mom to take a look at our forum and read into the disease. Here is a good reference for both or you to start your reading. Stay the course. Tom Mally and Fred G 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helpingmom Posted June 3, 2017 Author Share Posted June 3, 2017 Thanks so much for your response. I will take a look at the information you have suggested. She has Adenocarcinoma. She has 1 small spot in her lung and one in her liver that is barely visible on the scan. She was until a few weeks ago a very heavy smoker and drinker, so it's not really all that surprising unfortunately. I asked her if they knew where it originated and she said no. is this something they can tell? Does it matter? Mally 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 Helpingmom, The large tumor in the lung points to the origin of her cancer I'd venture. I'm glad she's stopped smoking. Let us know how the immunotherapy treatment progresses. Stay the course. Tom Fred G and Mally 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Cornett Posted June 6, 2017 Share Posted June 6, 2017 You mentioned that your mom doesn't want anyone to go with her to the appointments. Does she take a notebook so that she can record what the doctors tell her? They throw so much information at the patients. I generally take my husband or mom and a notebook. With chemo brain in effect, I can't remember from one day to the next! LaurenH and Fred G 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helpingmom Posted June 6, 2017 Author Share Posted June 6, 2017 I have mentioned taking notes to her, she doesn't do it. It is frustrating and to be honest, I feel like she isn't telling me the truth about what is going on sometimes. There is nothing anyone can do to change how she is about things like this. I know her. I think part of it is she is embarrassed about the smoking and everything and what it has done to her because so many people have been telling her for so long that she needed to take better care of herself. I am trying my best to be positive , but I would feel so much better to talk to her doctors and hear from them, good or bad, what is really happening. I have told her this and she just says she needs her privacy. I am trying not to be selfish and make her angry and upset just to make me feel better. At some point, she is going to have to tell us what is happening if things do not get better. She has all the support she needs from me as she knows I'm there for whatever she needs, but she only tells me what is going on so I am very much alone trying to process all this. My fiance knows because there was no way i could even get up in the morning and function without his support. This site is starting to help though and thank you all and know that i pray everyday for a cure for everyone who is going through this. Tom Galli, Susan Cornett and Fred G 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Cornett Posted June 6, 2017 Share Posted June 6, 2017 We went through something similar when my grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer. My mom eventually wore her down and went with her to all of her appointments and scans. Your mom may be embarrassed (but she needn't be) but she may also be overwhelmed with all of the new information, terms, appointments that are coming her way. It's a lot to take. We're here for you and her. Let us know how we can help. LaurenH, Fred G and Tom Galli 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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