Guest Posted May 12, 2004 Share Posted May 12, 2004 My mother has Stage I lung cancer that was not removed by surgery. They gave her radiation therapy last fall. On May 2, 2004 they determined that the tumor was growing again and are now preparing to start chemotherapy plus radiation therapy. My problem is that the chemotherapist seems to be all doom and gloom while the radiation therapist is very hopeful. My mother is 79 and has no other medical problems. I think she was not treated aggressively at first because she was 79. Has anyone else experienced this treatment? I am now insisting on aggressive treatment, and Mom wants this as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted May 12, 2004 Share Posted May 12, 2004 Barbara, See a thoracic surgeon. I never met with an oncologist until AFTER my tumor was removed. Almost two weeks elapsed from diagnosis to surgery and a meeting with an oncologist was NOT in the plans prior to surgery. I asked my oncologist about that at my last meeting, he said that is "normal"... Wondering why your mother wasn't referred to a thoracic specialist in the first place... By the way, welcome to the family! Becky aka Snowflake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Phyllis Posted May 12, 2004 Share Posted May 12, 2004 I agree with Snowflake. I would definitely see a surgeon. My surgery unfortunately was emergency. I think an aggressive approach is my preference if you are physically able to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhutch1366 Posted May 12, 2004 Share Posted May 12, 2004 Hi Barbara, Trade in your doom and gloom oncologist for one who likes to live. All oncologists are NOT doom and gloom, as I and others here will attest to. See a thoracic surgeon, after the chemo/radiation would be a good time for surgery, followed by some further chemo. There's no reason just because your mom is 79 to give her less than aggressive treatment. Good luck and keep us posted. XOXOX MaryAnn Always, prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted May 12, 2004 Share Posted May 12, 2004 During my hospital stays I met several folks in their 70s and 80s who had lobectomies. One in particular was in her mid 70s, my roommate, and she recovered more quickly than I did. (I had a pleural effusion that didn't want stop draining). I strongly suggest that you and your Mom find another Oncologist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted May 12, 2004 Share Posted May 12, 2004 Barbara, Welcome to our family.From what I've read you have been given ditto advice.Talk to a good thoracic surgeon and get a new onc. one that is willing to work with the surgeon.I think you need a team to help you beat this da-- thing.The team ideally is upbeat with defeat the cancer attitude and willing to work together.4 to 6 heads really are better than 1 sometimes.I am alive today because largely this very gameplan. Good luck and keep us posted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamie Posted May 13, 2004 Share Posted May 13, 2004 Barbra, From what Ive heard, treating the elderly for lung cancer, or more the "lack of" treatment for the elderly with lung cancer IS a problem. Your mom needs you to be her advocate, and make sure shes getting the right tests, treatment ect... There is always hope... Plus your mom has early stage, and that makes it even better Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret Posted May 13, 2004 Share Posted May 13, 2004 Barbara, As you well know, there is a wide range of 79 year olds...all different health levels, strength levels and mental/emotional levels. I, too, would seek another oncologist and certainly see a surgeon. Contact one of your or your mother's doctors and have them call to get you appointments right away. Good luck and prayers go with you both. Margaret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S. Jane Posted May 14, 2004 Share Posted May 14, 2004 My Dad is 79 and was treated quickly and as aggressive as he could take. He has completed radiation and chemo and is now having PCI. They did have to take down his chemo dose to 75% because he couldn't take it, but that treatment still got him into remission. It is the doctor who set it all up. We don't have to have a doctor that isn't as aggressive as we want. Doom and gloom is an awful way to be treated Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MommaL Posted May 14, 2004 Share Posted May 14, 2004 I agree with everyone---be as agressive as you can be!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddy Posted May 15, 2004 Share Posted May 15, 2004 Hi Barbara, You are very wise to insist on aggresive treatment. I am told people who have stage 1 have a very good chance of survival. Age really does not matter unless a person is in very poor health. You "Go for it", and don't listen to that chemotherapist! With you behind her I bet your Mom will do very well. Prayers and positive vibes to both of you, Paddy 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.