Guest Alexis Posted June 13, 2003 Share Posted June 13, 2003 my mom was restaged 4/03 with spread to lymph nodes. she began radiation to the chest & neck on 6/2. she has had recurring mental problems attributed to morphine allergy and this persisted until 6/6 when she was finally admitted to the hospital with an o2 sat of 80. we had no idea there was anything wrong as she was not SOB and was not complaining of having trouble breathing. we think this may have contributed to her confusion. she was intially diagnosed with pnuemonitis, despite having JUST had 5 radiation treatments at this point. they then changed their diagnosis to pneumonia. it didn't clear up. now they are saying pulmonary edema possibly caused by CHF. there is no fluid around her heart at this time. she does have high blood pressure but has had no other cardiac problems in the past. she has improved slightly during her week in the hospital but not much. I am starting to think the doctors are just clueless. she is being seen by her regular onc as well as pulmonologists and cardiologists. shouldn't they have a true diagnosis by now? the onc maintains that he does not think this is related to her cancer. her onc also maintains that he thinks she will recover from this and continue her cancer treatment. she continued to have rads this week (while in the hospital) but has not started chemo yet. I am really at a loss about what to say or do. any advice appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DaveG Posted June 14, 2003 Share Posted June 14, 2003 Alexis: Welcome to LCSC. I have the feeling we know each other from another time and elsewhere. As you probably know, I am very familar with restaging, aspecially to Stage IV. I also have mets to the lymphatic system, but, unfortunately it is too extensive for radiation. As my signature shows, I am now on chemo. I am sorry to hear about your mother taking this turn, but knowing you, this is just another "bump" in the road and you are going to give your mother the encouragement to beat this, as you have in the past. Welcome to Lung Cancer Survivors for Change. I must warn you, that after about Friday next week, I may be absent for awhile because I get chemo on Tuesday. Othersie I am a regular here. I look forward to hearing more from you. Please keep us up to date. This is an open board where you can vent, cry, laugh, and go through the entire emotional spectrum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dawn Posted June 15, 2003 Share Posted June 15, 2003 Your story sounds so similar. My mom had a very mild heart attack last monday, (she also is in stge 4 lung cancer) she finally got to come home today. But at the hospital they told her she had pneumonia in her right lung, they told us this for about 5 days and then all of a sudden they said they arent totally sure that is what it is , that know they think it might be the cancer which doesnt make alot of sense since her tumor has shrunk from size 6x7 to 3x4. So we are very confused and have no answers. I dont think the docotrs have the answers but they wont let us know that. I understand your frustration and i wish you all the luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dawn Posted June 15, 2003 Share Posted June 15, 2003 Your story sounds so similar. My mom had a very mild heart attack last monday, (she also is in stge 4 lung cancer) she finally got to come home today. But at the hospital they told her she had pneumonia in her right lung, they told us this for about 5 days and then all of a sudden they said they arent totally sure that is what it is , that know they think it might be the cancer which doesnt make alot of sense since her tumor has shrunk from size 6x7 to 3x4. So we are very confused and have no answers. I dont think the docotrs have the answers but they wont let us know that. I understand your frustration and i wish you all the luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted June 16, 2003 Share Posted June 16, 2003 Alexis I hope I can help a little. I have radiation pneumonitis. I have also had the pneumonia and Pleural Effusion. The oncologist and pulmonary specialist had a tough time deciding just what I had/have. But they finally settled on pneumonitis. So, I guess that typically they do have a problem diagnosing. Sam or Jonathan may be able to shed more information on this and why it gets misdiagnosed so much. Sam, who is a doctor, also has pneumonitis. Jonathan is in med school. I'll be thinking and praying for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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