My mom just diagnosed 3 weeks ago

On 4/19/2007 Tracyj wrote:

Hi, My mom was diagnosed with stage4 non small cell 3 weeks ago, it is also in the bone in her shoulder this is what the pet scan showed. Today we are going for a doppler test, brain mri, and a "What to expect from treatment" class at the Monter Center at LIJ hospital in NY. My mom just called me and told me she cancelled the brain mri because she "can't" do it, she had it once before after a car accident and is afraid to do it again, at least thats the excuse shes using. I think she doesn't want to know if its bad news. Anyway shes going through the motions I guess, guilt, pain, sadness. Right after her diagnoses (which was originally stage 3 non operable) she had a great outlook- She was goning to beat it! But now I see that outlook quickly changing. I'm guessing this is normal. Does anyone have an opinion on this or have you experienced this to. Help! I need some emotional support on how to deal with this with her, I want to help her and myself.

My mom had one of her lungs removed 1 1/2 years ago and had chemo. Just a couple of months ago they saw another spot of her lungs which they watched for 3 months b/c it was so small. Well 3 months later it grew and spread to both her lungs. She is now undergoing chemo again which is knocking the crap out of her. She has a pain in her upper chest, is always tired, loss of balance, doesn't feel like eating, etc. I am a basket case and not sure if she is able to fight this again. I am sorry to hear about your mom. How old is she?

Hi,

I am sorry you are having to go through all of this. Do you have siblings that can relieve you of some of the stress.  My husband died Jan. 4 after a 3 year battle with bladder cancer, so I know what you are going through. A week later my sister died, and a week after that I was told I have NSC Stage IV lung cancer, 2 masses in the right and 1 in the left. Since I was still grieving over the loss of my husband and my sister, I basically went through the motions of the CAT scans, MRI's and bone scans ( all of which were normal). My Oncologist told me with treatment I can expect 12-18 months.  In the beginning I really didn't care, but with the encouragement of my friends and my family, my attitude changed and I am trying to fight it.  I am 64 and not ready to pack it in, so I am beginning my 4th round of chemo which is no picnic but I am praying for a miracle, if none is there then I will treasure each day I have sick or not.

Encourage your mom to have the tests, and let her know you want that fighting spirit back and how much she means to you. I know this is difficult for you all but try and hang in there. I will keep you both in my prayers.

Judy

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Hello all!

My mom was diagnosed with NSCLC with brain involvement 10 days ago.  She was treated for pneumonia in late May/ early June, but when she did not respond to antibiotics her doctor sought further testing.  Her initial CT showed a mass in her upper right lobe.  After her needle biopsy she started to notice weakness in her left arm/hand, so they did an MRI which showed 20 mets in the brain.  She has started whole brain radiation and is scheduled to start chemo once she finishes the radiation.

I am glad I found this forum for information and support.  I wish you all the best - this journey is not easy!