Advanced Nsclc Met. To Liver

Hi there,

My father has just learned that he has advanced stages of nsclc.  he is 67 and seems so healthy otherwise.  He is taking the prognosis so hard and i just wonder from other cancer patients/survivors what my sister and i can do to coach him into a positive place.  In his "real life" he is the smiley-est, happiest guy in the room.  Also, durning chemo, what kind of care will he need?  I have volunteered to fly home every other week to help my mom out...just so she doesn't lose it.  My sister is finishing up with grad school and my business allows me a lot of flexibility.

 Also,  any suggestions for natural treatment to coincide with chemo?  He can't get radiation because there is a met. lesion on his liver. 

 Tomorrow, we will have a full prognosis.

 Thank you,

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,

 My father is 68 years old and was diagnosed with Non Small Cell Cancer of Unknown Primary( Neuroendocrine).  The Dr. is guessing now that it started in his lungs.  He has lesions in his bones, lungs and liver.  His liver lesions are the worst part of it all and the reason he was diagnosed.  He originally had pain on the right hand side and had a CAT scan which revealed he already had stage 4 cancer.  That was 1 year ago and it's been a very difficult year.  He had chemo last spring for 4 months, Taxol and Carboplatin (gave him  bad neuropathy).  He did well after that for about 3 months.   In November he started to go downhill again.  The Dr. tried Gemzar & carbo , it didn't work and just made him weaker.  Now he's on Taxotere & Avastin and we're hoping and praying it will give him more time.

I'm an only child.  My 72 year old mother is his caregiver.  They live 40 minutes away and I have 3 small children and a husband that travels all the time on business.  I try to do everything I can including picking them up for Dr. appts. and visiting 2-3 times a week.  It's very difficult and my heart goes out to you.  My parents are so special to me and I know what you are going through.

Cindy

I had chemo and concurrent radiation 10 months ago (Apr '07) for nsclc.  I handled the chemo quite well (taxol & carboplatin).  Nausea was my biggest problem and the prescriptions I was given for it did not do as well as Ginger, plain dried ginger.  I used the dried ginger chunks and slices which I previously have used for seasickness.  I subsequently had surgery (VATS) to remove the tumor and infected lymph nodes.  Although I had several bouts with pneumonia during the recovery, I was feeling much better by late fall.  Unfortunately , more lymph node cancer was discovered  in Dec '07 and I am now on the second month of an oral chemo targeted pill (Tarceva).  It has given me quite a few side effects in the process, but they have finally abated, except for the fatigue.  I breath better and have more energy now; and the stamina to plan my spring garden etc!. 

 I am 73, living alone,  but with the support and caring of many neighbors and friends;plus occasional visits from my 4 children who live away. Its a terrible shock, but I am learning that new treatments are coming along the pike all the time.  Keeping a positive attitude,  handle the bad times with precious memories of those good times we have had; and especially Live One Day at a Time.  That has always been the best advice even when blessed with good health! 

PS:  I have filled the down time with funny movies, and reading  so many books that had 'been waiting' for me.  Today is all we really know about, so keep the focus!  Best wishes for your father and the family. 

On 2/16/2008 RVdreaming wrote:

I had chemo and concurrent radiation 10 months ago (Apr '07) for nsclc.  I handled the chemo quite well (taxol & carboplatin).  Nausea was my biggest problem and the prescriptions I was given for it did not do as well as Ginger, plain dried ginger.  I used the dried ginger chunks and slices which I previously have used for seasickness.  I subsequently had surgery (VATS) to remove the tumor and infected lymph nodes.  Although I had several bouts with pneumonia during the recovery, I was feeling much better by late fall.  Unfortunately , more lymph node cancer was discovered  in Dec '07 and I am now on the second month of an oral chemo targeted pill (Tarceva).  It has given me quite a few side effects in the process, but they have finally abated, except for the fatigue.  I breath better and have more energy now; and the stamina to plan my spring garden etc!. 

 I am 73, living alone,  but with the support and caring of many neighbors and friends;plus occasional visits from my 4 children who live away. Its a terrible shock, but I am learning that new treatments are coming along the pike all the time.  Keeping a positive attitude,  handle the bad times with precious memories of those good times we have had; and especially Live One Day at a Time.  That has always been the best advice even when blessed with good health! 

PS:  I have filled the down time with funny movies, and reading  so many books that had 'been waiting' for me.  Today is all we really know about, so keep the focus!  Best wishes for your father and the family. 

My husband was diagnosed with non-small cell carcinoma of the right lung last May.  I understand what you mean about appreciating each day and living in the present.  That is the gift in all the grief! This is not the retirement we had  planned-he is 64 and I am 60, but we are enjoying the most truthful expressions of our feelings toward each other and are lucky to have this time.  Nothing will be left unsaid--it's a good thing in 41 yrs of marriage!  We love each day!