Cancerous Tumor Wrapped Around Heart-- Questions

My dad finished with his radiation and Chemo about 1 month ago. He went for a pet scan last week and found out today that the tumor was still around the aorta. The surgeon said he didn't want to operate. So the doctor wants to send him to get a second opinion. He said he's sending him to the best in Anarbor Michigan. Has anyone out there ever had a surgery of this type? what are my dad's chances of beating this?
If the doctor in Michigan says he won't operate then what other options will my dad have??? any advice from anyone would be so helpful and so greatly appreciated.
P.S. If nothing can be done for my dad will that tumor just continue to sqweeze his heart till he has a heart attack? Looks like there could be something that could be done to help him.

My wife has similar situation with her cancer near the heart attached to the artery, they have her on tarceva, she is doing remarkably well after faily 2 different chemo treatments, she is stage 3 for a year now, my recommendation to you is to exhaust and search all option available, they have told us that hers is inopertable, and no one in Oklahoma will touch her. But as long as the tarceva is showing signs of improvment there is hope. please let me know how his visit turns out, I may want to send my wife there also.

My dad's second opinion from the doctor in michigan came by a phone call. See in Toledo, Ohio they said my dad had, had all the Chemo and radiation he could get.
But, the specialist in Michigan said he wants to start another round of radiation on my dad. He said it appear'e that the radiation is burning the cancerous tumor up. I'm not sure what kind of radiation my dad is receiving but the specialist there said about 30% don't have to have surgery because the radiation burns it all up. He said he didn't want to do surgery at this time but he wants to wait and see what the radiation does. In his pet scan we saw were the tumor is. In the scan you can see gray area and then a thin flashing red line they say that's were the cancer is and the gray is the parts that are beeing burnt up.
we are all praying for my dad. we are all so scared and are praying this works. I have told my mom about the Tarceva. She hasn't heard of it. Is it a pill.
I'm sure you and your family are going throug what we are going through. The fear of losing someone you love so much. But one this that's true.... Your wife needs to keep a positive attitude and high faith!!! I will find out what kind of radiation they are going to give my dad and I will let you know. He goes on Monday August 1st for radiation.
Thankyou so much for writing me please keep in touch!!! and let me know how your wife is doing.
God Bless you and your wife and family.

Thanks for the reply, yes, Tarceva is a pill taken once a day with little or no side effects, it is not a cure however, but it has been know to assist in putting the cancer in remission. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments, but it is expensive a 30 day supply run near $2500.00.we have been on it nearly 4 months with very good results so far, we have a cat scan( my wife can't do PET scans as she has a clip in her brain from a anurysum several years ago) btw she is just 43 yrs old, and her next update is Tuesday, if she still shows signs of improvement we hope to continue the treatment. please find out what kind of radition your dad is taking as I would like to discuss it with my wifes doctor. thanks and prayers, tony

Hello Tonyr,

My dad his appointment with the radiation doctor today. they did the markings. My parents got told they was going to start Chemo up again as well. Here's what I know about my dad........
He has a non small cell cancer it's type is squamous cell carcinoma the type of radiation he has been getting and will be getting is called Protons(small bursts of radiation) he will get it 5 days a week for 5minutes a day for 12 more visits only. His last session he receieved 25 treatments of radiation. the doc's have said if this doesn't do it then he can receive no more radiation or Chemo. I'm not sure what kind of chemo he has had and what kind he will be getting as soon as I find out I will let you know.
In about 2 1/2 weeks we should know if this will work for my dad. Cancer shows no murcey on age. your wife is so young!! My dad is 66. That's still young. It's so sad. My thoughts and prayers go with you guy's when you go on your trip tomorrow to see her doctor. I pray you guy's get good news.
Your wife truly has a purpose on this earth. She survived a brain anurisum. I had a friend that died from one. She was in her early 30's. She came home from work and died in her bathroom.
tell your wife to hang in there.
God bless all of you!!
Teresa. o.

Not good news her cancer has spread from her heart to her adrenal gland, we go in thursday to talk to the doctor, but she has already decided that there will be no more chemo with harsh side effects...the carbo-taxol was probably the worst...gonna explore all options...until then prayers are needed. catch up with you then.

I am so sorry. My prayers are with you guys. My mom wanted to know if insurance will cover the tarceva? She also sends her prayers. Please keep me up to date with your wife. I pray for a healing for her.
god bless you
Teresa.

Don't give up!!!!!!!

PRAY!! PRAY!!!!PRAY!!!!!!

I highly suggest that you check into The Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. It is considered one of the top hospitals in the US for heart surgeries and cutting edge treatment. They do the heart surgeries that others say can't be done & are excellent at it.This is the place doctors choose for themselves, for treatment-it is the #1 place to go, according to healthcare insiders.They have a well-respected cancer center also.

God's prayers & blessings to you and your father....

Magic,
Thank-you so much for the info you gave me. I'm going to tell my mom about this. My dad says he's not giving up. He's gonna fight fight fight. All info that is given to my family is deeply appreciated. I know we have to put this in Gods hands but it helps that people like yourself care enough to take the time to help family's like mine. We just want to make sure that my dad get's the best and a chance at life. You're information gives us more hope.
thank-you for your prayers and blessings.
I will let you know at a later time how things turn out for my dad. If you have any more information and have the time it would be appreciated.
Thank-you!!!!!!
Teresa.O