New Here Father Has Iv Lung Cancer

I am new to this board and wanted to see if there was any information out there from people who have lost or are dealing with a loved one with lung cancer. My father has stage IV lung cancer- no smoking, no family gentics for this, or any environmental agents. The doctors say this is very unusaul, only about 10% of people get this type. They said there is no one tumor they can go in and remove, that it is almost like an infection, in all three lobes of the right lung, lymphatic spaces, as well as the pluera. There is nothing they can do but Chemo- there is an experimental drug out, but the insurance wont cover it and the cost is $4000.00 a week. He starts chemo Tuesday, 08/30/05. Anyone know what his real prognisis may be? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. He has been on oxgyen now for 3 months- this started as what they thought was pnemonia, and a second bioposy confirmed this to be cancer. Thanks-

My life partner of 24 years succumbed to her lung cancer on August 1. She first was diagnosed in August, 2004. Her symptoms were shortness of breath. A chest x-ray revealed her left lung was better than half full of fluid. Malignant pleural effusion. Although her family doctor told us it was early stage we soon learned that in fact it was advanced cancer due to the malignant effusion. She underwent chemo and then radiation. That beat her up badly. Then after a few weeks respite, she developed discomfort in her abdomen, shortness of breath and very little appetite. Found out the cancer had metastasized to her abdomen with malignant ascites. She survived only 4 months after that and that mets put her at Stage IV> I love her with all my heart and soul and I miss her so much.

Sandy

Hi My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer sim. as your fathers in March of '04. At that time they only gave her 9 months. After her first 6 rounds of chemo they found the cancer had shrunk almost to 0.. Her scan in Mar. 05 should tumors growing again. But the time between her last chemo 9Oct. 04 and Mar. 05 she was feeling great. Anyway past mar. they started a series of 4 chemos. She didn't get very sick this time but her white count dropped too low so they weren't able to give her the 4th treatment. Cat scan showed tumors didn't shrink but were growing slightly. Because of low white count Dr. said to enjoy rest of summer and see him back Sept. 29 for scan and go from there. She has been feeling good and very energetic. She is also taking Lexapro, mild anti depressant, which has helped her greatly. We just keep praying that she can get more treatments and the cancer hasn't grown or spread. We are also checking in alternative treatments, diet...just in case she isn't able to have more chemo. Good luck with your dad and don't give up. Prayer and positive thinking are 1/2 the battle.

Sharon