small cell lung cancer that has spread

Does anyone know of any trials being conducted on stage four small cell lung cancer that has spread to the brain, adrenal, liver and kidney?  Conventional treatment is still ongoing, but it is not working.  Also, we need some information in the area of caregiving for as the cancer gets worse the patient's personality grows harsher and more, what I call, schizo.  My sister, the patient, has always been difficult, actually downright nasty, if you asked my children, but now it is getting to the point of out and out cruelty.  We know she is scared and angry but we need to know how to be with her to help.  Cracks are beginning to appear in my other sister and my sister's daughter,  her three caregivers.  This cancer is not about us but we do care for her, so we need some help.

I know patients can be difficult. As my wife has tolerated me for  1 1/2 years since DX AO Grade 3. Please check the link in regards to trials being conducted.

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=lung+small+cell

 

This might get you pointed in the right direction. I am sorry for the bitterness you and your family are induring. Just love the ones you love! God bless

Damon

 

On 5/14/2009 Heritage Softail wrote:

I know patients can be difficult. As my wife has tolerated me for  1 1/2 years since DX AO Grade 3. Please check the link in regards to trials being conducted.

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=lung+small+cell

 

This might get you pointed in the right direction. I am sorry for the bitterness you and your family are induring. Just love the ones you love! God bless

Damon

Thank you so much.  How kind of you to reach out.  I have already  been on the clinical trials website and found many trials we can look at. Thank you so much.  Do take care.  I shall keep you in my meditations and hope that we continue to share during this journey.  Maybe you can help me better understand my sister.  Again, thank you, from me and from my family.

I can say there are several factors that are affecting your sisters behavior at this time. Any type of cancer is alot for one person to accept as a patient but also the caregivers as well. A couple of things going on is her liver and kidneys. Both filter our bodies. If not functioning affectively this can cause a build up of toxins in the system.  As for th ebrain also this can cause the same do to pressure. My tumor was about the size of a lemon in my brain and I was a "pain in the *&%$*%%" I know that today. In April I was honest with my NO and a little antidepression medication helped. It might be helpful to relay all of the symptoms to the Dr to see if any can be helped through medication. This is a tough road but thanks to be like you it is alot smoother. God Bless

Damon

Am same condition/disease process as your sister.  Is she on any steroid drugs such as Decadron?  Side effects include increased irritability and volatility....as I can attest.  

Am a retired Registered Nurse.  Once upon a year, I was having difficulty with my father and spoke with a co worker psychiatrist who said. "Gail, old age does not convey sainthood.  If someone is a miserable adult, they will be a miserable oldster."  I suggest that serious illness has not conveyed any sainthood on your sister....but, perhaps, a really handy excuse for misbehaving.  

Suggestions 1) In her presence, speak to her attending about her behavior and see if change in anti depressant drugs would be helpful. 2) Speak with the other family caregivers and establish limits for the patient.  Tell the patient sister....and have consequences.  If you are ugly, we will still provide essentials but, will leave as soon as completed?