waiting

Several weeks ago my Mom coughed up blood, we went to ER and had a chest x-ray.  The Doctor cleared her to go home and said the radiologist would contact her if they saw something he didn't.  They did, a 6mm nodule, as well as broken glass opacity in the lower lobe and an enlarged heart.  A CT was done the following day.  We have not had a sit down with her Dr, but have had phone contact.  What we know for certain is that she does have a tumor, enlarged lymph nodes along both sides of the chest and needs a biopsy immediatly, we are waiting for scheduling between the radiologist and pulmonologist.  It was a long, frightening, weekend.  What I have read and heard is not encouraging, but I would rather be prepared.

She is a smoker, she is often fatigued, her cough is worse, BP is all over the map, headaches, recent unexplained back pain, the list goes on.  She is uninsured and 61.  I don't know what I am asking for, perhaps just to say these things outloud and any advise.  I am trying to think positive.  Thank you in advance for any guidance. 

On 7/20/2009 smcminn37 wrote:

Several weeks ago my Mom coughed up blood, we went to ER and had a chest x-ray.  The Doctor cleared her to go home and said the radiologist would contact her if they saw something he didn't.  They did, a 6mm nodule, as well as broken glass opacity in the lower lobe and an enlarged heart.  A CT was done the following day.  We have not had a sit down with her Dr, but have had phone contact.  What we know for certain is that she does have a tumor, enlarged lymph nodes along both sides of the chest and needs a biopsy immediatly, we are waiting for scheduling between the radiologist and pulmonologist.  It was a long, frightening, weekend.  What I have read and heard is not encouraging, but I would rather be prepared.

She is a smoker, she is often fatigued, her cough is worse, BP is all over the map, headaches, recent unexplained back pain, the list goes on.  She is uninsured and 61.  I don't know what I am asking for, perhaps just to say these things outloud and any advise.  I am trying to think positive.  Thank you in advance for any guidance. 

I'm sorry to hear about your mom.  And it's good to learn as much as you can.  But first you need to know what type cancer it is to do the proper research and that will be determined by the biopsy.  Second, the statistics you are reading are at least 10 years old and out of date since they do not incorporate any of the more modern drugs.  So ignore the stats totally.

The fact that she does or doesn't smoke doesn't matter.  Only now matters and having a positive attitude to help get through this journey.  I am 62 and was diagnosed with stage 4 almost 3 years ago so there is always hope.  I still work and do everything I always did, maybe a little slower but still going strong. 

I would highly recommend that you keep copies of all medical reports, scan results, and blood work reports in case you need a second opinion.  And there will always be questions after you leave the doctors office and you get a chance to think about what was said and read the reports yourself.  Ask your mom to complete the form so that you can speak directly with the doctors if need be.  Without the form on file, none of the doctors can talk to you about her situation or treatments.

Good luck and God Bless and please keep us posted as you get more details. 

On 7/20/2009 smcminn37 wrote:

Thank you so much for the advice.  I do have a notebook I have been adding questions to.  We are now scheduled for wednesday morning, yet neither of us know which type  biopsy is being performed, I guess we will find out soon enough.

This is a very trying time, one of the worst you'll experience, this getting started on the treatment, adjusting to the shock.    You're doing all the right things and people on this chat room can share experiences.    You sound like you're able to take charge of a situation, and this might be one of your biggest challenges with the emotions involved.    Feel free to get 2nd opinions.   There is an abundance of help and helpful people out there if you ask questions.    Hopefully you can get treatment at a major encology center where they have specialists in the type of cancer you will discover your Mom has.   My cancer center will help loads with finding funding also.  You might Google SCCA in Seattle WA and click on "contact us."  They could give you some excellent advice.   SCCA stands for Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and is a combination of the U of W hospital, Seatle Children's Hospital and Fred Hutchinson Research Center.   They have access to the very latest in knowledge and clincical trials.  Clincial trials might be an option for you because they are free treatment and can be very good options.  Once the diagnosis is made, an encologist can research to see if there is a clinical trial going on that would be right for you.  I got on one with Tarceva the first thing.  You'll hear a lot about Tarceva here in the chatroom because so many are having such success with it.  It took my lung tumors and back tumors to nothing in about 4 weeks, very few side effects, and is just a daily pill.   Some people are able to manage their Stage IV cancer for many years, live well, on Tarceva.   Each patient is very different and responds differently to any of the arsenal of drugs an encologist has to use.   A good diet and exercise and having fun experiences always help the patient through the treatments.   Sorry to hear you're having to go through this, but there is much hope out there.