CancerCompass message board discussion started by Marie1973 on 6/24/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25379,0.htm Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hello.My dad,who's 84 was diagnosed with what they believe to be end stage NSCLC.At first the oncologist recommended chemo & radiation (after a biopsy.)This was on June 3rd 2008.We were skeptical about doing any of this as my dad did not seem in the best of heath and had been breathing heavily for at least the 3 weeks prior. My dad's initial answer was "when its time to go-its time to go."-he didn't want any treatment.A few days later I talked to him about it some more and he agreed to have a biopsy.(But I want him to do what he wants and not for me.)5 days after the visit to the oncologist,my dad was coughing up small amounts of blood and the doc had said to go to the Er to rule out a blood clot or pneumonia.He was admitted w/ pneumonia and treated w/ antibiotics for 5 days.He did get much better from that infection.His sputum was green and now is clear.Although,he's been so much weaker since the nite we went to the hospital.This all happened so fast.Just a week before he was admitted to the hospital we were at the amusement park.And even though my dad didnt have the energy he usually has-he came over to see the kids on the rides and even went on the merry-go-round.Once in the hospital,the doc now felt he was too weak & sick to handle a biopsy or treatment and told me he had 2 weeks.After a 5 day hospital stay,my dad came home with me on hospice.I can see his condition deteriorating and he's sleeping much of the time and eating & drinking very little.He can still get around by himself at times and trys to be so strong for my kids.Yesterday he played ball & cards with them.The oncologist called a few days after my dad was home on hospice and wanted to try chemo called Alimta.He said its not curative but will head off problems.My dad hasn't been in any pain -thank God and seemed very comfortable and content with hospice.My dad said he'll try the chemo so we had hospice revoked yesterday because as they explained- its one or the other,and went to the doc today for the B12 shot.Hes scheduled to start chemo on Tuesday.Did anyone use Alimta? And Did iy help?Do you think my dad would benefit from Tarceva?Hes been in good health up till now.While on hospice,the nurse was checking my dad for edema-which he didn't have until today.His ankles are swollen and his bp was 88/48 today.And sometimes his respirations are up to 36 per minute.He's on 5 mg of morphine (every 8 hours as needed)but has only needed it at bedtime to ease his breathing.I asked the doc if he's strong enough to handle chemo and the biopsy and he answered to the effect (as I took it)-try something- I guess.I just dont know if dad was better on hospice or going through these treatments that might make him worse or more sick.Anyone experience this?Please help.Thanks,Marie Marie1973 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT My Dad has Stage 3b non-small, large cell.  He is on Alimta.  It makes him very tired and raises his blood sugar significantly, side effects the doctor has informed us are from the chemo.  Kikik Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi - I would think the chemo would make him weaker and more tired.  I would definitely try the Tarceva though.  It is oral and he could take it without taxing his body.  Everyone wants a different treatment and I would tell you to stick with your instincts.  My dad is sick right now and presently in the hospital.  I wouldn't want to put him through anything that is going to make him worse.  But if he makes it through this, I am definitely going to ask for Tarceva, what could it hurt?  I will always wonder if we should have tried it.Good luck with your dad! candycane Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT I'm sorry to hear about your dad. :(My grandfather who was 76 tried chemo in March and wasn't the same after that, he became very weak, couldnt eat and could barely get around. If your dad is already weak, i would not recommend it. Before the chemo my grandpa tried tarceva and it worked well, but the doctor explained to my family that it was no longer working and the cancer was spreading. We eventually got on hospice. Good luck, hope this helps.Tiffany tiffbiz Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT