News about my Dad and his Lung Cancer

[DammitJanet]

My Dad finished his round of radiation treatment 3 weeks ago and went yesterday to get a CT scan to see how it worked. According to what I am told, things look okay. The tumor has shrunk a bit. Not as much as we would have liked but it didnt grow and no more lymph nodes have become involved.

He will wait things out for the next three months and then go back for another CT scan to see if things get worse, get better or stay the same. That will dictate future treatment.

He seems to be in good spirits and says he is feeling fine. Of course, that is what he would say to me. He is the strongest man I know. He joined the Marines 2 weeks after he turned 17 and served in WWII on a ship in the Pacific. He was the youngest on that ship. That made him strong. He has never let health problems get him down. Heck, he has survived both my mother and me! I refuse to believe this will get him.

 

[Shari]

All things considered, that's good news!

 

[Hound dog]

That is good news Janet. I hope any further treatment will be just as successful. And it's even better that he's feeling better. As far as I'm concerned dealing with cancer Outlook is half the battle. Sounds like your Dad has that under control.

 

[Nancy]

That sounds promising Janet. Fingers crossed that it continues to improve.

Nancy

 

[witzend]

I thought I answered to this the other day. In any case, I hope that things will continue to go well for all of you. That's such a lot to deal with!

 

[gcvmom]

I hope he's able to keep things stable and not have to endure any more treatments. That's all pretty decent news, Janet!

 

[KTMom91]

Good news! Will keep your dad in my prayers.

 

[DammitJanet]

I just keep calling every week or so to keep track. I think he is sicker than he lets on because he is still having a few problems swallowing but maybe that will get better now that the radiation is over with. Hope so. We gave him a big bag of venison sausage to eat. He is a sausage lover. He cant wait to eat it.

 

[Marguerite]

That sounds like good news, Janet.

The swallowing problems are probably a side effect of the radiation. It is something I was warned about, although they said because my treatment is going to be focussed much more at the breast, and from an oblique angle, I'm unlikely to have this problem. I start my radiation treatment on Monday.

If the swallowing is an ongoing problem, try to find a speech pathologist who who specialises in swallowing. They can help a lot, just with practical ways to cope as well as longer-term treatment.

Marg

 

[Tiapet]

Hey Janet! It's really good news that no lymph nodes are involved. REALLY good news! I'm with Hound dog on a positive attitude in being half the battle with Cancer! Yes, he will have some problems with swallowing from the radiation and I do hope that since that is done it will clear up in time *crossing my fingers* If you can remember back about 7 years ago on the board when I went through Cancer with my ex (lizard) we had learned a lot in prep for battling it but he never got the opportunity for radiation. They had to take out his larynx and several lymph nodes right away. Anyway, I do hope your Dad is getting good nutrition with stuff like Ensure or something too while he can't eat other foods? Does he have other assistance like a visiting nurse or anything like that to help him out (perhaps some other aid coming in to house)? If not, he should be eligible I would think, to get it.

He sounds like a WONDERFUL man! Very much like my grandfather, whom I had the utmost respect for.

 

[Fran]

Janet, glad the results of treatment are stable for now. I think the secret is to enjoy him every day you can. Say the things you want him to know. Love him, share time with him and hope for the best.

 

[ML]

Your dad sounds great. I'm glad to hear you got a decent report. I lost my dad to this horrible disease 7 years ago and still miss him every day.

 

[smallworld]

When my mother had radiation for lung cancer last spring, the radiation affected her esophagus and caused swallowing difficulties for several weeks. But it did resolve on its own.

Sending positive healing thoughts your dad's way.

 

[DammitJanet]

Thats good to hear SW!

Tia, several lymph nodes are effected but no new ones have become effected so that is the good news. His cancer is stage 3 and it is inoperable. The lymph nodes are right up against his esophagus and the actual tumor is down in the lower lobe of his left lung but close to the side too.

 

[LittleDudesMom]

Janet, all things considered I think this is a good report from the doctor. Your dad will always tell you he is better than he is - most parents will.

Fran gave the best advice - keep in contact and say what you feel in your heart. Perhaps a few short visits as often as you are able would be a blessing.

Hugs and prayers,
Sharon

 

[AnnieO]

Janet, that is wonderful news.

...I'd probably sublimate the swallowing issue, for venison sausage... But that's me.

I'll keep him in my thoughts & prayers.

 

[TerryJ2]

I'm glad he's plateau'd, Janet. Take a deep breath and relax for the next 3 mo's.
Many hugs.

 

[Kathy813]

Janet ~ I have nothing more to add. I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you.

~Kathy

 

[DammitJanet]

Thanks everyone. We are keeping up the prayers and hoping this might just stay neutral and not bother him anymore. My theory is if it doesnt grow or get more involved they may just wait it out. Keep checking him to see that it doesnt get into other parts of the body ya know?

 

[Lothlorien]

Janet, a family member had Stage IV lung cancer and we were told he had three months. He continued to smoke two packs a day. Two and a half years later, he passed from MRSA, not lung cancer. The family was told, with each subsequent CT scan, the tumor was barely seen on the CT. I really do believe it was a matter of prayer....and a little more to the story, but I will tell that in pm if anyone wants to know. It really is a spiritual story.

Keep praying and keep the family praying. We will too!