Iquestion About Cancer Treatments

Updated on February 18, 2013
R.U. asks from South Weymouth, MA
7 answers

So I had posted a few weeks back that my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer. Its adenocarcinoma and either stage 1 or 2 the drs really do not stage this type??? Why I do not know. But it is in its early stage found by mistake when she came down with pnemonia. The drs actually said the pnemonia saved her life. So my question is they are doing surgery to remove the mass in her right lung. The cancer is contained and her lymph nodes are clean thank god. But they are doing 8 weeks of chemo and radiation to shrink the tumor so they do not have to remove the entire lung. The right lung has 3 lobes so after the chemo and radiation they will remove 2 lobes leaving one. Does anyone have experience with this? Is this common to do before surgery? Do you think she will need additional chemo after the surgery? I know you ladies are not drs. My mom has said that they will not know untill they remove the tumor and send it to pathology. I am so nervous about the chemo. They said its pretty strong. She is also a diabetic. Oh god give me hope. I know I should be grateful she has a chance of being cured but is that even possible? Any success stories would be great. I am scared to death and do not know where else to turn. Googling lung cancer is my worst enemy and I have been advised to stay away from that. Thanks ladies.

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So What Happened?

I want to thank every single one of you for taking the time to share your stories and to give me hope and support. I suffer from ocd anxiety so I am constantly looking for some sort of hope especially during this time. Anyone who suffers from anxiety and depression knows a trigger like this can be overwhelming to say the least. I am back to therapy to help me through this so that I am only strong and supportive for my mom. She has always taken care of me till this day she would do anything even lay in a bed with me. So its my turn to take care of her. I am going to do my best to be strong. I will hold her hand. I will clean up her vomit if I have to. I will do anything to get her through this. Its crazy I would give up all the luxuries all the material things to take this away. I think the hardest thing in life are the things we cannot control. We all deal with it differently. Some people are lucky to have an open mind one that does not race to the worst case scenerio. One that does not fight depression everyday. If you met me you would think I had it all together. I look the part. Always made up. In shape. If only ppl knew the pain I suffer everyday of this journey. So thank you for your responces. Its amaizng how a positive post can build me up. So thank you. And god bless you all. I pray for a day when the c word is history.

More Answers

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

I think it's best you stay off of it here too. You are going to hear ALL kinds of cancer stories, opinions, ideas etc. My understanding of cancer is there is no "one size fits all" treatment, every case is different and has its own needs. I am going to suggest you contact Cancer Treatment Center of America and trust that your mother is in capable hands. Speculating based off of other people's experiences are just as awful as googling lung cancer.

People are seemingly more willing to talk about the bad before the good.

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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

You are googling a more specific group, that's all.

My mother had colin cancer. I know you asked specific to lung cancer, but I just want to tell you there is always hope.

She was at stage 3. She had surgery and then Chemo. I am going to guess this was 4 years ago and she was just tested and there are no signs of cancer.

Don't dwell on the possibility of her not making it. Stay positive and realize we are all just human. We are not meant to be on this earth forever. With that, spend your time laughing and enjoying your mother and don't spend a minute crying about what could be.

2 moms found this helpful

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

i won't tell you my family story because it probably does't apply to you. one of the reasons cancer is so hard to eradicate is how brilliant it is at adapting. each cancer case is really very individual.
chemo is really rough, but it is a strong person's absolute best hope. tiny clumps of cells can conceal themselves in ingenious ways, and the best surgeons in the world can never be sure they got it all. chemo's no guarantee either but it has a much better chance of nailing all the evil little bastards.
chemo after the surgery is fairly likely.
success is definitely possible.
don't succumb to fear! you and she must live big and bold NOW, no matter what the outcome is.
so much luck and prayers to her, and to you all.
khairete
S.

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P.K.

answers from New York on

Chemo and radiation prior to surgery normal. Sounds like it is self contained which is a very good thing. Only after the path reports come back, will decision be made for further chemo. Hang in, be positive. I so believe in the mind body connection. Keep your Mom upbeat. Surround her with positive vibes. Her favorite music and books etc. hugs to you.

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L.O.

answers from Detroit on

yes.. dr.. often do chemo and or radiation prior to surgery.. a friend had a breast cancer tumor that was too close to an artery.. so they did chemo to shrink it and then they were able to remove it. she did well.

different cancers cases are different. I am sure the drs are doing what is best.. have faith and trust in the drs..

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R.M.

answers from Cumberland on

Her chance of survival is unbelievable-stay with that-the doctors know what they are doing-God bless.

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S.W.

answers from Amarillo on

You have to accept what is and not dwell on the what could have been.

Contact the cancer center near you for answers. You can contact the Cancer Treatment centers but they are located in several areas of the country and the costs may be prohibitive.

Spend the time you have enjoying each other and doing the bucket list. Don't go fretting and worrying. Be positive and have fun.

When your mom does chemo make sure she has a warm blanket to wrap in. Know that there will be times that she will not feel well and that she may vomit. Her taste buds will change as well as possibly sleeping more. If she does radiation she will also be tired and want to rest.

The doctors will tailor a treatment for her and her cancer. No two people react the same way to the chemo or radiation.

I had breast and lump removed 16 years ago and did radiation. Hubby has prostate cancer that spread and his doctor has told him he wants him to have a good quality of life so he has chemo treatments. Right now he is in a remission and enjoying what does.

Become aware and learn what you can do to help mom. But do take care of yourself first.

I will keep you in my thoughts.

the othre S.

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