Caring4Cancer

My mother was recently diagnosed with Lung cancer stage IIIB. I am so scarred she recently started treatment which includes Chemotherapy twice a month and radiation five days a week. She is only 45 years old and is constantly weak from the treatment already and she hasn't even started chemo. If any one can comfort me by providing experience about this stage personal or someone known with this diagnosis it would be greatly appreciated.

Hi there.....my dad is going through the same thing.  He's getting chemo once a week for 2 weeks followed by a week off.  We aren't doing radiation yet because the main tumor is too big.  Both chemo and radiation really make you tired out.  Is she getting plenty of rest in between??  When my dad "overdoes it" is when it really starts to hit him.  If you need to talk, I'm here.~Heidi

 

My mother was just diagnosed with week with adenosquamous carcinoma. She is 54 years young. We have not seen a caner specialist yet so I don't know what stage she is in or what is in store for us but would love to have someone to talk to that is going thru the same thing.   What kind does your mother have? 

hi my husband is 44 and was diagnosed in jan 07 he was also weak but it does get better he has had 16 rounds of chemo and 34 radiation treatments. 

My mother was also just diagnosed about a month ago with Extensive small cell lung cancer.  Through research and discussion with med professionals and her MD's, her prognosis is not very good.  Small cell cancer is much more morbid and aggressive than a non-small cell lung cancer.  My mother, was very strong prior to this diagnosis, merely 3-4 months ago before she started experiencing back pain.  The Chemo has really taken alot out of her.  She is extremely weak and tolerates only minimal walking and standing, I am trying to keep her active and stimulated.  I have her do as much for herself as she is able, I don't want to enable her weakness, because if I do everything for her, I feel it will only make her weaker.  However, she does need to conserve her energy, and she is resting and sleeping alot.  It's a fine line, and it's difficult to determine how much activity is too much or not enough.  Alot of fatigue can also be depression.  This awful disease is draining for the patient and the caregiver.  I do alot of things for her, but I often encourage her to do some things on her own such as dressing or making a simple lunch, and I encourage her to take short walks with me to help improve/maintain her strength and endurance.  I am still learning. . .so, I can really use some insight as well.