Caring4Cancer

My mother was diagnosed 4 wks ago with Extensive SCLC her presenting symptom was back pain and the cancer is inoperable.  It is in her right lung and lymph nodes and in the bones.  She is receiving chemo every 21 days and it is responding slightly.  She is only 59 years old.  Is there any hope at all  has anyone ever seen anyone get better from this??  What should we be expecting?  Thanks for any info.

Talking with the doctor can give you a better idea of what to expect.  Alot of patients can do very well for long periods of time even with extensive disease if they are responding to treatment.  The imprtant issues of course are to treat the disease, deal with the side effects and make the quality of her life the best possible.  Bernie RN

Thanks for your reply.  She has chemo again tomorrow and hasn't wanted to do anything all weekend and has been depressed.  After chemo when she is up to it should we encourage her to go out and do things or should we keep her isolated at home to reduce exposing her to germs since her immune system will be compromised.  I had a friend telling me she should stay in as much as possible and stay out of the public,  but once the initial chemo side effects wear off I was hoping to get her out of the house on small errands to keep her spirits up.  Any opinions on this,  I did ask her to talk to Dr. about this tomorrow.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother.  I was diagnosed with 111B SCLC lung cancer on 6/21/2007.  I have had 32 treatments of radiation therapy and 3 treatments (series of 3 each time) of chemo. I have one series to go which will Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  I'm 64 years old and will not give into this cancer.  I have found it takes to much energy to be depressed, sad or feel sorry for myself.  We need to smile at least once everyday.  I don't know yet how my treatment has helped get rid of my cancer until  after my last treatment.  Then a pet scan will be done to see the results.  I hope and pray everyday all will turn out okay but we need to be postive.  Get your Mom out of the house.  When her blood counts are good take her shopping.  Just bring sanitary wipes to clean down the carts.  I do it all the time.  When my counts are low I stay home.  If you need to talk to me my email address is carolf@twcny.rr.com

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. My mom was diagnosed with extensive small cell lung cancer as well last December, 2006.  It has been an extremely difficult road to travel.  My mom is 75 years old and has many other medical issues such as COPD and is an amputee (leg).  I am her sole caregiver with help from my husband and his sister and mother.  We have been through this war on cancer together but she is now losing her battle.

If you have any questions, I would be glad to try to help you.  This is a very, very difficult time for everyone involved. If you would like to contact me, my e-mail address is sherry.harris@hotmail.com   My prayers are with your mom and you and your family.

Sherry

I was diagnosed 1 year ago and my cancer too is inoperable. My tumor has shrunk in size & density since my treatments and so have my CEA levels. I even stayed working until 8 weeks ago. I quit because I wanted to do more. If your mom is feeling well enough and wants to go out then I say good for her. I loved to go out after being cooped up in the house after a week of fighting side effects. I also have some pretty funny memories and stories of what my freinds & family did on those outings!!! Once a month my daughter and I go out and get our nails done!!! And the grandaughters pick out crazy designs for them as well.

I am still on chemo- round 3 - but I feel like I still have so much more to do with my life yet!!! I wish you and your mom thebest ! 

Thank you to everyone for your input.  It helps so much to know there are others out there going through the same trials.  It is comforting to not feel alone and completely helpless.  My mom has had a good week and that is a blessing,  she seems stronger than she has in weeks so I can almost forget sometimes she is sick.  The scariest part for me is the emotional up and downs as I have a young family to take care of and I have to try to be strong for everyone.  So thanks for being here.

bethsdaughter