What is Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a cancer of the lungs characterized by the presence of malignant tumours. Most commonly it is bronchogenic carcinoma (about 90%). Lung cancer is one of the most leth...
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Sorry, but this will be long!!
In early November my dad complained of difficulty swallowing and lost a substantial amount of weight (35 lbs since Sept). I live 6 hrs away and came to visit and almost fell over with shock at his appearance since I saw him in Sept. My dad admitted to me that he had this cold that he couldn't shake and his voice was very hoarse. I insisted on taking him to his family Dr. who ordered a chest X-ray, with no negative results. My dad then went for a endoscopy which showed an obstruction pushing into his esophogus. One week ago, he had a CT scan. We learned 3 days ago that they found a large mass in his upper lung, also a blood clot within the lung. As well as, that the CT scan showed that "whatever" this is, is now within the blood stream and has amassed around the liver. We know this is not good, and I have been feverishly researching the internet. His health has deterioated rapidly as he can't intake much food because of his difficulty swallowing or is it the progression of this disease. Anyway, I guess my question is, what do we do next? He has his first appt with the Cancer clinic this coming Monday. I just find that everything is moving so slowly and that everybody (medical staff) has been so vague. Hoping that somebody can give me an idea on how to be an advocate for my dads health, he just seems to be so weak. Thanks in advance. Posted on 12/19/08, 05:12 am |
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It sounds to me like you are on the right path. What a shock for sure! The doctors need to to their tests and find out exactly what is going on with your Dad. Good for you for taking him in the first place! All you can do for now, and trust me I understand your frustration, is wait. Go to every meeting, ask every question and then ask it again until you totally understand, read up on your own on the internet and help your Dad make the best choices he can. Was your Dad a smoker? How old is he??
I wish you both the best of luck. 
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My dad is 76 yrs old, a non-smoker for 39 yrs. What is the course action? Do you insist that treatment be started right away? just don't know what to expect.
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You have to wait for the scans to be done and reviewed first. Then you develop a plan with the doctors. Just make sure you understand what is happening and what to expect as far as side effects. Can you be at the meetings?
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You also need to talk with your father and ask him how he see's this thing and what he would like to be done. Then it would be wise to see a laywer to have Dad desinate you as his health care advocate, this way if the illness gets worse you can make the choices that you would know he would want.
God Bless
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