Hi all,
After months of my dad suffering dramatic weight lost, getting lost and confused whilst driving and my brother and sister having to go and collect him because he didn't know where he was - we finally managed to get him to go to the doctors. Following further blood tests, x-rays, lung biopsy and a CT Scan, my dad was diagnosed last week Tuesday with Lung Cancer and we have been told that it has also spread to his Lymph Nodes, stomach (Kidney and Liver) and that the fluid around the lung also contains cancer cells. My dad is 77 years old, and finally managed to give up smoking 5 years ago after suffering a heart attack and a stroke. Ironically, and although we know that the smoking probably didn't help, the type of cancer he has (Mesothelioma) could have been caused from his exposure to Asbestos during his working history as a General Forman in the construction industry. My mum is in absolute pieces at the moment and my brother, sister and I are also really struggling to hold my mum together on a daily basis. The doctors are unsure of how quickly the cancer is spreading as it has only recently been discovered and they have obviously not had time to monitor it until now, but say that it is incurable. As a way of trying to give him more time, my dad has agreed to start chemo and has gone into hospital today for his first round. I am feeling scared as he is so frail and almost skeletal, its hard to believe that his body will be strong enough to handle this. My dad is and always has a been a realist about life and is very at peace with the diagnosis but is adamant that he doesn't want us to be sad... (which is almost impossible at the moment!) I would love to hear from anyone who can offer some advice and further guidance as to realities of Chemo and what to expect. Thank you!! oh I've just received an update from my brother. Unfortunately, doctors were unable to start chemo today as my dad's blood was too low so they will need to do a blood transfusion on Friday and hopefully start chemo next week Monday instead. Debbie
