My dad has non small cell lung cancer - adenocarcinoma of the upper left lobe
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FormerMember
My dad is 79 and has lung cancer - non small cell - adenocarcinoma of the upper left lobe. He was diagnosed two and half years ago. An operation was not an option as my dad suffers from heart failure. We live in the district of Epping Forest (Essex). He underwent aggressive radiotherapy at Saint Barts Hospital about two years ago. Since then, the tumour has grown back, but as far as we know has not spread anywhere else. Dad was told that chemotherapy was not an option, but his oncologist put him on tarceva around two months ago. Unfortunately, he suffered such severe diarrhoea (this is a side effect) that he was admitted to hospital with severe dehydration and the tarceva was halted. He got MRSA while he was in hospital, but thankfully it never did any damage. He has been home for almost two weeks, but I feel he has deteriorated a lot. He is so lethargic and is losing weight by the day. At times he is also confused between vivid dreams and reality. It's hard to watch him reduced to this because he was such a fit man and health-conscious, and he never smoked! :-(
FormerMember
Hi Linda - first of all I'd like to say hello, and to tell you that I am so sorry life seems to be treating you and your dear Dad a bit cruelly at the moment. I guess that's something else we all share on this site - the cruel twists of life, eh? I see from your Blog that your Dad underwent radiotherapy at St Bart's Hospital - I only mention that because it's where I'm being treated at the moment and it's also where I received my 5th and final radiotherapy treatment to the head last Weds. Just one of those little coincidences that makes us all stop and wonder a wee bit. Your poor Dad has certainly been through the old mill and I feel heartsore for him, but surely the medical profession have not just given up on him? I can't believe that the consultants won't have some form of treatment in mind for him, and just because he had such a bad reaction to Tarceva, doesn't mean he will react badly to another course of treatment. I think it's very important for your Dad's well being that the medical people who are looking after him be told of his rapid weight loss. I mean I've heard of wonderful things they can do now for loss of appetite which leads to weight loss. Badger the GP, MacMillan Nurses and any other medical professional into treating that condition. If I've leant anything since being diagnosed, it's that you have to continually fight for EVERYTHING, be it answers to your questions, or to access the care needed for yourself or a loved one. Does your Dad like music, enjoy reading - play music for him, or get him talking books from the library. Think of all the things he has always enjoyed doing, and try to bring whatever that is into your home. Do everything in your power to lift your Dad's spirits - I sank very low at one point, but I'm blessed in having a husband who refused to let me go down that road. I know you will do the same for your Dad, your love for him comes across in your Blog. Let us all know how you both get along, ok? with love from kate xxxxxxxx's
Dear Kate, thank you very much for your comments and your advice. My dad enjoys reading so I bought him a copy of Captain Correlli's Mandolin, which he'd started to read when we were staying at a country cottage a few months back (the book belonged to the cottage!!). And dad still insists on tackling his Evening Standard crosswords, despite generally falling asleep after doing one or two clues. But still, it's good that he carries on in the same fashion, keeping his mind active.
You are right about having to fight for things. I find dealing with some hospital staff, social services and the council etc a battle to say the least. That being said, from what I've read on other blogs, some folk experience worse and don't have good district nurse service nor Macmillan nurses in their area. It must be dreadful for people coping with the same if they are totally on their own.
You are a brave and lovely person. It sounds as though your husband is your rock: it's good he motivates you. Thank you so much for replying. I feel comforted and less isolated already! This is a great site with a unique, special, online community here. I do hope your radiotherapy is going well. Dad received good treatment at St Bart's - his radiotherapy and also years before as an in-patient for his heart problem. I've always had a good vibe when I go there!
I wish you and everyone on here health and strength. Keep up your lovely spirit and positivity. XXX
