Brother 55 non smoker newly diagnosed- more or less certain cancer (had all scans PET TAC ect) but can’t biopsy until Tuesday as tumour in difficult location. Terrible timing as he lives overseas and was supposed to be coming over for Xmas.
we are trying to manage my parents - they are in their 80’s and in terrible health (mum multiple myeloma and being treated and dad heart condition) mum has had recent panic attacks coping with her own condition. Brother can’t cope with parents knowing at this stage so has concocted a broken rib to explain why he’s not coming home.
Question is about pain. He has suddenly had excruciating chest pain and breathlessness has been admitted - private hospital state of the art facilities. Too much to scan for possible pneumonia- it’s early days but I am dissolving here trying to deal with my parents and working out what’s going on. I can’t see any reference to such agonising pain online.
apparently he has a “golf ball” size tumour in lower left lung - 3/4 weeks ago symptoms started and very quick from GP to tests and hospital (as I said private health). Is otherwise very fit and healthy.
Hi RayMo68 I am sorry to hear about your brother. It is so difficult trying to care for someone long distance! As well as looking after parents thus must be emotionally exhausting.
it is hard to say what is causing the pain. Lung cancer doesn’t hurt, there are no nerve endings in the lung, but it can affect surrounding tissues, lymph nodes etc. is he coughing a lot, because that will be painful as well. I’m sure he will be getting the best care where he is, and hopefully on some pain relief.
Yes this can be extremely painful. What I meant was it is hard for us to say where the pain is coming from. Lung cancer is one of the cancers that is usually not diagnosed early because the person doesn’t feel any pain, until it affects other parts of the body, usually pain in back or shoulder. Mine was a 9cm tumour in my top lung, and if it hadn’t of broken the rough the bronchial airway and caused issues with my breathing, I wouldn’t have known it was there.
