New here... Dad w/ IIb, 7 cm tumor - ISO tips prior to tmrt & surgery

[hopejunkie]

Hi all: My father was just diagnosed with clinically stage IIb adenocarcinoma NSCLC. At UCSF the drs. are recommending neoadjuvant therapy prior to having the 7 cm tumor resected. We do not yet have the genomic results which will help determine systemic treatment. Do you have any advice about we/he can do to prepare for surgery and systemic treatment? Any ideas on pre-conditioning? Diet? Helpful things to have post-surgery (e.g. recliner)? Most grateful for suggestions and tips!!🙏❤️

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Walk. Walk a lot. It will help him in recovery. How is his weight? If he's underweight this would be a good time to do some calorie loading. It's best to avoid too many processed sugars. Give him what he wants at this time though. When diagnosed we have to give up so much autonomy so leave him the power to choose what he can.

Does he have a recliner? It's going to be more comfortable for him to sleep in it that the first couple of days or weeks. If he doesn't, look into getting a chair that will take him from reclining to standing up. Tuck pillows in around him to give the ribs even more support. And have a pillow handy that he can hug if he feels a cough or sneeze coming on.

When you know what treatment is going to be please check back. We can help you manage any side effects.

Btw, I love the name you've chosen. Hope is everything.

[hopejunkie in reply to Denzie]

Thank you Denzie, for taking the time to reply!! My father's weight is average but it's not so easy for him to gain weight. We're trying to have him bulk up with high caloric food. And I'm waiting for Prime Day to buy him a recliner. Yes, I will definitely check back once we know his genomic results which I pray will be next week. The doctors suspect he might be EGFR+ given that he's a non smoker and Asian. We've already signed the consent for a neoadjuvant osimertinib Phase II trial. Thank you again!❤️🙏

[judg69]

Ditto what Denzie stated. I have been in my Lay Z Boy recliner ever since my lobectomy 9 years ago . Best advice I will add is to maintain a strong positive attitude as that is crucial in the recovery , along with walking and diet. Best Wishes to both your Dad and you! judg69

[hopejunkie in reply to judg69]

Thank you, judg69! 🙏 My father has been *so* positive. It's my mom who's so anxious and worried - actually, we all are. It's been so emotional and exhausting. There's so much we don't know and as his caregiver, I feel like I'm cramming to understand treatment options and make informed decisions. For example, when do you go for a 2nd opinion??

[anrean in reply to hopejunkie]

Hi I second Denzie and jdg69. About second opinion, it is good to get one up front if you have a feeling there are treatments out there that this doctor might not know about. I am the queen of 2nd and even 3rd opinions - it saved my life. For me they are part of standard of care; I'm a 4x cancer survivor working on my 5th primary cancer.

My mother is still in her recliner after 30 years. She sleeps part of the night in bed but cannot get through the night.

Comfortable clothes are important - preferably button down shirts so that he doesn't have to lift his arms.

[hopejunkie in reply to anrean]

Anrean: Very much appreciate your two cents and advice!!🙏❤️Wow, your story is inspiring - thank you for sharing!

[judg69]

Trust me Hope, sounds like Dad is in good hands, and with a loving wife and daughter, and his positive attitude Dad will surprise you all! Again, Best Wishes, judg69

[hopejunkie in reply to judg69]

Please know that even "simple" words provide such hope - thank you! 🙏 💕

[Feelingblessed2013]

Like anrean said, definitely button down shirts, and maybe some comfy pull on pants. Something elastic waisted, something roomy. Mine were elastic waist with a drawstring. I still wear them today.And for those times when he doesn't want to eat, but needs to get something in his system, maybe some Boost or Ensure. I kept some in the fridge after both my LC surgeries.

[hopejunkie in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Helpful tips! Thanks KatherineK! 🙏💕

[Ncpoet]

You have gotten good advice here. Just make sure the recliner lets him be in a sleep position. I inherited my dad’s lift chair and it was great! Hope is very important! Romans 12:12. I am a stage 4, going on 8 years, survivor. All the best!

[hopejunkie in reply to Ncpoet]

Thank you for sharing, Ncpoet! It's so inspiring to hear! I 🙏❤️ Just to clarify, are "lift chairs" like this recliner that can lift up and help someone get out of the chair - see pic below?

Lift chair?

[Steph60]

All the prior advice is also what I would have proved, the only thing I would add is if your dad is still working he should take a medical leave. I was 54 years old at the time of my diagnosis (stage 1B) but had chemo; my oncologist told me I need to take a medical leave from work and he was right. I would not have had the energy to go to work. It has been 7 years cancer free. I also live in the Bay Area and both the diagnostic and treatment centers excellent.

[Ncpoet]

Yes. I used mine a lot. It was easier to rest in it instead of the bed because I could find a position that made breathing easier.

[Ncpoet]

Yes, they can lift you to almost a standing position if you need help to get up.

[JanetteR57]

Lots of good advice - I didn't have a recliner - but propped myself up with pillows post surgery to sleep but most of the day tried to keep active. I guess it depends how fit he is already. I was swimming 3-4 times a week 130 lengths but went to A&E very breathless, difficulty swallowing in the October and told to stay away from the humidity, swimming etc but by the time I saw the surgeon in November, I asked similar questions to you - i.e. how can I get fit for surgery? and he asked what I usually did and told me to resume swimming so swam the day before and the day of surgery but didn't swim again until the March as unfortunately due to vigorous exercise/physio or showering every day (wasn't told not to), my wound started to open so then was quite scared of doing anything except walking around the house, to the postbox, garden etc until I saw the surgeon again... however he said when I saw him next that the muscles would have shortened/tightened and I should have called him or the nurse and they'd have advised me to return sooner to swimming. Walking is fine to do before and after - have a look at the booklet link here - loads of hints/tips from those who've been through it.... loose clothing in hospital and at home helpful, no sleeping on the side for a while, prop up with V pillows or ordinary pillows.... drink plenty of fluids, eat well (fruit/veg for vitamins etc) - painkillers often cause constipation so ask for laxatives (lactulose was what I had)... but all side effects can be treated. I was shocked when I became involved in lung cancer research how few people actually have the option of surgery due to late detection so was even more appreciative to have had that treatment... I found a couple of books really useful - 'cancer is a word not a sentence' by Dr Rob Buckman and 'anti-cancer a new way of life' by Dr Servan Schreiber - both suggest looking at holistic approach - i.e. workalike balance, plenty of rest/sleep, keeping active, general good diet etc.... good luck.... roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

[hopejunkie]

Thank you Janette for taking the time to share your story and insight. Your wordsgive me hope. The link you attached was helpful. I wish you continued good health!🙏❤️