My dad has lung cancer and has been having chemo and immuntherapy since april. One month ago he had a scan and the oncologist told him the tumour was shrinking and the cancer hadnt spread, shortly after this scan he was getting a lot of stabbing pains around is chest and back . He has been having pain relief however now been taking morphine at night. to help sleep. we all thought this was chemo side affects however today the oncologist has said they wont be giving him his next treatment as they are going to meet as a team on monday and maybe give him radiology. They also have said they have spotted someting on the tumour - something fatty. i wasnt at the call - but im so confused as i thought everything was going well. Is it possible his stabbing pains are something else - its all so vague and the doctors dont meet till monday - feeling really worried and dont know what to do ?
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preciousspaniel
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Can you call his lung nurse and ask for clarification of why they are meeting and his treatment might change? It’s all such a worry when something else happens. My dad has his 3rd cycle of chemotherapy and immunotherapy today and I’m praying he doesn’t get too many side effects or complications.
After the last two cycles he’s ended up in hospital (broke his femur 4 days after the 1st cycle and had urine retention caused by constipation 5 days after the 2nd cycle) and with Christmas being only a week away I hope there’s no issues this time.
I hope you can get answers to put your mind at ease a bit as not knowing makes everything worse.
Thank you both for your replies - i have spoken to his specialist nurse.
We understand that the tumour after all his treatment has grown - the last scan it was 5.3cm and now it is 6.4cm. Progression. This means chemo and immune treatment has stopped
She said the tumour is pushing against the nerve - which is why he is in pain
The team meet on monday and we have to wait to see what treatment they suggest. Possibly another chemo, radiotherapy
The tumour is in the lower lobe
They have mentioned we use the pallative care team for pain relief.
Im just praying they give him some treatment after the meeting because he has been so positive that all was under control
feeling very anxious and just want to know how long this will go on for - its the not knowing
If the latest scan showed the tumour was shrinking and hadn’t spread, how do they now think it’s grown by a cm? Has he had another scan since? If not, I’d be questioning why they have changed their mind?Try and stay positive and tell them your dad wants to fight so if he can have radiotherapy to the tumour they think has grown to help the new pain and continue with treatment (they may want to change the treatment) xxx
Radiotherapy (RT) is well established in the management of cancer pain.it is often given when other medications are not controlling pain effectively. The consultant will discuss the use of RT in your dads case so that he can make an informed decision regarding his treatment. I have included a link to one of our booklets which you may want to read.
Something ”fatty” may relate to some fat cells in the tumour environment. Your consultant will discuss this with your dad at the clinic appointment
You should have the details of his lung cancer nurse specialist (LCNS) who is a valuable source of information and support in between scheduled hospital visits. Give the LCNS, a ring and discuss any concerns you may have.If the LCNS answerphone comes on, leave a message and ask them to call you back today if possible(since it’s Friday).
Thank you both for your replies - i have spoken to his specialist nurse.
We understand that the tumour after all his treatment has grown - the last scan it was 5.3cm and now it is 6.4cm. Progression. This means chemo and immune treatment has stopped
She said the tumour is pushing against the nerve - which is why he is in pain
The team meet on monday and we have to wait to see what treatment they suggest. Possibly another chemo, radiotherapy
The tumour is in the lower lobe
They have mentioned we use the pallative care team for pain relief.
Im just praying they give him some treatment after the meeting because he has been so positive that all was under control
feeling very anxious and just want to know how long this will go on for - its the not knowing
Thank you both for your replies - i have spoken to his specialist nurse.We understand that the tumour after all his treatment has grown - the last scan it was 5.3cm and now it is 6.4cm. Progression. This means chemo and immune treatment has stopped
She said the tumour is pushing against the nerve - which is why he is in pain
The team meet on monday and we have to wait to see what treatment they suggest. Possibly another chemo, radiotherapy
The tumour is in the lower lobe
They have mentioned we use the pallative care team for pain relief.
Im just praying they give him some treatment after the meeting because he has been so positive that all was under control
feeling very anxious and just want to know how long this will go on for - its the not knowing
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