I'm really not one to start threads but I just need a hug. We found out last Thursday that my Mom has Stage 3 Lung Cancer. My mom took the news better than my sister and I did. Needless to say, I have been an emotional wreck but I have trying to remain positive around my mom. She needs all the love and support she can get.

My mom had cancer 4 years ago and made it through. According to her oncologist, this is incurable. And reading about lung cancer on the internet is a frightening experience

I talked to her today and I've never heard her like this. I pray that she is not giving up hope. I've mentioned support groups to her but I could not imagine what she is going through. Her oncologist is not recommending surgery. He wants to start her on chemo & radiation ASAP. He said the surgery would deplete her immune system. The chemo on top of that would be a double whammy for her and her immune system.

She does have an appointment with a surgeon on April 5th for a second opinion. It seems she doesn't want the surgery and I understand her reasons. She will have to be on chemo & radiation for the rest of her life.

We are meeting with her oncologist on Thursday to ask more questions. I have started my list. I have been looking into support groups for myself and my sister. My school also offers free counseling so I will probably take advantage of that.

My main goal is to make sure she is comfortable and loved. I just can't imagine life without her. I'm sorry for the long post..If you could keep her in your prayers, it would be greatly appreciated.

I will keep your mom in my prayers...I'm glad to hear that you're getting counseling to help you cope.

Michelesky said:

I have started my list. I have been looking into support groups for myself and my sister. My school also offers free counseling so I will probably take advantage of that.

that's a good idea.

I'm really sorry to hear about this though.

I'm so sorry to hear....

I will pray for you and your family.

and for you and your family.

I'll keep positive thoughts for your mother.

I'm sorry for you, your family and your mom. It's easy for me to say this, because it's not my family...but I would ask the doctor what her realistic chances of long term survival are...if it's a few months longer because of the surgery, is the surgery worth it. if it's small cell, that's not good at all. It may have already spread...

damn, my prayers are with you and your family

stay strong for your mom

my uncle is a doctor and he says humor helps patients ,family members and doctors cope with the stress.

laugh as much you as can and enjoy the happy times

[Edited 3/28/11 18:18pm]

BlackAdder7 said:

I'm sorry for you, your family and your mom. It's easy for me to say this, because it's not my family...but I would ask the doctor what her realistic chances of long term survival are...if it's a few months longer because of the surgery, is the surgery worth it. if it's small cell, that's not good at all. It may have already spread...

Yes, that is something I plan to ask on Thursday. He said the tumor was pretty big and may be in the lymph nodes. I want to know how we can find out for sure. Any other suggestions or questions would be appreciated. He said maybe two years life expectancy. It really pisses me off because she never smoked either. He did tell us when she had cancer before that it could come back in other places. She just retired in November too after working like a dog most of her life.

Thanks everyone for the support. It just feels like a whole different ball game this time around so I am going to get info on support groups while we are at the oncologists office. They have meetings there.

I'm really soory for your mom. And it is rather rare to get lung cancer when you don;t smoke or work in a polluted environment. I"ll say a prayer for her.

I am sadden by this news. I'll pray for you and your mom.

Keep strong.

Sending positive energy for the comfort of your Mom and family.

I am very sorry that you and your family have to go through this. I wish you all and especially your mom all the strength you need . For watever reason we are usually a lot stronger than we think we could ever be when we need to. Emotional support is key, so if you find a support group I guess that might help a lot .

oh no.... so sorry to hear this!!!!!

I am so sorry to hear that your mom has to do battle with cancer again.

My prayers go out to you guys in this trying time, you have a great mind to think of your moms comfort and seeking counsel to be a source of support in the best way possible. I wish I could do more to comfort you. Stay strong.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's illness and the understandable sadness your family is feeling right now.

God Bless you all.

Stay strong and share with your family all your strength, joy and love.

my aunt has beaten cancer 4 times. breast,lymph nodes and lung. she never smoked. i hope your mom is as much a fighter as my aunt carol.

I'm very sorry

I hope the counseling helps you through this very difficult time. Easier said than done I know but.... try and stay strong.

((((( Michelesky )))))

Oh

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong!

So sorry, my Mom died of cancer 14 years ago at the age of 65. Spend as much time as you can with her, I cherish every moment I had with my Mom towards her end. When she passed, I was at peace as my Mom had been in so much pain for so long.

My prayers for your Mom.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes and prayers We met with her oncologist today for a Q & A session which made us both feel a lot better. She has an appointment with a surgeon on Tuesday for a second opinion.

We did find out that it is Stage 3 for sure but it's not small cell which means it won't spready as rapidly. We will take that as good news and her spirits are much better

Michelesky said:

Thanks everyone for the well wishes and prayers We met with her oncologist today for a Q & A session which made us both feel a lot better. She has an appointment with a surgeon on Tuesday for a second opinion.

We did find out that it is Stage 3 for sure but it's not small cell which means it won't spready as rapidly. We will take that as good news and her spirits are much better

Every little bit of good news is great news.