j

Keep us updated, George.
Best,
J

j

Hi Carolyn,
Glad you're doing well.
Have you actually had a recent scan to see what's happening inside?
I'm glad people are pulling for you all over the world.
Take care and keep us updated.
Best,
J

carolyn

Hi,

My last scan was early September. It appeared then that not much had
changed, but it was a bit hard to tell because the silly MRI people did the
slices at a different angle to the previous scans. My next scan is in
March.

--

george

My mother-in-law went today to meet her doctor and discuss treatments. He
said she has small cell cancer. She has a lump on her head which is Cancer.
The radiation was suppose to start today but because of our wonderful
Medicare system, the process may only start next week. She will also need
Chemo for her lungs.....aaaahhhhhh! God this whole process is frustrating.
Know we wait.

George

j

Hello George,
I've sorry to hear the news. I was so hoping it was just a bump.

That is double bad news...because
SCLC http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/treatment/small-cell-lung/patient
For most patients with small cell lung cancer, current treatments do not cure
the cancer.[]
Please note: instead of staging, NCI seems to split it between regional
(Limited) and "extensive" (mets to the brain or elsewhere),
So is the tumor on her head the same type of cancer? or a different type?

I hear your frustration about the wait, but perhaps it won't make a difference
in the longer term.
Only if she has symptoms that need addressing ASAP.
In the meantime, they're no doubt assessing your mother in law's situation to
decide best treatment courses.
And in the meantime, give you and your mother in law and family some time to
digest the information and maybe ask about the consequences of treatments..for
instance radiation therapy. If you can answer the questons, perhaps Steph would
have some input.

Where exactly is the lump? At the base of her skull? or somewhere near the soft
tissue of the face...eyes..nose???

I sure hope you're not going to tell me it's coming through her very thick and
hard skull somewhere.
If so, on one hand that might be good news in that there'd be less internal
presssure and swelling and maybe not require steroids to reduce the
inflammation. On the other hand, if it's broken out of the blood brain barrier
and through to near the surface of the skin, that's a terrible situation to be
in.
Not that this would compare for you, but I had a cat once who same happened on
her cheeks next to her nose. It turned into a weeping, bleeding mess.(sorry to
be so graphic)

I would imagine, she'd (maybe) be at high risk for infections, hemorrhages,
maybe CNS symptoms depending on where the tumor is in her head and the size of
it and it's vascularization (blood supply).

I think at/near the base of the skull can cause paralysis. (of movement and/or
breathing too).
If it's a surface tumor outside the skull, that's much better news. (I think)

I/we can only await your clarificatons.
I care. Hang in there, will try to be here for you.
J

george

Thanks for all the input, the tumor is on the rear of her skull. It seems to
be a surface tumor.
Radiation should be starting next Wednesday...we hope!
We took her out for supper tonight, she feels great and looks great. Her
headaches are gone, the doctor gave her medication for her headaches.
To make matters worse today my father admitted himself to the hospital today
complaining about chest pains. It turns out he may have had a mild heart
attack. He to is 77 years old, he owns a small garage and still works full
time.
I know he is strong and will pull through without any problems.

Thanks
George

hemorrhages,

size of

and/or


think)

alayne

Sorry to hear your latest news about your father - life is never fair
sometimes is it. Just when you are coping with one crisis along comes
another.

You sound very positive despite all your troubles and I send you warm wishes
and hugs to help ease the strain.

Alayne

j

Glad to hear it's a surface tumor, George,
Thanks for clarifying.
Happy to hear she's enjoying quality of life. That's important.
Dad had a mild heart attack about your Dad's age and lived years longer and died
of other causes.
So we'll hang onto hope that your Dad will be back to his garage in no time
doing what he enjoys.
Take care,
J

trish knight

Dear George,
So sorry to hear about this latest development with your dad!! Here's sending
prayers and good thoughts your way. And hugs too!!

((((( George & Family )))))

Trish

george

Thanks to all, you are all a great group. Thanks

George

sending