knic
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Posts:35
Dad dx with nsclc stage 3b feb 2012 had a full body ct scan yesterday, because since December has been experiencing nausea, sickness, fatigue and generally been unwell.
Got it a call today to say ct scan shows abnormality on the brain. Dad now has to wait for an appointment for an mri to confirm spread to brain.
Please offer some some hope that something can still be done, dad has angina and a collapsed lung and I am scared no treatment will be offered. Dad is still workkng full time despite being unwell, he didn't suspect brain spread as no headaches or other neuro symptoms neither did onc. So a suprise to him but not to me :,( dad is going to start steroids until mri and results
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Reply # - February 17, 2015, 08:30 AM
Hi knic,
Hi knic,
I'm so sorry to hear of this development, however I would expect that if it is a brain metastasis then some form of radiation will be offered. If there are 1-3 mets, then focused radiation to those specific lesions would be typical, otherwise, the choice would be whole brain radiation (WBR). Either of these options tend to be effective against most brain metastases.
Please let us know how the results of the MRI and discussion with your Dad's doctor. We will be keeping you in our thoughts.
JimC
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Reply # - February 17, 2015, 10:43 AM
Thank you for your reply.
Thank you for your reply.
What situations would they not do anything?
I am worried that due to collapsed lung and angina they won't do anything. We are in the uk.
Reply # - February 17, 2015, 11:27 AM
Hi knic, I'm so sorry about
Hi knic, I'm so sorry about your dad's new problems.
His doctors will make decisions based on other health issues but since untreated brain mets can be quite destructive it's most likely they would choose to radiate if given the choice; especially if he is well enough to be working full time, even at the most sedentary job.
All best,
Janine
Reply # - February 17, 2015, 11:30 AM
knic,
knic,
[I see that Janine beat me to the "Submit" button, and with a more complete answer with which I completely agree. But this is what I posted.]
It would be based on his doctor's determination of his overall health and ability to tolerate the treatment.
JimC
Forum moderator
Reply # - February 22, 2015, 03:54 AM
Thank you we are still
Thank you we are still waiting to hear about the appointment. Dads steroids seem a low dose only 4mg a day 2x2mg.
His cough is so distressing and I don't understand what's making it so bad? The coughing fits are sometimes disturbing to watch and really seem to take it out of my dad and zap his energy.
Reply # - February 22, 2015, 12:13 PM
knic,
knic,
I hope you're able to help your dad get the cough under control. Sometimes it may seem you're bugging the oncology team but it's important to make sure they understand how distressing and zapping the cough is. They should be able to find something to help. Even if it's a dose of opiate it may be worth the break from coughing. http://cancergrace.org/cancer-treatments/2009/05/09/managing-cough/
All best,
Janine