How bad is chemo?
ladygrizzdogg03-23-2003, 01:23 PMMy dad is 69 years old. A year and a half ago, he had his right lung removed because of a squamous non small cell tumor. This week he was hospitalized and found out he now has cancer in his remaining lung, his liver, and his bones. The doctor gave him a few months to live. The Dr. also said he could try chemo. 1 out of 3 times it will shrink the tumors, 2 out of 3 times it does nothing. He said it would have to be a miracle to cure it. He doesn'y know what to do. If he doesn't do anything, he will probably die in a few months. But with the chemo at least he has a chance. I just don't want to see him miserable his last few months if the chemo doesnt work, and it is terrible for him. HELP!!! any suggestions?NancyEllen03-23-2003, 10:21 PMLady, You have my heartfelt sympathy. Enjoy your father while he is here. Let us know how you and your Dad are...we care on this message board.
NancyDan&cheryl03-24-2003, 12:11 AMOnly your Dad can make that choice. Before I went through this with my husband, I would have said any thing that adds time is the right way. Now I say the suffering takes away from the good times. If the choice is Chemo, remember to start taking the nausea meds as soon as the treatment is over. DO NOT WAIT the 24 hours the Dr. recommends, the idea is to get a jump on it.
Good luck to you both. We are praying for you...CherylPep03-28-2003, 11:52 PMMom was stage IV and very sick before chemo. Chemo made her really sick. Radiation helpled a little.ladygrizzdogg03-29-2003, 03:59 AMThanks everyone for all the responses! My dad decided not to take chemo. He does have an appointment with an oncologist on Wednesday though. I heard about a 90 yr. old man who went to an oncologist, he didn't want to take chemo, but the Dr. had another option. The man was given less than 6 months to live, had lost weight, and was throwing up alot. He had cancer in several different places. After taking shots once a month from the oncologist, he is now in remission and the Dr. says he has at least 4 more years. I called this oncologist and my dad is going to go to him. Wish him luck!!!NancyEllen03-29-2003, 12:42 PMLady, can you get me the name of that medication? My father is going to have to make a decision about chemo next week.
Thanks,
Nancyladygrizzdogg03-29-2003, 06:58 PMNancy, My dad goes Wednesday to the oncologist. I found out his name and where his office is thru a friend of a friend. I don't know what the shots are called though. As soon as we get back from the Dr. i can post all info. about the shots for you. Sending prayers your way........Ladyladygrizzdogg04-03-2003, 05:59 PMNancy, The doctor said there is nothing they can do for my dad. i forgot to ask the name of the shot. But I do know that the cancer had to be prostate cancer to receive the shot. If that is what your dad has, let me know & i will call back to the doctor and get the name for you.
LadyNancyEllen04-04-2003, 05:55 PMThanks Lady,
Dad has lung cancer. He had his first treatment today.
Nancy
NancyDan&cheryl03-24-2003, 12:11 AMOnly your Dad can make that choice. Before I went through this with my husband, I would have said any thing that adds time is the right way. Now I say the suffering takes away from the good times. If the choice is Chemo, remember to start taking the nausea meds as soon as the treatment is over. DO NOT WAIT the 24 hours the Dr. recommends, the idea is to get a jump on it.
Good luck to you both. We are praying for you...CherylPep03-28-2003, 11:52 PMMom was stage IV and very sick before chemo. Chemo made her really sick. Radiation helpled a little.ladygrizzdogg03-29-2003, 03:59 AMThanks everyone for all the responses! My dad decided not to take chemo. He does have an appointment with an oncologist on Wednesday though. I heard about a 90 yr. old man who went to an oncologist, he didn't want to take chemo, but the Dr. had another option. The man was given less than 6 months to live, had lost weight, and was throwing up alot. He had cancer in several different places. After taking shots once a month from the oncologist, he is now in remission and the Dr. says he has at least 4 more years. I called this oncologist and my dad is going to go to him. Wish him luck!!!NancyEllen03-29-2003, 12:42 PMLady, can you get me the name of that medication? My father is going to have to make a decision about chemo next week.
Thanks,
Nancyladygrizzdogg03-29-2003, 06:58 PMNancy, My dad goes Wednesday to the oncologist. I found out his name and where his office is thru a friend of a friend. I don't know what the shots are called though. As soon as we get back from the Dr. i can post all info. about the shots for you. Sending prayers your way........Ladyladygrizzdogg04-03-2003, 05:59 PMNancy, The doctor said there is nothing they can do for my dad. i forgot to ask the name of the shot. But I do know that the cancer had to be prostate cancer to receive the shot. If that is what your dad has, let me know & i will call back to the doctor and get the name for you.
LadyNancyEllen04-04-2003, 05:55 PMThanks Lady,
Dad has lung cancer. He had his first treatment today.
Nancy