Lung Cancer

The first indication that there was a health problem came in June. Antibiotics were prescribed for what was thought to be pneumonia. When the cough and ill feeling did not go away another trip to the doctor warranted an X ray of the lung. During this time there were tremendous night sweats that would completely soak the bed and a feeling of exhaustion.

The X ray revealed "something" unusual on the left lung, but no mention of cancer. A biopsy was ordered to check out what the shadow might be. There was no pain or discomfort and the night sweats had ended. It was July by this time. In fact, a feeling of good health prevailed but very little appetite.

The biopsy revealed it was cancer. The patient was referral to a surgeon and Oncologist both appointments were in early August. The surgeon said cancer was inoperable. Oncologist discovers stage 4 cancer and suggested radiation therapy begin immediately.

There was no discussion of how long the patient might live so I asked for a private meeting with Oncologist. He said if the radiation therapy is successful it may extend the patient’s life by three months. Without the radiation therapy we could expect a rapid decline in patient’s health.

The radiation therapy was unsuccessful! By early September there were signs of the body weakening. The patient had a marked loss of weight and was taking meal supplements to try to keep weight on.

Very soon after this the body began to shut down. The legs went first. Morphine was prescribed and the patients spend many hours sleeping. Home care came in to help bathe, shave, etc. the patient was now in a hospital bed in the house and using oxygen.

His life ended at the beginning of October.

Notes:

From the first doctor’s appointment until death was 5 months.

From the diagnosis of lung cancer until death was 8 weeks.

No one could have prepared us for how rapidly he deteriorated.

There was never any pain.

He eventually did not eat at all and simply went to sleep. The morphine helped.

We could not find any information that told us what to expect.