My father has just been told that he has to go for chemotherapy?

Question

My dad has been told by the doctors that he has to go for chemoyherapy .He has just had some of his colon removed .They say it is d4n1 stage cancer ,the problem is that we dont know wat that is and how bad it is can ne1 please tell us or direct us to a web site that can help us with a more insight view of wats goin on ,the doctors have only told us the minimum,all yhey said is that he is gonna need the mild treatment ie: the injection every week for 30 weeks

Answer 1

When I was 15 my mother went through chemo and it was very hard on me. Just try and stay positive about the matter and be there for your father, which may mean taking on more responsibilities around the house. check out the following web page http://www.cancer.gov/

I hope everything works out for your father

Answer 2

A stage 4 cancer means the cancer has spread beyond the primary organ and into adjacent organs. You can get more information from the doctor if your dad wants you to have the information. Talk to him about having you present with him at his next visit. Have the doctor then explain in plain words what the diagnosis is, what his treatment options are, what the prognosis for cure is, and finally talk to him about getting drugs to help settle his stomach.
The chemotherapy treatment will end up destroying many of the body's fast growing cells. Besides the cancer cells, this would include things like hair cells and the cells that line the stomach. This is why people undergoing treatment often loose their hair and get thin. You should also look into getting protein drinks that he can take during times he doesn't feel like eating. He should be watched for unusual events with his body and his immune system will be reduced so watch for colds.

Answer 3

I'm sorry to read that.

You should be demanding a more thorough explanation from his doctors. If they offer none, get him out of where he is and go somewhere else.

My dad had an esophagectomy in August. After the surgery he was tired and doped up, and was not doing well until my mother threatened to take him somewhere else. Some blood transfusions and different medicines did the trick.

Sometimes you got to play hardball.

In the mean time, spend as much time with him as you can.
Love and support are just as strong as any chemo.

Answer 4

They had to tell you more than that. Ask them questions they have to answer. You can also go to www.cancer.gov for some good information. The T4 means that the main tumor was advanced. The n1 means there were a few local lymph nodes involved. As long as there is no M1, there are no metastases that the doctors know about at this time.

Answer 5

Because there are SO many forms of chemo, it's really hard to tell you what it will be like. Everyone responds differently. It depends on which chemo combination they use for him.

Here is a great website that includes links to all kinds of information, help, answers and support. But he really needs to have a sit-down with his oncologist.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cancerchemotherapy.html

Answer 6

Nobody can give you help online in this matter. Treatment affects different people in different ways. My father lost his battle - but it was the chemo that killed him, not the cancer. He had lost most of a lung to tuberculosis, and he had a "weakened disposition". Never did they say he wouldn't make it - so we were not prepared. Best advice - spend as much time with him as you possibly can. Everyday is a gift.

Answer 7

call the Dr and set up a family conference and have a list of your ? and ask them and read /get on Internet to research further. it is over whelming the C word. Do not be afraid to ask? no matter how trivial. That is your Dr responsibility to explain what is going to happen and if he does not find another Dr.

Answer 8

In 1990, I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma, stage 3-B, but I've survived. It's possible your dad will pull through. I'll pray for him. Best of luck.

Answer 9

I agree with Tommybear. Not to promote drugs or anything but my father went through Chemo and smoking a joint was the only thing that helped him get through the side effects (and getting through the pain of his cancer.) Chemo can help with the pain by shrinking the tumors.

Colon cancer at that stage is terminal. The only thing that you can do it help him to be comfortable.

Take care of him. My prayers are with you.

Answer 10

WebMd, mayoclinic.com, cancer.com

Yes, learn as much as possible.

You might also want to talk to the Social Worker at your hospital and join a cancer group on the Internet for more support.

Best wishes.