My Mom has a malignant spot on her lung.She hasn't smoked for nearly 15yrs./no one else smokes around her.She's had x-rays since for colds in the past.They found it after she had pneaumonia a month ago. Her oncologist put her on a med.(oral)that is for breast cancer/side affects include lung damage.I had to force her to get a 2nd. opinion.Should't her dr. have told her to get a 2nd. opinion?He obviously doesn't have the market cornered on curing cancer.Aren't 2 heads better than 1 when it comes to fighting for your life? If they hadn't seen it in the past & only it found now,was it there all along,just undetectable(too small)?If so,that means it's grown,right?This spot couldn't just pop up at the size it is(1/2 dollar)now,can it?If it's grown,why would he put her on a pill.what would this pill do for her & why would he tell her to come back in 2mons.?Won't it grow more in that time?My parents are in their 70's.They still believe dr.s are like they were in the old days.
2007-05-07 07:45:51 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
There are various methods to treat lung cancer. Due to your mum's age, you should very carefully choose an appropriate way.
Medical Treatment for lung cancer:
Treatment is based on factors such as the type of lung cancer, the size, location and extent of the tumour and the patient's general health status. There are many treatments, which may be used alone or in combination:
1. Surgery:may cure cancer. It is used in the inital stages of the disease. The type of surgery depends on where the tumour is located in the lung. Some tumours cannot be removed because of their size or location.
2. Radiation: used in combination with chemotherapy and sometimes with surgery. It offers relief from pain or blockage of the airways.
3. Chemotherapy: use i conjunction with surgery or in more advanced stages of the disease to relieve symptoms. It is also used in all stages of small cell cancer.
4. Photodynamic Therapy (Available at The Hope Clinic): This is useful for people with inoperable lung cancer. This therapy uses an injection of a light activated drug, which is illuminated with a laser. The agent fluoresces and an atom of oxygen with high energy destroys the cancer. Because the agent attaches preferentially to the cancer cell, healthy tissue is not damaged and this is particularly important for individuals with limited lung function.
(quote from "www.smile.org.au")
I suggest you visit this website by yourself "www.smile.org.au", there is a huge database about the cancer treatments and some valuable information for cancer patients.
If you are not quite sure the current doctor's adivce, you may visit another speciatly doctor and ask them for more details.
2007-05-07 14:55:08 · answer #1 · answered by Pro. Noel Campbell 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Did you go with her to the doctor? You must insist on going and asking the doctor all the questions you have. It won't do anyone any good for you to worry yourself sick if you don't have all the facts. A second opinion in a case like this should be looked into. If you live within driving distance to a teaching hospital go there and have their oncologist review all the test results. So much depends on the type of cancer she has(there are different kinds of lung cancer dictating different treatments). Most all of the cancer treatments have possible side effects which doesn't mean she will have them. You really should get her to an oncologist for a second opinion and any good doctor would recommend that you do so if that will help with the emotional roller coaster you're about to go on.
2007-05-07 15:21:47 · answer #2 · answered by summer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't mean to tar every oncologist with the same brush, but some of them need to spend more time with their patients. And, since cancer affects many older individuals who have memory problems, having a younger family member present is very beneficial. What may be clear cut to the oncologist is very muddy to most lay persons.
Before embarking on a second opinion, your mother should call the oncologist with her questions, and you should be present. If you are still dissatisfied, by all means get a second opinion.
The treatment is based on patient's age and health status as well as on the clinical presentation. I'm sure he had a reason to recommend the approach he took for your mother. He did not explain himself adequately. You have a right to a clear explanation of the recommended treatment plan.
2007-05-07 15:55:53 · answer #3 · answered by greydoc6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ABSOLUTELY get a second, third, and/or fourth opinion!!! Get as many opinions until she is getting the care that she needs. Research the net yourself and see what you can find and present her with latest opinions/treatments, etc. for lung cancer.
I've been dealing with breast cancer for the past two years and I am on my third oncologist. I just didn't believe that the first two were aggressive enough. I decided a long time ago that I was going to go down swinging with both fists. When I began feeling that the people caring for me weren't as aggressive as I felt they should be, I moved on. You have to be your own advocate.
Your mom is so lucky to have a daughter like you!! Good luck, I hope you are able to find a better physician for your mother!!
Jen
2007-05-07 16:52:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, get a second opinion. My boss had a spot on his lung (with no symptoms) during a routine x-ray. He used to smoke heavily. They said if you have cancer, you have 6 months to live and you need surgery right away. He had the surgery and they had to take out one of his ribs and a lobe of his lung. When he woke up, they said "Well, we were wrong . It was bird fungus...histoplasmosis...." from pidgeon poo from pidgeons that nested in the air ducts of the place where we worked...a few other people got it and just took antibiotic meds for it...
It could be that he is thinking "She is old...Why put her through a lot of chemo and surgery". and it could be that her heart and liver and general health would not hold up to rigorous treatment without hasting a decline in her health...
2007-05-07 19:42:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Second opinions are always valuable. But the pill is probably a form of chemotherapy, which is itself an aggressive treatment. Two months is probably an appropriate time to allow before checking to see how it is working. Find out more about what the medication is and what it is supposed to accomplish.
2007-05-07 14:58:14 · answer #6 · answered by z 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A second opinion is always good. Sometimes aggressive ways of treating cancer can be too much for older patients to handle, but it won't hurt to hear it a second time. If you are concerned you should get your mother to another doctor.
2007-05-07 14:54:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its always good have more than one opinion.
You can help her too.
Green Tea, Vitamins C and D are good against a weak immun e sistem.
Biobran and Comitris are very good too and help shrink the tumour.
By best hopes
2007-05-07 17:10:00 · answer #8 · answered by ironenzyme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well honey ur about to go into a lot but u have to be ready, if the dr its an especialist u better let him do his work, but i understand that ur worried, u should get info ant all the knowladge bout teh topic, be readu ull have to be strong to show ur mom support and love, god bless!!! hope she get well soon!!
2007-05-07 14:56:14 · answer #9 · answered by snoopy20 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah get a 2nd opinion thats always good
2007-05-07 15:40:00 · answer #10 · answered by musicjunky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋