small cell lung cancer

Welcome to Connect, @cheris. I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. I'd like to introduce you to @major who also has small cell lung cancer. I'd also like to introduce you to @shortshot80 @merilee @mryzuch @amws who have non-small cell lung cancer. While the treatments for NSCLC are different, I think we can all offer you support, and give some thoughts as to how you can be of help to her.

You may also be interested in joining the Caregivers group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers/, where you'll meet @burrkay who is caring for his wife who has lung cancer.

Cheri, perhaps you wouldn't mind sharing a bit more about your situation? Do you live near your sister? Are you the primary caregiver? Is sounds like you are close.

<br><br><br><br><br>My sister was diagnosed last week with small cell lung cancer. We are very <br>close but she lives 1000 miles away.  It is so hard to know what to say or <br>do. She has just completed first round of 3 days of chemo. Also dong PET scans <br>and MRI and bone scans. . <br> <br><br>

My heart goes out to you Cheris. It is so hard to be a long distance caregiver. I have a couple of suggestions. Feel free to take them or leave them. Think about what you would do if you were nearby, and order similar services for her. Perhaps meal deliveries or a cleaning service. If she has a partner, what could you do to support him so that he can support her? Could you take on being the messenger to the rest of the family? She or her partner would only have to update you, and you could share by email or private Facebook group with the rest of the family and friends.

It is hard to know what to say. Take your cues from your sister. Listening closely will give you tips on what she needs you to say.

What do you think? Does this start giving you ideas?

@llwortman I wonder if you have any thoughts to share with Cheris as she seeks to understand her sister's experience lung cancer from 1000 miles away. Please read her messages above.

Hi, my sister received a diagnosis of small cell lung cancer in October. She has had 4 rounds of chemo with two more to go. Breathing is improving but she feels very sick and unable to eat. Her prognosis does not sound very good. She is not sure what will happen after the last course of chemo. Wish I could help her. Anyone have any experience with this type of cancer? Unfortunately she is a smoker of over 50 years.

Hello @cheris, I am sorry to hear about your sister's diagnosis of small cell lung cancer. It is good to hear that the breathing has improved, albeit with a side effect of feeling sick.

I see that you posted this question in Just Want to Talk, http://mayocl.in/2iLQFNz, where Kanaaz brought in a few members to share their experiences. @llwortman briefly joined the discussion, but now you have asked a few more specific questions about dealing with the side effects of chemo.

I would also like to invite @burrkay who cared for his wife who has cancer and has gone through multiple treatments and may be able to offer some advice on how you handle this as a caregiver.

@cheris, you mentioned that the prognosis does not sound very good, have other options been discussed after the last round of chemo? If you don't mind me asking, what has your sister discussed as her wishes for treatment after chemo?

My mother had small cell lung cancer from smoking and working on ships loaded with asbestos during WWII. I'm sorry that I have bad news for you. My mother found out in May of 1995 that she had cancer and she was gone by August. She should never have had Chemo because all it did was make her extremely ill. The last few months of her like were horrible, she suffered terribly. Back then 1995, the chances of surviving this type of cancer was only around 5%. I'm not sure if the statistics have changed but for your sister's welfare I hope so.
My mother was my best friend and seeing her go through what she went through was terrible. My sister and brothers did not want to put her in a nursing home therefore we kept her home and took care of her ourselves and toward the end those wonderful nurses from hospice.
I wish I had better news for you. Perhaps they've made improvements on the chemo protocol and your sister has a much better chance, As I mentioned before my mother got really ill on the chemo and I think that's what ultimately killed her. Also my mother was 71, which doesn't sound old to me now as a lot of people I know are turning 70 and up. What I'm trying to say is that if your sister is fairly young I'm sure her chances will be better than my mom's.
Please kept us informed and I'll be thinking of your sister hoping that she can beat this thing.

Leslie

It is respectful that we cherish quality of life with any illness. My quality greatly improved , even though it was very slow in the beginning moment to moment.
Having loved ones support relieves a lot of emotional and physical pain. Mayo oncology introduced me to a Paced Breathing Study by Dr Amit Sood. This study with a guided meditation taught me to breath thru my pain and grounded me both physically and emotionally.
I read work books written by Dr Amit Sood that helped me understand how the mind body connection is so important.
Dr Sood has written two very helpful books. This may sound a little crazy but my favorite is "Happiness". Because, I was given permission to accept my cancer, tell my mind and body how to relax (not just relax) and then I began to feel relief from the fear that comes with cancer. Lung cancer became my blessing. This positive change helped me and all of my loved ones.
I encourage you to read or attend Dr Sood's talks. The experience is uplifting!
Bless you
Linda

<br><br><br><br><br>Hello Cheris,<br> <br>     I am so sorry to hear of your sister's illness. <br>Your sister's journey sounds like my dad's. Do you know what stage her lung <br>cancer is?<br> <br>Terri

I'm going to reply to my own reply. I noticed that I did not indicate that I did not want to put my mother in a nursing home. It was a mutual agreement between my siblings and myself.