Connect
Scared, but Shrinkage
Hi everyone, I hope you're all surviving & thriving. I wanted to ask a question about my dad, who is currently fighting stage 3B NSCLC. He has gone through 2 cycles of Keytruda, Abraxane, and Carbo. He has COPD and is on supplemental o2 since getting Covid a few months ago (which is where this began) but attends pulmonary rehab is is largely the same, other than being depressed about being on o2 and SOB. Prior to this cancer diagnosis, he went to gym 4 days a week, did 100s of ab workouts, golfed, and smoked. He is 78, but you would've never known it. His TMB is 14.7 and the PDL1 is 5%. After first scan (2 cycles), radiologist wrote there is no more definite lymphenathy, but minimal improvement in lung tumor. The oncologist completely disagreed, and wrote he thinks it is a "very good partial response." He even was excited to show us the pictures. The cancer resembles pneumonia in his upper lobe, it is not a solid mass, so he is saying it is difficult to measure traditionally. Now I am so happy about getting this news. But I am scared still. Is this a good sign treatment can continue working, and this can be a chronic disease? I asked oncologist if remission is possible and he basically said probably not, because cancer recurs, and it made me so depressed. They are considering local therapy after 2 more cycles, pending further response. I want my dad for many more years, I am only 23 and lost my mom to cancer 5 years ago. This is so difficult.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.
Connect
I’m sorry for your worries with your dad, you’re still so young and you need him in your life especially after losing your mom to cancer. I too have battled lung cancer twice in the past five years and it certainly is very life altering, I would love to have a child that is as supportive as you are, a blessing for your dad. I think from what I understand he has a mass but it’s not solid, I think that’s very optimistic because it’s usually more serious if the tumour is solid, it might even be a infection, perhaps they can do a biopsy to be sure. I think your dad sounds strong and active so he has a good chance for success, the treatments today are very good with better results and hopefully a longer life and with your support he will be fine, good wishes for a speedy recovery.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi there - I'm sorry you've been having to deal with both of your parents having cancer and for the loss of your mom. It's not fair and I hope you have support from your extended family, or at least from friends/family of choice. As far as your dad, I would give more weight to what the oncologist says, because the doctor will consider more factors, like a physical exam, not just the imaging. If his oncologist is happy with the results, I think that's positive. One day at a time.
@nfitzs, This early in the process, I would take any response as a good sign. Try to appreciate this as positive and hopeful news. While his oncologist said that 'remission' may not be possible, that could be because there are differences in how people understand this word when referring to cancer. Many of us are on continuing treatment, but we live our lives for years (with side effects from the medications of course). We live our lives. People that are not in our inner circles of family and friends don't even know that we have cancer. Just because the oncologist was reluctant to tell you that that he may not enter 'remission', doesn't mean that he won't be back in the gym, golfing, and supporting you. The results from this first scan are hopeful for continuing improvement.
Having a cancer diagnosis and not feeling well naturally comes with some depression. Do you know if he's been open to talking to his doctor about the psychological side of the diagnosis and treatment?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction