Lung Cancer

[nailit]

My brother in law has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. After various tests etc he's gone back to see the consultant today to see what options are available re: treatment. Just had a txt off my sister saying that news not good (and to upset to talk at mo) so presumably theres nothing they can do.
When he was diagnosed he had no symptoms at all and was otherwise in good health. In the last day or two he has been coughing up blood.
I know the answer is probably how long is a piece of string but approx how long has he left?
Its a bit of a blow as my sister herself has also got suspected mouth cancer and is awaiting a biopsy next week.
Any answers appreciated, thanks.

[jennyjoan]

Very sad to hear of all your problems Nailit - what some people have to endure.

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"As lung cancer does not usually cause noticeable symptoms until it has spread through much of the lungs or into other parts of the body, the outlook for the condition is not as good as many other types of cancer.

Overall, about 1 in 3 people with the condition will live for at least a year after they are diagnosed and fewer than 1 in 10 people will live at least five years.

However, survival rates can vary widely depending on how far the cancer has spread at the time of the diagnosis. Early diagnosis can make a big difference."

Source:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cancer-of-the-lung/Pages/Introduction.aspx

[Sqad]

\\\\When he was diagnosed he had no symptoms at all and was otherwise in good health.\\\

So why was he investigated? Why did he have a chest X-Ray?

Without knowing what type of lung cancer it is and at what stage, I cannot answer your question.

[nailit]

Thanks jenny but very much my sisters and her husbands problems im afraid,
Thanks for the link Buenchico
Squad, not certain how he came to be diagnosed, I know he had a few other health problems he was under the hospital for but nothing too untoward and he was physically fit and otherwise healthy. I do know that two tumors were found.
Will know more later when I get more details.
Thanks for very quick replies

[Daffy6543]

My brother in law was diagnosed with 'incurable' lung cancer in October, he had 1 round of chemo and radiotherapy to try and shrink the tumour away from some vessels to possibly enable his lung to be removed, he went back to the hospital for scans after the treatment and was told there is absolutely no sign of the tumour, he doesn't require surgery or any more treatment.

[tonyav]

Blimey, thats amazing Daffy. Brilliant news as well.

[Daffy6543]

I know Tony, we could hardly believe it considering lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers.
I just wanted to let nailit know that it needn't necessarily be as bad as they think right now, medical science is a wonderful thing :)

[nailit]

Thats fantastic news Daffy,
Just had an update from my mum, sisters rang her and said that the consultant has said that he can operate but considers it risky and has said that he doesnt know if he'll survive the op. Probably covering themselves if the op doesnt go to plan. My sisters obviously upset and im getting 2nd and 3rd hand information.
Found out he went for chest xray because of a persistant cough and thats how it was discovered. He was a heavy smoker but gave up about 20 yrs ago.

[Sqad]

nailit....he will still need a bronchoscopy (tube down the windpipe) to do a biopsy and he will need an MRI scan to determine if it has spread to other parts of the body.

Judging by the surgeons suggestion of an operation, I assume that he has had these investigations.

[pixie373]

I wish both him and your sister well xx

[nailit]

Thanks squad, yes , I believe hes had all the neccesary procedures, today was to see the consultant to determime what course of action, if any, to take.
Thank you pixie for your kind words

[Ann]

Thinking of you all nailit. x

[nailit]

Thank you Ann.
Been a bit of a roller coaster year re: cancer.
Mum had breast cancer but now hasnt got see the consultant for 12 months and doing well.
Brother in law with this.
And my sister has suspected mouth cancer (gum problems identified by dentist and rapid loss of weight).
Fingers crossed for all...

[boxtops]

Nailit, we're thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

[nailit]

Thanks Boxtops.

[jomifl]

I was told that I had lung cancer, surprising that I've not smoked more than 100 cigarettes in my life and that more than 55 years ago. However it was a case of mistaken identity, a bit worrying at the time though.

[nailit]

Blimey jom, that must have been scary?

[jomifl]

naillit, believe me it was, It did induced me to get some affairs in order and buy a house more convenient for my widow to live in. No apology though from the medics though, they seem to have greater difficulty coming to terms with being wrong than most other people do coming to terms with their impending death. I do understand what your brother in law has gone through and he has my full sympathy. I just wish he had a 'get out of jail card' as I did. Sorting out affairs does help keep the mind away from morbid thoughts and regrets for all those things you wish you had done or said will never be able to.