lung cancer spitting blood

[Serenitymine]

My mom has stage 4 lung cancer.  Diagnosed Oct. 9th 2007.  I HATE THIS DAMN LUNG CANCER.  I LOVE MY MOM SO MUCH.  I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING.   Today she called and said she is spitting blood.  New symptom.  This can't be good.

She is thinking of stopping the chemo and going hospice cause her quality of life is so awful.  She is sick and so very tired.  She is 74 years old.

I want to talk to anyone going through this as a caretaker.  I really need someone to talk to, to listen.

Thanks in advance.

Serenitymine

[banker23]

I'm so sorry you have to go through this.  My Mom was 55 years old.  She got sick with what was thought to be Bronchitus end of Oct 2008, then Pneamonia early Dec 2008.  Finally x-rays were done and they decided a biopsy was needed, Dec 28, 2008.  They noticed fluid around the outside of the lung.  Final DX was Jan 22, 2009 stage 4 lung cancer Adnocarcinoma.  She was supposed to start chemo Jan 29, 2009, but passed away unexpectedly Jan 27, 2009.  We were never told by the oncologist to get in touch with hospice.  Never knew we had a need to say goodbye yet.  Her right lung was filled with cancer, 2 small lymph nodes in middle of chest, and 2 small nodules in left lung.  Her only outward symptoms were a cough, and progressed to hard to breath due to right lung being filled.  Not a day goes by I don't feel guilt of not pressing her harder to press the drs.  I tried and it seemed she put faith in the drs.  I miss her everyday.  I'm the oldest at 34 years old.  I'm pregnant now and have 3 children.  The only thing that gets me through everyday is knowing God blessed her with not suffering.  We never had to see any suffering.

I'm sorry you have to go through this.  The only thing I can add to the above is make peace now.  Do it before it's to late.  Be very strong.  Have no regrets.  

[KatieL24]

Hi Serenitymine,

I am very sorry to hear about your mother, I am sadly in the same situation.  My mother is 51 and was recently diagnosed with stage 4 non small cell lung cancer.  She begins her first chemo treatment this Monday.  We have not contacted any type of hospice facility yet.  I am very sad about her Dx, and I do not like seeing her like this.  I am scared to see what the chemo may do to her as well.  It is so hard to watch my mother go through this.  I wish I could take her cancer away.  I hope you are coping as well as you can right now.  Being there for your mom is so important.  I hope you can get through this difficult time, I am trying my best to do the same.  It's nice to talk to people who are going through the same situations.  Any time you need someone to talk to, please feel free to do so.  

Katie

[diane12]

Just read you post.  I know exactly what you mean.  My mom was dx Feb 07, went through 6 rounds of chemo and was so sick from it.  Finally last August found out ca was growing again, so we went on hospice.  We had from September til December with pretty much no bad symptoms except tiredness.  Since December it seems like eachday something else is happening.  she has mets to lymph nodes with lumps on her chest back and arms and now we are pretty sure she has bone mets to the spine.  The pain is not severe yet, but I see her wasting away each day and it is so hard.  I don't want to lose her but I also can't stand seeing her so frail and weak and sick.  I just started with this site and it is so good to be able to express my feelings.  Hope you find a way to find your peace with it and always be there for your mom.  Also hospice has been a godsend for us.

[michelle444]

I am in a similar situation. My mom has metastisized lung cancer that has spread to her spine and ribs. I am watching her die and it is awful.
I am very afraid of what the immediate future holds for us. We lost my Dad just four months ago and so we are still grieving for him and now we are grieving for all of the losses related to cancer. I am finding that she is losing function on a weekly, sometimes daily basis.
Is your mom experiencing pain? It is so hard to watch someone you love suffer from excrutiating  pain - the meds make her dopey, confused and sleepy. Withouth the meds she is in so much pain that she cannot function.
I don't really have any answers but I am going through something similar. It would be nice to have someone to share the experience with because I am finding it a lonely process.

I hope you and your mom are doing ok today.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You need to be strong and support your mother as much as possible.

Be with her, talk to her and help her in any way as you can.

This is a definitely a tough phase for you i understand, but you have to take the support of your family and friends to get through this.

She needs to see her doctor or talk to him/he about this episode of spitting up blood.

with all best wishes.
Regards.

[Twilight_Princess]

Hi Serenitymine

I'm not a caretaker, but my sister-in-law was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer as well. I know how you feel. It was quite a shock to the whole family. If you want to talk just send me a PM. I am here to listen.