Hello,
My father-in-law was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. We know what stage or type it is. I think the recent PET scan suggested it hasn't spread, although I'm not sure if anyone has firmly communicated this or whether we can assume this as no other action is taken. He also had a brain scan yesterday to check if it has spread there.
I realise it may be difficult to get answers here, as one of the problems is lack of clarity and communication. He is in a very busy hospital, which means he doesn't get to speak to doctors often and he doesn't get to see the same doctor. Understandably, both he and my mother-in-law are overwhelmed and it is possible they may not be taking it all in or asking all the questions they want to ask. So my first question here is: what can we do to help? We live about one hour away and visit often but is there a way to speak to someone and get more information?
There seems to be some confusion around treatment options. He is very weak at the moment, is losing weight rapidly and seems to need oxygen 24/7, so he has been in hospital for the last couple of weeks (first admitted on 6 Feb, stayed for two weeks, spend a week at home and readmitted again). He was admitted with pneumonia, which has now cleared. He really wants to go home but it's unclear whether he can have oxygen there (he used to smoke up to just before he was admitted to hospital, so this may limit his options?) and what type of oxygen support he can have. Do you know where we can learn more about these options? He seems to think it's very hard to be given oxygen at home and that lots of tests and bureaucracy is involved.
The plan at the hospital seems to be to 'wean' him off the oxygen so that he is fit enough to consider treatment. Radiotherapy has been mentioned but it appears he can't have this before they have sorted out his oxygen or build up his strength. In the meantime, we feel that every minute counts - at least if the purpose of the radiotherapy is to treat rather than just palliative. Do you know if someone can have treatment while still needing oxygen support, or is this is case by case assessment?
Finally, do you know if there are any options we could look at for someone (paid or NHS-covered) who could help him (and reassure my mother-in-law) when he's back home? I was thinking of someone who could visit regularly to encourage him to stay active, eat well and check his oxygen? Any advice on nutrition? He is 8st at the moment, with not much appetite and I was wondering if there is anything (like protein shakes) he could have that is recommended for such cases.
Sorry about the multiple questions and many thanks in advance.
Kind regards
C.
