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My Father has Lung Cancer

Phatbloke
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Hi Everyone,

My father was recently diagosed with stage 4 lung cancer. We have been told that it is also in his lymph nodes and adrenal gland. He had his first bout of chemotherapy yesterday and is in surprisingly good spirits. He has been told that with chemo he has 12 months if everything works the way it is supposed to. My main worry is what if it does not work? Whats the prognosis then? I stayed with him last night and although we were told that the chemo he had is a "sicky" type, He is fine, Up and about and his non existant appetite has come back with avengance. Can somebody give me an idea of what to expect going forward? So many sityes say different things but I would rather hear from people that have had to deal with this personally.

 

Thanks

 

Barry

  • Offline in reply to Phatbloke

    Hi Barry, so glad that your dad managed to eat a good portion of jelly. I remember almost craving it at some points during my treatments! It's going to be tricky for you to pre-guess what tasty things your dad may fancy over the coming days/ weeks, but the juice drinks are a good stand by. If your dad can manage soup, add a dash of cream to ramp up the calories. 

    The chemo will possibly alter your dad's tastebuds too and things that he used to enjoy, may not taste the same to him anymore. Think it's fair to say it a learning curve for all involved! 

    Another thing I used to enjoy were pancakes! In fact, the Christmas before last, I had pancakes for my Christmas lunch! I was in the middle of a chemo regime and my appetite was really poor - my lovely partner prepared a pile of pancakes (alongside a traditional Christmas dinner which he tucked into! ;)  ) 

    You're doing a great job supporting your dad, Barry, remember to look after yourself too. Jo xx

     

     

  • Offline in reply to Phatbloke

    Hi Barry

    Have just caught up with your thread and you are doing so well supporting your Dad.Having watched my hubby go through chemo for a short while I know how hard it is to try and find the right stuff to boost the appetite. Your have already had some great responses and I just wanted to throw what worked formy hubby into the mix in case it helps.  Hubby's consultant used to say it did not matter where the calories came from and suggested very small amounts every hour or so (hubby felt overwhelmed by normal sized meals and went from eating loads to eating nothing quite quickly as the sickness kicked in). Along the way we had spells of the following helping - custard, ice-cream, choc bars (fun size were very helpful), pineapple juice, ready made nutritional drinks (can be got on prescription - Ensure - available in different flavours). Also 'Build-up' shakes/soups available through supermarkets.  Mashed banana slides down easily.  Found my hubby used to do one thing for a spell, get bored, then try next options. Wishing you and your Dad all the very best. Remember to look after yourself, Regards Jules x 

  • Offline in reply to Phatbloke

    Hi Barry, 

    Just wondered how things are going with your dad?

    Jo xx

  • Offline in reply to Meerkat@65

    Hi Barry,

    How are you and dad travelling?  You are both in my rhoughts

     

    Kathy x

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