Hi everyone. My 80 year old dad was diagnosed with lung cancer on Wed. He'd been poorly for a couple of months previous to diagnosis. He'd lost his appetite, lost weight, had pain in his rib area, breathless and very tired. He'd gone to doctor who diagnosed chest infection. He was given antibiotics which after 4 days made no difference so I took him back and asked for chest x ray. He got chest x ray and we received phone call later that day to say he has a shadow. He seemed to deteriorate right before my eyes so phoned for a home visit and asked for him to be admitted to hospital. Took him in that night and he was dehydrated so they put him in a drip and gave him antibiotics as consultant thought it was likely shadow was an abscess. Shoot forward 3 weeks and 2 biopsies and he's diagnosed with a squamous non small cell cancer. A further x ray showed it had grown in a month and was now taking up most of his left lung. It is pressed up against his heart, his wind pipe and the main blood vessels running down the centre of his chest. They have told me there is no treatment option due to size, position and my dad's age and general health. He thinks he only has weeks left to live. I am beside myself. The nhs cancer team has been absolutely brilliant. Several agencies have been in touch already offering support, physical help and financial help. My dad lives alone. I've told him when he's ready he can come live with me. At this time he still wants to stay at home. What should I expect as this progresses. Will it be quick, will it be painful, will be be aware? I am so frightened for him.
