Community Blog
December 24, 2007
| 53 yrs old. 3 inch Tumor in Liver, 2 spots in each lung, problem using bathroom. Give me hope plz | Views: 1403 |
I came across this site and its great. I read a few posts and I wanted to try and post something to see if I could find any help or at least someone to relate to this. I am posting for my father. He is 53 yrs old and NOT the poster person for good health. He had a very broken home growing up and a trouble childhood and life. Always in the bars drinking, smoking since he was 16 yrs old. One positive would be he has been a hard worker his whole life and is known around town as the toughest person in they know. ( from all the bar fights over the years haha ) He has done a lot of bad in his life, but the good he has done over shadows it. You know sometimes it takes people a long time to grow up and within the past 5 yrs we have been teasing that its about time he chose to grow up. He has scaled back tremendously on the drinking and smoking and overall been taking better care of himself for a couple years now. I dont want to make him sound like a monster but the truth is he was an alcoholic for probably 30 yrs. He is a great person but alcohol can really mess up your life. I know now from my own experiences with myself that he has probably suffered his whole life from depression, anxiety disorder and panic disorder like myself. And the bottle was his way to ease his pain. Its just a shame that as soon as he started to turn his life around this hit him. Ok I will try and give as much info as possible on his situation that we just found out about a few days ago. Thursday he goes back in to the hospital to find out everything. About two weeks ago he started to have pain that he describes as someone squeezing his rear back. He is having trouble using the toilet. ( Number 2 ) Some kind of blockage there. He has a 3 inch tumor on his liver and 2 – 1 inch spots in each lung. The doctors say they suspect the cancer has started in the liver and spread but we will know for sure Thursday. If that is the case this will be stage 4 cancer right ? I am just hopeful thinking they can cut out some of the colon and liver right ? How bad are those ” spots ” on the lungs ? I am sorry that I dont have exact terms and details. I will know more but right now I am racking my brain b/c I don’t know everything and just trying to stay positive thinking it can be something that we can beat. Any insight on someone with a simialr sounding situation like my dads would be great.
On another note, I am 26, and this is the worst thing that I have had to deal with in my life. The last 5 days have been the worst time of my life. BUT I have never been so happy. I have been so overwhelmed with joy b/c I am lucky to still have my dad in my life. I am so lucky to even have a breath in my body right now and blessed to have everything I have. Life is so precious and can be gone at any second. I have always tried to live my life with that thinking but its hard and eveyrone tends to take things for granted. But wow I am on a emotion roller coaster, so sad, so happy, and so tired right now. Been up for 20 hrs so sorry if this is too long and if my spelling is bad and grammar haha I just wanted to try and get my words out there. Even if no one reads I feel better. Thanks everyone !
Danny
53 yrs old. 3 inch Tumor in Liver, 2 spots in each lung, problem using bathroom. Give me hope plz, 
8 comments)
Thanks for your support -
The doctors say they suspect the cancer has started in the liver and spread but we will know for sure Thursday.
I meant to say they suspect it started in the colon.
Hi Danny,
I’ve been thinking about what to say to you since you’re new to this. I imagine you’re feeling overwhelmed, panicked, and probably a little desperate for reassurance that you won’t lose your Dad.
There is a lot of information on the Internet about various types of cancer. For me, I usually visit the Mayo Clinic website for information. If you’ve also read some of the community posts, you’ll find more info on other sites, books, articles and such that will help you.
Here are some crucial things that you need to keep in mind…and this is just my opinion.
1) Decide that there is hope after all for your father. This may become harder to cling to if you hear bad news from the doctor but there are many cancer patients who have beaten the odds despite dire news from their doctors.
Cancer is a battle for life and it’s going to be hard, painful and tiring. There will be good days and bad days. Your father, however, is tough. Despite what the doctor’s say, believe that he can kick the hell out of this thing and do what’s necessary to survive.
2) You have a say in what treatment your father gets. While the doctors have your father’s best at heart, it’s up to your father and your family to take control of his treatment. What I mean by this is, find the best oncologist for him. Let it be someone who is not afraid to be aggressive and do what’s necessary to save your father’s life. It should also be someone whom your father is comfortable with.
Remember that doctors are human, too. They may have more knowledge than you about your father’s condition but it’s still limited. So research, research, research and read, read, read. Make note of what the doctors say and also jot down questions your family may want to ask the doctors.
3) Don’t be afraid to question your father’s doctors. Remember, this is the battle for his life so it’s time to be aggressive and take the initiative. You can’t afford to be passive.
Your father is in my prayers. Please keep us updated on what’s going on with your Dad.
Hugs,
Grace
Danny – I am so sorry about the news you received. It sounds like it will most likely be stage 4. And I agree with what Grace said. Doctors don’t know everything and you need to come up with your own plan of treatment after listening to what the doctors say. If you don’t like one doctor, find another your dad does like.
Another piece of advice is if you are too overwhelmed researching options then just ask people. You may want to read some of the survivor blogs here who are stage 4. They will be a great source of information. If you post a comment on their page they will receive an email with your question and they might be able to get you some answers faster than searching the web yourself. Here is a link to our Stage 4 members.
Good luck, try to get some sleep, keep your immune system strong and keep us posted.
Hello Danny,
I have just read your heartfelt feelings about your Father and I truly understand. Though, I have leukemia, I was diagnosed 13 years ago and at that time the Docs said that I had 3-5 years to live. Well, alot they knew. Just as you continue to read, physicans don’t always know everything. I have been a divorced Mom for several years and a very determined one that was not going to give up easily. For my children always came first and they were always my first priority. Thankfully, they are just now all over 21 year of age, so that I am very thankful for. If you ever wish to talk, feel free to e-mail me anytime. Good Luck, Patty
Hi Danny,
I am stage 1V.
So far I have had 2 surgeries. One to remove part of the colon where the cancer started and then I had liver surgery to remove a golf ball size tumor. I have been on chemo therapy for the last 8 months (oral) since my liver surgery as well as for a year (IV) after my first surgery. There are many things that can be done to help your Dad as you can see.
I would suggest seeing an Oncology Surgeon.
What state are you in? There are a lot of great hospitals in most states.
Be sure that you like and trust your Dad’s Dr’s as he will be seeing them for a few years.
Has your dad had a pet scan? This might be one of the first things to do.
Sue
Hey everyone ! Thanks for all the kind words. I will keep updating when I know more. We went to the doctor Thursday and keep getting the run around it seems. So now next week we will know more after my dad gets a bone x ray. He is still having pain in his lower back and he hates taking pain pills but that is what the docs gave him. Thank u all !
Danny,
I just read your blog and the comments. I am stage IV though mine began as lung cancer (even though I am not a smoker). Your dad is very lucky to have such strong support and love from you. I agree with all of the comments the other ladies made above. I would add that you must not forget to take care of your mental health, both yours and your dad’s. Cancer can overwhelm the patient and the family. Get support from other family members and from friends. Your oncology center may have counseling as part of treatment. Grab it if it is offered. If your dad’s insurance offers it, please look into it.
Know that if one treatment doesn’t work, another may. Keep with it. Make sure you and your dad feel that you can communicate with your medical team and that you trust them.
I am so impressed with you. You are strong and forging ahead to seek the best for your dad. I hope he knows he should be extremely proud of the job he did in raising you. You are in many prayers now. Keep us all informed. We will give you support and try to help.
Danny Please read. My name is Sharon I am 51 I was diagnoised with fourth stage ovarian cancer it spread to my live spleen and small intestines my diagnosis wasn’t good . I am still here and need to tell you about Bio-Bran an immunesupporter it helps your body produce triple the amount of natural killer cells in your body that fight off toxins. I believe it works and I have been through surgery and six hour bouts of chemo Your dad needs something to work towards a strong body system cause chemo attacks all cells Forget about numbers such as fourth stage Type in bio bran and read what it does please do this I have a 27 yr old daughter by the way I know how much cancer hurts the family and makes you scared
Think of it as an illness and treat it as such .Eggs your Dad needs to eat eggs protein and whatever else he wants but he must eat.Hang in there no one is perfect we shall not judge and God Bless