[xT4iw4n3zx]

I'm usually a lurker on these forums, but something's come up in my life and I need support, advice, and a reality check.

Well, just yesterday my Mom was diagnosed with Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, a rare type of Lung Cancer (about 10% of all cases of lung cancer are this type). I'm 17 years old and this has been just devastating on me and the rest of the family.

She has been in the hospital for 3 weeks now, and got out yesterday after she was diagnosed. I'm getting a rough story here on what exactly is the scenario. From my Mom (who usually understates things) I hear that her doctor at the hospital told her that "4 months of chemotherapy" and she will be good, and that she could live till she's 70 years old. Is this possible? The doctor has also said that her cancer is extensive, but so far, still inside the lung. So I'm assuming it's Stage 1 or 2?

So after being diagnosed she was scheduled for chemotherapy on the 22nd of May, but the oncologist called today and said he wants to see her on Monday instead (May 4th, 2009). I asked him what the chances were of my mom living till she was 70 (she's currently 53) and he said "it's a small chance, but it's not zero". Apparently there are things they can do with this specific type of cancer, so I hope all the best happens. As for life expectancy though I asked how long it was, judging by what he's seen throughout his career, and he said on average patients who come in with Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma all along their lungs..... it's less than a year.

So I'm posting on here (I know right? A car forum) because I know there are some intelligent people on here. Any doctors here? Anyone who's lost a family member due to cancer? What was it like? How do you feel now?

What should I expect and how long do I have with my Mom? =/


EDIT: New Info: May 4th, 2009

So we came back from the Oncologist today...

It's Stage IV BAC and he thinks this bump on her arm is a metastasized peice of cancer. Apparently both her lungs have 100's to 1000' of Cancer spots all over, which is why Surgery is out of the question....

Chemotherapy starts Wednesday as today was only an introductory day.

I'm graduating at the End of May from Highschool, and I'm starting University in September... Doctor tells me that my Mom only has a 50% chance of living past a year, with only 10% chance that she'll be there for when I graduate University..... Life is not fair man.... Not even close...

May you all pray that her Chemotherapy works (which he said has a 30-40% chance of doing anything, and even then he's afraid that the Cancer will become resistant, meaning he'll need to move to line-2 treatment which is a Cancer Pill, and it's success rate is only 20-30%).... He also says the cancer might of spread up into her brain, so there's a 20-30% of that already, so she's scheduled in for a Brain CT Scan sometime...

May all of you pray for her, I so sincerely wish you do pray for her...

[yomama69]

Originally Posted by xT4iw4n3zx

I'm usually a lurker on these forums, but something's come up in my life and I need support, advice, and a reality check.

Well, just yesterday my Mom was diagnosed with Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, a rare type of Lung Cancer (about 10% of all cases of lung cancer are this type). I'm 17 years old and this has been just devastating on me and the rest of the family.

She has been in the hospital for 3 weeks now, and got out yesterday after she was diagnosed. I'm getting a rough story here on what exactly is the scenario. From my Mom (who usually understates things) I hear that her doctor at the hospital told her that "4 months of chemotherapy" and she will be good, and that she could live till she's 70 years old. Is this possible? The doctor has also said that her cancer is extensive, but so far, still inside the lung. So I'm assuming it's Stage 1 or 2?

So after being diagnosed she was scheduled for chemotherapy on the 22nd of May, but the oncologist called today and said he wants to see her on Monday instead (May 4th, 2009). I asked him what the chances were of my mom living till she was 70 (she's currently 53) and he said "it's a small chance, but it's not zero". Apparently there are things they can do with this specific type of cancer, so I hope all the best happens. As for life expectancy though I asked how long it was, judging by what he's seen throughout his career, and he said on average patients who come in with Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma all along their lungs..... it's less than a year.

So I'm posting on here (I know right? A car forum) because I know there are some intelligent people on here. Any doctors here? Anyone who's lost a family member due to cancer? What was it like? How do you feel now?

What should I expect and how long do I have with my Mom? =/

I lost my grandmother to cancer 11 months ago. It was very difficult. She passed roughly 2 months after she was diagnosed and never got a chance to see me get married. The wedding was less than a year and she couldn't hold on. My mother is still devastated from it and has been severely depressed this last 11 months. It's easier if you prepare yourself for it before it happens, at least, it was for me.

[TwinTurboXI]

Really sorry to hear about this,

All i can say is try to spend as much time with her as possible, get her to tell you stories about her life, childhood etc... Try to make her as happy as possible, A strong will to survive from what i understand can make a difference.

Hope it works out for the best, she'll be in our prayers.

[Heinzftw]

Best wishes to you bro. Awhille back my mom (46) at the time had a stroke, when I was only 14 years old. She luckily pulled through. My advice would be to do everything in your power to keep her happy, smiling, and overall just spread the love. Best Regards

[ChaneRZ]

she's 53 right? as long as she gets her treatment and no other sickness she will be alright. if that cancer metastasized then it's gonna be quick.

[xT4iw4n3zx]

Originally Posted by yomama69

I lost my grandmother to cancer 11 months ago. It was very difficult. She passed roughly 2 months after she was diagnosed and never got a chance to see me get married. The wedding was less than a year and she couldn't hold on. My mother is still devastated from it and has been severely depressed this last 11 months. It's easier if you prepare yourself for it before it happens, at least, it was for me.

Sorry to hear about that I hope all goes well for your Mom, it's not easy. =/

Originally Posted by TwinTurboXI

Really sorry to hear about this,

All i can say is try to spend as much time with her as possible, get her to tell you stories about her life, childhood etc... Try to make her as happy as possible, A strong will to survive from what i understand can make a difference.

Hope it works out for the best, she'll be in our prayers.

This actually sounds like an awesome idea and I will definitely ask/write down all the stories she tells me! It will definitely give me some closure/memories in the worst case scenario... Also thank you for putting her in your prayers!

[xT4iw4n3zx]

Originally Posted by ChaneRZ

she's 53 right? as long as she gets her treatment and no other sickness she will be alright. if that cancer metastasized then it's gonna be quick.

Yes she is 53 and she's going to get chemotherapy this Monday. How are you sure she is going to be alright? I only ask because I'm not really looking for false hope at this stage in my life, only reality.

And as far as I know, the doctors say the cancer is still within the walls of the left lung (the inoperable side I believe, which is why she can only get Chemo)

[Tondtar]

Sorry to hear it ...Not an easy thing to go through - specially at your young age. I lost my mother to Leukemia . Although, it's been quite a while, the memories of our collective suffering is still fresh. However, it thought us all to appreciate the life more.

I suggest you join a cancer support group both on-line as well as meeting them locally where you live. They can offer you the emotional and educational tools you need to deal with this issue. I am sure there quite a few in Canada and your town. This is also a good source to start : http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/support

Good luck ...

[brokemywallet]

hey buddy, sorry to hear the bad news. recently my wife was diagnosed w/ nasal cancer and it has been a challenge ever since. doctors also recommended chemo & radiation......... but were never clear on a cure rate. the only reason they are vague about a cure is because they don't want to promise something that can/can't produce. they are doctors, not miracle workers.

just be prepared for events to come. if your mom is having chemo done, she will most likely loose all her hair in about 2-3 months after the start of treatment (which the doctors will probably say). also, she'll get nauseated very easily, so certain smells like food or other odors will make her very irritable. she'll definitely get weak, and will be bedridden after each chemo session for a couple of days until all of the chemicals leave her body.

ask a lot of questions, the doctors will answer all of them.....that's what they are there for. you & the family will have to step up to help your mom w/ whatever she is going to go through, so you will have to be strong for you & your mom. if you have any questions, pm me!! sorry for the essay..

[just4kickz]

don't know too much about this cancer... but i think if they say its isolated in the lung area thats good... as long as the cancer cells dont break off and then migrate to other regions of the body.

i've had two uncles die from cancer in one year. one of the uncles went to a doctor when he felt odd but they said it was nothing. a year later, he went to another doctor and they said he had cancer. died 6 months later.

as for 'Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma' did they say what exactly that meant? or where the cancer was? there are like 27 levels of bronchi and then aveloi... are just aveloi. i'm sure i could find out myself... but im too lazy. reason why i ask is because my lab is doing research on repopulating airways using embryonic stem cells.

['Cane]

I don't know how things work in Canada, but is a second opinion an option? My dad was diagnosed with cancer in February, and he is going to see another doctor next week.

[silvergray545]

I'm sorry to hear that. I lost my grandmother about 8 or 9 years ago from cancer. She first found out that she had cancer when I was still very young. She took treatments and it went away. Then some years later, she found you that she had lung cancer. She went back on chemo and radiation but it didn't kill it this time. She had surgery to remove the tumors and after that she was fine. Then when i was about 13 years old the cancer came back again. This time it grew very fast, the doctors said she didnt have long to live. My grandma was a strong, loving, independent woman. I saw her become very frail and weak with in months. The cancer had spread to her brain then she wasn't able to move on her own. She was connected to and oxygen tank 24/7. She got to the point where she could hardly move at all. I remember the day when the hospital bed was delivered to my grandparents house. Being so young, I then realized that this shit was real. The cancer had affected her so much that she was talking to people that were not present or even alive anymore. She then passed away in my mothers arms one night. I can remember standing in the doorway of my grandma's room and just crying my eyes out.

I'm not trying to scare you, I'm just telling my story. Spend as much time with your mom as you can. Be there for her when she needs you and always tell her how much you love her.

From my experience, there is now something I live by. Live today like it is your last because tomorrow isn't promised. I like to go to sleep at night knowing that I don't have any regrets and I make sure the people that I care about know that I love them.

I hope everything goes well for you.

[xT4iw4n3zx]

Originally Posted by just4kickz

don't know too much about this cancer... but i think if they say its isolated in the lung area thats good... as long as the cancer cells dont break off and then migrate to other regions of the body.

i've had two uncles die from cancer in one year. one of the uncles went to a doctor when he felt odd but they said it was nothing. a year later, he went to another doctor and they said he had cancer. died 6 months later.

as for 'Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma' did they say what exactly that meant? or where the cancer was? there are like 27 levels of bronchi and then aveloi... are just aveloi. i'm sure i could find out myself... but im too lazy. reason why i ask is because my lab is doing research on repopulating airways using embryonic stem cells.

I was told that the X-rays previous to the CT Scan showed 3 nodules in her upper lobes. Does that help? What does your research do btw?

[ak335]

IM soooo sorry to hear this, i hope to God she will be alright and she will, my little cousin had leukemia and he has gotten better... your mom will too.

[xT4iw4n3zx]

Originally Posted by ak335

IM soooo sorry to hear this, i hope to God she will be alright and she will, my little cousin had leukemia and he has gotten better... your mom will too.

How long did it take your little cousin to get better? What type of medication did he/she get and will they be able to live a normal healthy life now? =/

I think my biggest fear is that I'm going to have to lose my mom before I even turn 18... I mean I only DREAM this was happening later on like you guys, I wish it was >_<

Lord make me 30 atleast and then give my mom Cancer, atleast then she would've gotten more out of her life, and I would've gotten more of her in my life. And while this is all just a non-definitive outcome as of now, I pray so much that she'll live to eventually see me graduate university, get my first real job, buy my first car, move out of the house, get married, and let her see her Grand kids.... Damn it why is it in Life that bad things happen to good people?... Damn it.

[ideliver]

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst...this is not a good cancer to get...please consider getting treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson depending on your location...best of luck to you...I am certain that you have made your mother proud...

[ak335]

Originally Posted by xT4iw4n3zx

How long did it take your little cousin to get better? What type of medication did he/she get and will they be able to live a normal healthy life now? =/

I think my biggest fear is that I'm going to have to lose my mom before I even turn 18... I mean I only DREAM this was happening later on like you guys, I wish it was >_<

Lord make me 30 atleast and then give my mom Cancer, atleast then she would've gotten more out of her life, and I would've gotten more of her in my life. And while this is all just a non-definitive outcome as of now, I pray so much that she'll live to eventually see me graduate university, get my first real job, buy my first car, move out of the house, get married, and let her see her Grand kids.... Damn it why is it in Life that bad things happen to good people?... Damn it.

My little cousin had leukemia for about 12 moths, he lives in England, he is only 12 years old, he was doing chemotherapy for maybe 6 moths, He had a bone marrow transfer which was extremely helpful, He is now slowly starting to live a normal life, Your mom will recover just never give up she will recover never never think negative. Your mom will be in my prayers

[xT4iw4n3zx]

Originally Posted by ak335

My little cousin had leukemia for about 12 moths, he lives in England, he is only 12 years old, he was doing chemotherapy for maybe 6 moths, He had a bone marrow transfer which was extremely helpful, He is now slowly starting to live a normal life, Your mom will recover just never give up she will recover never never think negative. Your mom will be in my prayers

Thank you very very very much! How advanced was his leukemia? How effective is chemotherapy nowadays on cancers? =/ Do they only prolong life or can they actually save them?

Originally Posted by ideliver

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst...this is not a good cancer to get...please consider getting treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson depending on your location...best of luck to you...I am certain that you have made your mother proud...

Thank you, and what are the benefits of putting her in a renowned hospital? As far as money goes we can't afford to put her in a famous top of the line clinic, it's just not in our budget, especially since close to all of those hospitals are in the USA -- and your health care is too expensive. Here in Canada this is all being paid for by the government through the Health Care plan, so thank goodness for that!

[just4kickz]

Originally Posted by xT4iw4n3zx

I was told that the X-rays previous to the CT Scan showed 3 nodules in her upper lobes. Does that help? What does your research do btw?

basically we're trying to see if damaged airways, be it from cancer/smoking/disease etc can be repopulated with stem cells. not really a stem cell therapy yet, but it can be developed into one if we find a successful way to do so. plus we're working with one of the most basic airway, the trachea as nobody has done this yet... so it may take years to find a way to do so with the lung itself.

IMO just hope that chemo helps, but even so you've probably been told that if its successful, there's always a chance of reoccurance.

i would definitely get a second or even third opinion... doctors can only tell people what they've seen from experience. doesn't hurt to get more advice/info.

[jk6672]

I'm sorry, I feel for you. Both my grandmothers have died from cancer, and my mother had cancer and had a full recovery.

[Kev]

Originally Posted by just4kickz

as for 'Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma' did they say what exactly that meant? or where the cancer was? there are like 27 levels of bronchi and then aveloi... are just aveloi. i'm sure i could find out myself... but im too lazy. reason why i ask is because my lab is doing research on repopulating airways using embryonic stem cells.

It's a subtype of adenocarcinoma of the lung. I assume that since they told OP and his mother that this is Bronchioalveolar carcinoma, they have already taken biopsies of the nodules that they saw on CT and had a tissue diagnosis. It doesn't matter what level of the bronchi is involved. It's just terminology used to describe the tissue type.

Originally Posted by xT4iw4n3zx

I'm usually a lurker on these forums, but something's come up in my life and I need support, advice, and a reality check.

Well, just yesterday my Mom was diagnosed with Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, a rare type of Lung Cancer (about 10% of all cases of lung cancer are this type). I'm 17 years old and this has been just devastating on me and the rest of the family.

She has been in the hospital for 3 weeks now, and got out yesterday after she was diagnosed. I'm getting a rough story here on what exactly is the scenario. From my Mom (who usually understates things) I hear that her doctor at the hospital told her that "4 months of chemotherapy" and she will be good, and that she could live till she's 70 years old. Is this possible? The doctor has also said that her cancer is extensive, but so far, still inside the lung. So I'm assuming it's Stage 1 or 2?

So after being diagnosed she was scheduled for chemotherapy on the 22nd of May, but the oncologist called today and said he wants to see her on Monday instead (May 4th, 2009). I asked him what the chances were of my mom living till she was 70 (she's currently 53) and he said "it's a small chance, but it's not zero". Apparently there are things they can do with this specific type of cancer, so I hope all the best happens. As for life expectancy though I asked how long it was, judging by what he's seen throughout his career, and he said on average patients who come in with Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma all along their lungs..... it's less than a year.

So I'm posting on here (I know right? A car forum) because I know there are some intelligent people on here. Any doctors here? Anyone who's lost a family member due to cancer? What was it like? How do you feel now?

What should I expect and how long do I have with my Mom? =/

I'm very sorry to hear that. I have lost my grandfather to colon cancer and it wasn't easy seeing that he almost beat it but it came back at the very last moment.

I'm making a couple assumptions here that your mother already had biopsies taken from her lung and the diagnosis of bronchioalveolar carcinoma is made that way, as well as your mother is not refusing surgery.

*Disclaimer* I'm not a doctor yet and am definitely not an oncologist so this is all based on my text book learning.

Bronchioalveolar is a subset of adenocarcinoma so it is classified as non-small cell lung cancer clinically. The treatment of choice for Stage 1 or 2 NSCLC is usually surgical resection (wedge resection, lobectomy or pneumonectomy). Stage 3 is usually treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy and then followed by resection. Stage 4 is usually treated with systemic chemotherapy in hopes of palliation.

[xT4iw4n3zx]

Originally Posted by Kev

It's a subtype of adenocarcinoma of the lung. I assume that since they told OP and his mother that this is Bronchioalveolar carcinoma, they have already taken biopsies of the nodules that they saw on CT and had a tissue diagnosis. It doesn't matter what level of the bronchi is involved. It's just terminology used to describe the tissue type.



I'm very sorry to hear that. I have lost my grandfather to colon cancer and it wasn't easy seeing that he almost beat it but it came back at the very last moment.

I'm making a couple assumptions here that your mother already had biopsies taken from her lung and the diagnosis of bronchioalveolar carcinoma is made that way, as well as your mother is not refusing surgery.

*Disclaimer* I'm not a doctor yet and am definitely not an oncologist so this is all based on my text book learning.

Bronchioalveolar is a subset of adenocarcinoma so it is classified as non-small cell lung cancer clinically. The treatment of choice for Stage 1 or 2 NSCLC is usually surgical resection (wedge resection, lobectomy or pneumonectomy). Stage 3 is usually treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy and then followed by resection. Stage 4 is usually treated with systemic chemotherapy in hopes of palliation.

She cannot get surgery apparently, I'm not too sure why. We will see the oncologist Monday so I'll update as we go along. As well as a Lung Cancer, my Mom also has Pneumonia (which is being treated right now with antibiotics).

Originally Posted by Kev

I'm sorry, I feel for you. Both my grandmothers have died from cancer, and my mother had cancer and had a full recovery.

What type of cancer? How? When was this? What treatment plan did she undergo?