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Xaqtly
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
 
2008-04-08, 12:07

My mother found out she has lung cancer a couple weeks ago. She has a tumor that's too close to the pulmonary artery for removal, so she's been told her only potential options are chemotherapy or removal of her left lung. She's going to see an Oncologist this week, and they should be able to help clarify her options a bit, right now we don't know if chemotherapy will help or not.

What I found odd was that she seemed fine with the lung removal option. It didn't seem to bother her at all. I was just wondering if anybody here had any experience with living with one lung, if you knew anybody who had gone through that or anything. She doesn't have to make a decision for a while and she'll need more tests run first anyway and she's fine in the meantime. But I was just wondering if anybody had any insight on it... I found myself wondering how hard it would be to live normally with one lung and I honestly have no idea.

I don't mean to suggest she doesn't know what she's doing, but I tend to think living with one lung may be more difficult than she thinks it will be. On the other hand she probably sees it as the option that will rid her of lung cancer, so that's an understandably attractive option in that context.
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Mugge
Thunderbolt, fuck yeah!
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Denmark
 
2008-04-08, 12:33



I'm sorry to hear about your mother, Xaqtly. My dad had cancer in his liver and made a full recovery. He got two thirds of his liver removed, but it grew back to normal size again. Guess lungs wont do that.

I have no idea about lung cancer, so you'll have to settle with my moral support. I hope your mother will win her fight.

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Hassan i Sabbah
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: london and københavn
 
2008-04-08, 13:16

Well. I have a friend who has no breasts, one lung and one kidney, I think (how many livers do you have? One. Right, so it's one kidney. Actually, I might have the kidney thing wrong. Anyway, she has no breasts and one lung)

She was misdiagnosed with breast cancer and eventually had them both removed, but not before really terrible metastasising. She is not only fine, but flourishing, and, dare I say it, very sexy.

This is only to say that I know someone with one lung who is fine.

Apart from that, I'm really sorry to hear what you say and hope you're all OK. I'm sure you will be.

gibberish
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Bryson
Rocket Surgeon
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The Canadark
 
2008-04-08, 13:24

My girlfriends aunt has only one lung, and she does alright - but gets tired a lot more easily, and can have breathing difficulties on bad days. But she's doing ok. The backstory to why she has one lung is a bit of a horror story, though. If you'd prefer not to read it, stop now.
Spoiler (click to toggle):
She was diagnosed with a malignant cancer on her left lung. The doctors felt that the best course of action was to remove the lung. Upon waking from the surgery, the doctors had to come in and admit that due to an administrative error, the surgeon had removed the wrong lung. A few weeks later she had a second surgery to remove the tumour only from the remaining lung. Once that was biopsied, it turned out that the tumour was not malignant after all.

Her husband is a medical malpractice lawyer. (And quite a good one, at that.)
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psmith2.0
Mr. Vieira
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Tennessee
 
2008-04-08, 13:28

I suppose you would limit activities and perhaps use some oxygen from time to time? I'm not really sure, but I've read in magazines (Reader's Digest and the like) of people with one lung, or diminished capacity and they're living a life.

This would be the stuff to sort out from the doctors and ask all the questions imaginable.

Sorry to hear this...



I've noticed a scary trend the past few years: the older I'm getting, the more I'm hearing from friends of friends or co-workers about people roughly my age (under 50) battling some form of cancer. Really knocks you for a loop to think about the often random nature of such a thing (especially when it strikes someone who "does all the right things" in terms of healthy living, diet, exercise, etc.) You just think "okay, that's just cruel...".

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kretara
Cynical Old Bastard
 
Join Date: May 2004
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2008-04-08, 14:20

I was a Respiratory Therapist for quite a while. I spent most of my time working with infants, but I did have to work with big people for a while.
Going down to one lung is not as bad as it sounds. As long as she has good/decent lung function in the one good lung, she should be able to live normally (will get short of breath more often and won't run a marathon). If she is a long time smoker, there is a good chance that the remaining lung will have damage. If this is the case, there is a good chance she will need occasional oxygen and and a bronchodilator.

She will also be much more likely to have complications from flu or walking pneumonia.

Back in the mid 90's I took care of an old soldier who had lived since WWII with only 3/4 of a lung. He had lived a long and happy life. So, you can live with only one lung.

You're looking at eons of repression getting purged. If only they'd let us jerk off.

Beware the man of one book. ~ Saint Thomas Aquinas
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Xaqtly
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
 
2008-04-08, 15:16

Thanks for the info and comments. We don't know exactly how good her other lung is yet, they're going to find that out later apparently. Mostly I was concerned because she lives in New Hampshire on a farm, by herself. She doesn't have lots of animals or anything (just one pony) but it gets damn cold there in the winter, well below zero sometimes.

It doesn't help that I'm over 3000 miles away. But she still has a few more doctors to see and some more tests to go through, and then she'll have a clearer picture of what her options are. But it's good to know that people can live a fairly normal life with one lung. I just hope if it comes to that, that her other lung is in decent shape.
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Swox
OK Mr. Sunshine!
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Toronto
 
2008-04-08, 15:48

Sorry to hear about your mom. My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer about 3 years ago and had her lung removed. I don't want to scare you with her story, because it was much worse than most people experience.

She had a terrible lung specialist who is one of the biggest a-holes I've ever met in my life. She had major infections after the first surgery, which he blamed on her (obviously it was the unconscious person's fault), had to put off the second surgery (the first takes out the lung, the second seals the hole) for two years, during which she had to have the hole in her side cleaned and packed twice every day (the pain actually fried her nerves in that area), and she developed a lung infection and a medical error caused her heart to stop (she was revived).

After all of that, she finally had it closed last year, though she continues to have some difficulties. She finds the cold to be unbearable (we live in Canada), has limited lung capacity (though this is, in part, her fault - she doesn't do all of her exercises), continuing pain management issues, organs shifting, etc.

So, for someone who survived the ordeal, she had about as bad of an experience as possible.

Chances are your mom won't experience the same level of incompetence, or bad luck. A friend of my dad's had a lung removed a while ago and had no problems whatsoever. It is important to know, I believe, that this would be a major surgery, and they always come with risks. With lung tumors, there may not be much of an option, but I would suggest preparing for the worst, just in case. I had to fly from Saskatoon (where I was living at the time) twice due as a result with next to no notice. Fortunately, I'm a student and was able to miss classes.

I don't want to freak you out by any means, but I do think it's important to understand the reality of undergoing surgery, particularly one this major. If this is the best option (and it sounds like it is), just be prepared for the worst, and hope for the best. I sincerely hope that no one else has to go through the hell that we have, and wish you and your mom all the best.

Do not be oppressed by the forces of ignorance and delusion! But rise up now with resolve and courage! Entranced by ignorance, from beginningless time until now, You have had more than enough time to sleep. So do not slumber any longer, but strive after virtue with body, speech, and mind!
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veryamusing
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
 
2008-04-08, 16:08

So sorry to hear about this, Xaqtly...



They can't transplant a lung, can they?

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thegeriatric
geri to my friends
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Heaven
 
2008-04-08, 16:27

Sorry to hear your news, i wish both you and your mom all the best.
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EmC
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Columbus, Georgia
 
2008-04-08, 16:27

I am sorry to hear about your mother. My grandmother was diagnosed with softball sized mass in her lung 4 years ago. She went through a round of chemo and targeted radiation. Afterwards the mass could not be detected on any of the films or scans and she was in remission for about a year and a half. Then the cancer returned and she passed within four months. Cancer runs in the family and scares the shit out of me. I hope your mother gets the best treatment and can make it through.

I had heard about relay for life before my grandmother passed away. I had donated through various school functions. This year I am so happy that the school I work for has made Relay for Life its cause our goal is $25,000. It is a great opportunity to meet survivors and honor those who lost their life to cancer.

What Adobe Updater‽ What‽ What‽ WHAT‽
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billybobsky
BANNED
I am worthless beyond hope.
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Inner Swabia. If you have to ask twice, don't.
 
2008-04-08, 19:44

Quote:
Originally Posted by veryamusing View Post
So sorry to hear about this, Xaqtly...



They can't transplant a lung, can they?

They can, but they wouldn't... you can live with one lung...


Sorry about your mom, Xaqtly...
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MBHockey
skates=grafs
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: New York
 
2008-04-08, 20:19

I hope everything turns out ok, Xaqtly.
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InactionMan
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
 
2008-04-08, 22:24

Having a lung removed sounds extreme but given how aggressive lung cancer can be it seems like a reasonable option.

Hope everything works out okay for your family.

Last edited by InactionMan : 2008-04-08 at 22:48.
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drewprops
Space Pirate
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Atlanta
 
2008-04-08, 22:44

One of my uncles is in his mid 80's and has been on one lung for the last 25 or 30 years.... we're thinking of you and your Mom.

Steve Jobs ate my cat's watermelon.
Captain Drew on Twitter
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AWR
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: State of Flux
 
2008-04-09, 02:33

Sorry to hear that Xactly. I hope that all goes well. Take care.

I was not aware that the one lung options seems to work so well in many circumstances.
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Xaqtly
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
 
2008-04-09, 10:36

Thanks for the well wishes. I'm encouraged that at least it seems like living with one lung probably wouldn't be as bad as I was imagining it would be.
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kretara
Cynical Old Bastard
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: The Hot, Hazey, Humid South
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2008-04-09, 12:19

Lots of info below. Don't let it scare you or make you think you will receive bad service/care everywhere.
These are just general guidelines for everyone.

I figure that Hitchcock (in Dartmouth) could do this type of surgery. I have no experience with them though.
Any of the big hospitals in Boston could also do this surgery.

After having worked at Mass. General, I would not let my fictitious dog (and I hate dogs) go there for anything.
I worked at and spent some time as a patient at Beth Israel and it was a great place and the care I got was excellent.
I also heard good things about New England Medical Center.

IMHO - Harvard Medical School puts out great medical researchers but (in my experience) the quality of their patient care doctors is only so-so. I found the docs from Tufts and BU to be far better docs than most of the Harvard docs I worked with.

As a patient, you have the right to demand that an attending (or at a minimum a senior fellow) physician preform the surgery and follow-up care. Do demand this. You really don't want some resident or new fellow doing the surgery. They can watch and assist, but not do.

Also, keep close watch on what drugs your mom is being given. Once your mom leaves the OR and Recovery she will most likely be cared for by a few interns and a resident. They are notorious (nationwide) for writing orders for the wrong drugs (especially if your mom is allergic to anything). Ask your nurse questions. Most times, they will be very helpful and and they will take good care of you.

Also, don't be shy about talking to the attending physician and taking up his/her time. It is their job to answer any questions you have and to give you a certain level of service. Sometimes they need to be reminded of that (IMHO, surgeons are the worst at blowing off families and questions -- don't let them do this to you). Don't be afraid to ask for a second or third opinion. If asking for a second opinion insults your doc. Find a new doc.

Read the patient bill of rights you will be given and demand the staff and hospital stick to it.
You have the right to 'fire' a nurse or doctor from taking care of your mom (in non-emergency situations). This is a nuclear option, but it is an option if you are getting chronically bad care from a nurse/doc. If you ever have a issue with your nurse, ask for the charge nurse for the unit or the Nurse Manager on duty. They will take care of you.

If you have an issue with a doc.
Resident/intern: ask to speak with the head resident or the doc who is managing the residents.
Fellow: ask to speak to the head fellow or the attending physician
Attending: ask to speak to either the Head Physician of the hospital or whichever physician is in charge of the hospital at that time (like the head attending on the night shift).

If a serious issue occurs on the night shift (usually staffed by residents and fellows), don't let them (the docs/nurses) tell you that it will have to wait until the day shift arrives. That is bull. They have physicians (non-resident) on call that they can communicate with and even call in to work. They can also call your attending over a serious issue.

Most hospitals have a patient advocate. It is their job to advocate for your mother. If needed, use them. They can be a big help.

Don't be afraid to use social services (talk to a social worker). Most of the social workers will tweek lucifer's chest hair to assist a patient/family. Well, unless you are in Arkansas. Social Services in Arkansas is a massive joke.

BIGGIE!!!!! Make sure everyone who goes near your mom washes their hands prior to touching her or any equipment hooked up to her. Lack of hand washing is how most serious post-op infections occur. I would also demand that every neck tie be contained in the docs shirt (dangling neck ties are a very well known vector for germs) and that EVERY stethoscope is cleaned prior to touching your mom. IMHO, docs are the absolutely worst about washing their hands or their equipment.

Either your nurse or respiratory therapist will give your mom some breathing exercises to do on a routine basis. They might seem silly, but they are very important and your mom needs to do them. No slacking off, she has to give it her full effort in order to keep her lung functioning correctly during her hospital stay and her recovery period.

You're looking at eons of repression getting purged. If only they'd let us jerk off.

Beware the man of one book. ~ Saint Thomas Aquinas
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Xaqtly
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
 
2008-04-10, 11:44

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep this handy when I talk with her about what her options are.
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Xaqtly
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
 
2008-05-01, 11:19

An update - After a lot of tests and scans, we know that the tumor has not metastasized, there's no danger to her brain at the moment, or anything else. However they did spot something in her other lung. They don't know exactly what it is yet, it might be a tumor or maybe not. But because of this, they've decided to go ahead with chemotherapy instead of removing her lung.

She hasn't started with that yet, but she will soon. Thanks again for all the advice above, I appreciate it.
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Swox
OK Mr. Sunshine!
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Toronto
 
2008-05-01, 12:01

Best wishes to your mom, you, and your family.
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kretara
Cynical Old Bastard
 
Join Date: May 2004
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2008-05-01, 13:23

Quote:
Originally Posted by Xaqtly View Post
An update - After a lot of tests and scans, we know that the tumor has not metastasized, there's no danger to her brain at the moment, or anything else.
That is FANTASTIC news!!!
Cancer that has metastasized is not a good thing at all.
Chemo is bad (while you are taking the drugs), but it quite often has a very positive outcome.

You're looking at eons of repression getting purged. If only they'd let us jerk off.

Beware the man of one book. ~ Saint Thomas Aquinas
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Yontsey
*AD SPACE FOR SALE*
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Cleveland-ish, OH
 
2008-05-01, 13:42

my prayers with you and your family.
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Windswept
On Pacific time
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Moderator's Pub
 
2008-05-01, 16:24

Quote:
Originally Posted by Xaqtly View Post
An update - After a lot of tests and scans, we know that the tumor has not metastasized, there's no danger to her brain at the moment, or anything else. However they did spot something in her other lung. They don't know exactly what it is yet, it might be a tumor or maybe not. But because of this, they've decided to go ahead with chemotherapy instead of removing her lung.

She hasn't started with that yet, but she will soon. Thanks again for all the advice above, I appreciate it.
I sincerely wish your mother, and you, the very best, Xaqtly.

I hope you will keep us updated on how things progress.
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Mac+
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: 🇦🇺
 
2008-05-01, 18:06

Sorry to read about this Xaqtly. I hope the chemo is successful and your mother makes a full recovery.
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