Lung cancer

[bloopbloob]

I know it's very vague subject title. But don't have many answers right now. Anyone with any experience, advice, recommendations etc., it is all appreciated. My 36 yr old wife has severe pain in her chest. Went to ER. Got xray then immediate admission to a CT scan. CT AND XRAY both indicated cancer. Bloodwork after 1 week shows exact same white blood cell count, which is through the roof. WBC Didn't recede at all with aggresive antibiotics, indicating cancer. Tests show a Tennis ball sized mass in her lung. Have to wait until June 27th for a biopsy, but she is getting worse every day. I can't even hug or hold her because she can't breathe. Getting desperate for any sort of help. If anyone has any sort of experience or advice, I'm all ears. Thanks.

[Bigwoodsman]

No experience with this myself. But I wish you and your wife all the best. I’ll say a prayer for the both of you

BW

[bloopbloob]

Originally Posted by Bigwoodsman

No experience with this myself. But I wish you and your wife all the best. I’ll say a prayer for the both of you

BW

Thank you

[Twisted Canuck]

I don't have any experience to offer you any advice (my dad and uncle passed from other types of cancer)...but I will say that you will be in our thoughts. It's a terrible thing to face, and I sincerely hope for the best for your wife. TC

[Bushrat]

If shes having trouble breathing and in severe pain, take her to emergency, tell them whats going on.

[bloopbloob]

Originally Posted by Bushrat

If shes having trouble breathing and in severe pain, take her to emergency, tell them whats going on.

That's the thing. We went to emergency. Then they ran all these tests. Now told to wait....

[Kurt505]

So sorry to hear about your situation. My sister works at the cross doing ultrasound, I can ask her if there's anything you can do to help. Sorry I'm not much help, I don't usually ask her about her work.

[drhu22]

You can phone 811 (Health Link) for free health related advice from a registered nurse in Alberta... it is a very good service. Best wishes to your wife and you.

https://www.albertahealthservices.ca...x.html#contact

[skidderman]

I've had high grade prostate cancer which gives me some experience but given that I don't know if there is any pat or correct answers. Trust me, I wish there were. If there is any way you can convince her doctor of how bad it is progressing it is worth a try. Getting mad will close doors, being persistent might open some doors. If her doctor is asleep try to find another. This hurts but ask them to be honest. Sometimes they hold back information I guess trying to be nice but for me the truth is important. Be with her every trip & don't try or think you can fix it. You can't. Get 2nd & even third opinions if possible. Just be a friend to her and try to understand what she is going through. Sometimes, hopefully not here patients get angry & take it out on their loved ones. If that happens don't give up. Keep pushing the health system & stand beside her. It's not an easy road. May God be with both of you at this very trying time. Oh how I detest cancer!!!!!!!!

[rosh]

So sorry to hear this!! We are pulling for you, your wife and family. Lots of good stuff out of CBD, can’t hurt to start on it right away. Thoughts are with you all!!

[Ishpah]

I don't know what to tell you first. I think that starting a prayer chain for her recovery would be of utmost importance and the sooner the better.
Secondly, you indicate her symptoms are worsening by the day. You need to get her to that biopsy ASAP. How do you do that? Well, her attending physician would be her first option, but, maybe it would expedite things if she was taken to emergency. She needs to be at the head of the queue. Time is of the essence and a biopsy can be done after the tumor is removed.
Her cancer is aggressive by the sounds of it. She cannot do it alone. You have to hold her hand and demand things get done.

[bloopbloob]

Originally Posted by Ishpah

I don't know what to tell you first. I think that starting a prayer chain for her recovery would be of utmost importance and the sooner the better.
Secondly, you indicate her symptoms are worsening by the day. You need to get her to that biopsy ASAP. How do you do that? Well, her attending physician would be her first option, but, maybe it would expedite things if she was taken to emergency. She needs to be at the head of the queue. Time is of the essence and a biopsy can be done after the tumor is removed.
Her cancer is aggressive by the sounds of it. She cannot do it alone. You have to hold her hand and demand things get done.

Thanks. I know we can't wait a month. I'm very concerned but don't know what to do to speed things up. All indications point to late stage cancer. I feel like I'm watching her die right in front of me and am unable to help. Love this woman. Too young for this to be happening.

[Ishpah]

Originally Posted by bloopbloob

Thanks. I know we can't wait a month. I'm very concerned but don't know what to do to speed things up. All indications point to late stage cancer. I feel like I'm watching her die right in front of me and am unable to help. Love this woman. Too young for this to be happening.

what to do to speed things upTake her to the emergency department nearest the cancer clinic. If she is struggling for breath, she needs immediate attention. The day after tomorrow is TOO LATE! Get as many relatives to go with you.

[Jamie]

Originally Posted by Ishpah

what to do to speed things upTake her to the emergency department nearest the cancer clinic. If she is struggling for breath, she needs immediate attention. The day after tomorrow is TOO LATE! Get as many relatives to go with you.

Better yet, Call a ambulance from inside Calgary and close to the Foothills hospital. (Cancer Clinic)

[Sooner]

If her doc can't get her in to the cross cancer like yesterday, emerg seems like the way to go. One of my best friends had lung cancer and when he had breathing issues, emerg was the first stop. At least they get you on oxygen and meds to calm the panic that comes with it.

I hope your wife is seen asap. The sooner she meets with a cancer doc, the better.

Good luck, take care. Stressful times but those docs can do wonders. Hoping for the best for your wife.

[Cement Bench]

Originally Posted by Ishpah

what to do to speed things upTake her to the emergency department nearest the cancer clinic. If she is struggling for breath, she needs immediate attention. The day after tomorrow is TOO LATE! Get as many relatives to go with you.

hope for the best and get her into emergency NOW

take care my friend Cement Bench

[2 Tollers]

Originally Posted by bloopbloob

Thanks. I know we can't wait a month. I'm very concerned but don't know what to do to speed things up. All indications point to late stage cancer. I feel like I'm watching her die right in front of me and am unable to help. Love this woman. Too young for this to be happening.

My Dad had lung cancer and they took out 1 of three lobes on his lung. A healthy person can get by on one lung. He was not healthy due to smoking and welding as a career.

June 27th is to long for getting in for tests. You did not mention which hospital emergency you went to. I have heard good things about Red Deer from two friends that were treated there. The Walter C in Edmonton has direct connections to the Cross (mu sister went this route). Foothills in Calgary. Pick a hospital connected to a cancer centre and head into the emergency. Typically emergency wards fill up during the day so if you can get in very early (around 5 am) just before shift changes you can get in quick and new staff come on shift for 7 to 8.

Try the health link -- some of the people that answer are not good. If you get one of those hang up and call back a little later. There are some good folks on the health link you just have to get to them.

Good luck and the best thoughts from our family are with you. Lung cancer treatments have come a long ways in the last 10 years so do not give up hope. Just get in and you may have to push to get help.

[Ishpah]

No update in five days from the last post by Bloopbloob does not bode well with me.. I hope and pray that he got her in and that there is a remedy available for her.

[Fish along]

So sorry for you and your wife, I hope something good comes out of this,my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[bloopbloob]

Originally Posted by Ishpah

No update in five days from the last post by Bloopbloob does not bode well with me.. I hope and pray that he got her in and that there is a remedy available for her.

Sorry. Just no news to report. Still waiting. I really wish I could post a great picture I have of her fishing. Just to put a face to this nasty disease. Don't know how, now that photobucket is gone. She is so gorgeous and still so young. Came out of nowhere. Cherish what you have while you have it!

Sorry to all I have not replied to directly, just don't have time for all that, but all prayers and advice and recommendations have been read and very much appreciated, so thank you all.

[Crankbait]

Originally Posted by bloopbloob

I know it's very vague subject title. But don't have many answers right now. Anyone with any experience, advice, recommendations etc., it is all appreciated. My 36 yr old wife has severe pain in her chest. Went to ER. Got xray then immediate admission to a CT scan. CT AND XRAY both indicated cancer. Bloodwork after 1 week shows exact same white blood cell count, which is through the roof. WBC Didn't recede at all with aggresive antibiotics, indicating cancer. Tests show a Tennis ball sized mass in her lung. Have to wait until June 27th for a biopsy, but she is getting worse every day. I can't even hug or hold her because she can't breathe. Getting desperate for any sort of help. If anyone has any sort of experience or advice, I'm all ears. Thanks.

call 911 now

[pikergolf]

Terrible situation for a young couple to find themselves in. My wife and I will say a prayer for you. I don't know what else to say. Terrible.

[sns2]

Praying for speedy treatment and a good outcome.

[ReconWilly]

I have been hearing amazing things about hydrogen peroxide and ozone therapy, i just picked up a gallon of food grade %35 hydrogen peroxide from om the hydroponics store and I'm going to start taking it myself.

Alot of people also talk about a more alkaline diet and alkaline water,, i keep all my filtered water highly alkaline and i have felt great since i made that a priority.

I'm not sure it will help but maybe worth doing some research on?

Hope everything works out for the best.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NjxtT4FBp-o

[Prairiewolf]

My sympathies to you and your family right now. I know firsthand how helpless you feel watching a loved one suffer while you're told to wait. Its hard to understand that there are unfortunately many in your situation and only so many resources to address everyone.

Best thing you can do is be supportive. First off, don't walk around the house mad, panicked, or frustrated. A calm demeanour (at least on the surface) will help her calm down too.

Second, look into getting some medical oxygen in your home. I haven't done this in Calgary but perhaps HealthLink will direct you to how to procure this. This will help immensely and make the waiting part a bit more bearable.

Third, keep everyone hydrated - all body systems work better when hydrated.

I hope the situation improves, all the best.

[Ranger CS]

A friend of mine was diagnosed with lung cancer years ago. Underwent surgery, removed a large part of one lung and he lived several years afterwards with no recurrence.
Don't know your financial circumstances, the Cancer Clinic Of America uses state of the art medical treatment, apparently with pretty good results.
My best wishes for you and your wife.

[MK2750]

Originally Posted by bloopbloob

I know it's very vague subject title. But don't have many answers right now. Anyone with any experience, advice, recommendations etc., it is all appreciated. My 36 yr old wife has severe pain in her chest. Went to ER. Got xray then immediate admission to a CT scan. CT AND XRAY both indicated cancer. Bloodwork after 1 week shows exact same white blood cell count, which is through the roof. WBC Didn't recede at all with aggresive antibiotics, indicating cancer. Tests show a Tennis ball sized mass in her lung. Have to wait until June 27th for a biopsy, but she is getting worse every day. I can't even hug or hold her because she can't breathe. Getting desperate for any sort of help. If anyone has any sort of experience or advice, I'm all ears. Thanks.

I can't speak for other facilities but the treatment my wife received at the Red Deer Hospital was incredible. It was almost happening too fast to absorb all the info. Diagnoses just before Christmas, surgery 2nd or 3rd of January, absolutely awesome surgeon that kept us fully informed, excellent aftercare and 5 years cancer free. They have recently upgraded the cancer treatment center so everything you might need is right there. The smaller town atmosphere might be less stressful than the big city for her.

Treatment has come a long way and a cancer diagnoses is no longer an automatic death sentence. A positive attitude from all around is imperative so make certain she is surrounded with encouragement. The internet is full of ridiculous claims from miracle cures to conspiracy theories. As difficult as it may seem, try to keep her focused on positive things she enjoys doing rather than searching the web for answers. Your doctors will keep you well informed and discuss your different options throughout the process, or at least they did with us here in Red Deer.

[lmtada]

Originally Posted by bloopbloob

I know it's very vague subject title. But don't have many answers right now. Anyone with any experience, advice, recommendations etc., it is all appreciated. My 36 yr old wife has severe pain in her chest. Went to ER. Got xray then immediate admission to a CT scan. CT AND XRAY both indicated cancer. Bloodwork after 1 week shows exact same white blood cell count, which is through the roof. WBC Didn't recede at all with aggresive antibiotics, indicating cancer. Tests show a Tennis ball sized mass in her lung. Have to wait until June 27th for a biopsy, but she is getting worse every day. I can't even hug or hold her because she can't breathe. Getting desperate for any sort of help. If anyone has any sort of experience or advice, I'm all ears. Thanks.

X2. Good luck Bloopbloob. The tests and uncertainty are nerve wracking. Wife also has a Tumor on her kidney (2.5”). Just finished ct scans, blood work, X-rays. However to book appointments takes 2-3 weeks. She particularly doesn’t like the assigned doctor. Looking at different doctor. Then longer wait times. The pain from Tumor does not allow her to sleep. Taking meds to dull pain, however she does not sleep well. I have to admit. We are angry at Alberta health. Seems to be non functioning, and you cannot book appointments. They call you when to book the appointment. When you have paid millions (yes millions between the two of us combined (50% my tax dollars going towards healthcare)), you receive terrible service. This is a crime. The tax system is a joke. The next test is Monday. May decide to remove kidney. Thinking about heading south. Good luck Bloop.

[bloopbloob]

Originally Posted by lmtada

X2. Good luck Bloopbloob. The tests and uncertainty are nerve wracking. Wife also has a Tumor on her kidney (2.5”). Just finished ct scans, blood work, X-rays. However to book appointments takes 2-3 weeks. She particularly doesn’t like the assigned doctor. Looking at different doctor. Then longer wait times. The pain from Tumor does not allow her to sleep. Taking meds to dull pain, however she does not sleep well. I have to admit. We are angry at Alberta health. Seems to be non functioning, and you cannot book appointments. They call you when to book the appointment. When you have paid millions (yes millions between the two of us combined (50% my tax dollars going towards healthcare)), you receive terrible service. This is a crime. The tax system is a joke. The next test is Monday. May decide to remove kidney. Thinking about heading south. Good luck Bloop.

Sorry to hear that. Nobody should ever have to go through stuff like this, but I know it happens daily. We are certainly not alone. Really sucks. Good luck to you and your wife as well, positive thoughts being sent your way.

Thank you to all who have responded and PM'd me

The waiting, and not knowing, and lack of urgency from health care are definitely extremely tough on the mind. She has always had a fear of needles, needs to be held down, and cries though it. She has nightmares now about what the future holds in a hospital room. Neither of us get any sleep between that and her cough attacks every 10minutes. It's not just physically tough, it runs you down mentally. Having to have honest conversations about death, and the kids and their future etc. is gut wrenching

[buckbrush]

I have no advice to give.

I can not imagine what you are going through and this thread has really opened my eyes. Always so busy planning and preparing for the future. Never know when life is going to throw you a curve ball.

Prayers sent for you and your family. Please keep us updated on the progress of her treatment. Keep your chin up, lots of advancements over the years and many people you talk to are survivors these days.