Anyone know about lung cancer??? Nurses?

My dad call this morning and said that my aunt Peggy went to the immediate care because she couldn't breath.  They sent her to the hospital and within a short amount of time they had her in surgery for the cancer.  Dad said they are going to start chemo/radiation right away. 

I'm assuming since it all happened so fast that the cancer is pretty developed.  Does anyone have any insight?

Sorry, I deal with kids, so I don't know much about lung cancer. I will keep her in my prayers. Keep us posted.

Not a nurse but I know a little about Lung Ca - MIL died from it and my Grandpa too.   In both cases they lived with it for about 10 years before it became difficult to breath and went for treatment.  Both were smokers.

MIL KNEW she had it in 95 but didn't actively seek treatment until she was diagnosed with 6 months to live, in 2002.  By this time she had cancer in OTHER areas of her body.  MIL smoked until 2 days before she died.

My Grandpa, on the other hand smoked off and on for his "nerves".  They found his after being diagnosed with Colon Cancer during a PET Scan.  The Cancer is both the colon and lungs was so bad they couldn't decide where the Cancer started first.  Grandpa was diagnosed in Aug of 2000 and died in Jan of 2001 - he chose to do without Chemo and Radiation.  He lived a good life for 83 years and he WAS NOT going to suffer through the rest of it!

There are a couple of types (each have subdivisions)  Small Cell Carcinoma (SCLC) is normally treated with chemotheraphy and Non Small Cell Carcinoma (NSCLC) is usually treated with surgery.  What SUX about Lung Ca is it's not usually ONLY in the Lungs. 

Treatment has come a long way in the last few years and they have ways of detecting stuff now that amazes me.  The surgery for your Aunt may have been fast BUT if they got it all and start on Chemo she stand a fighting chance!  The treatment is as bad as the disease though.

Wish I could give you better news - research it on the web when you find out what type she has and keep an open mind about treatment.

Frankie

Hi!  I'm a hospice nurse so I definitely see lots of cancer, unfortunately.  It's sounds like a good thing that the hospital is being very aggressive,  not making her wait around for further growth.  It depends on the type of cancer as to how fast it grows and what stage she is in, and if it is anywhere else in her body.  All these are factors in her prognosis.  I pray things go well for your aunt and your family.
Sherie

NO!! according to Dr Val my sisters radiologist there is no surgery past stage 1 ...maybe 2 my sister was already in stage 4/5 and they would not do surgery... we asked about my mom when she had her lung cancer why they did surgery he said it was because she had hope of recovery.

He said surgery wouldnt help my sister because she was to0 advanced.. My mom lived a year longer and actually died of a heart attack not lung cancer..

Linda Kay