Cancer Support
Related: About this forumA family member has advanced lung cancer
My closest sibling. I'm in shock. I learned it's in the hylar region from and around the trachea.
I'm going to help manage her case and need to get all the information that I can.
It's just the beginning so the type is unknown. Yesterday a broncoscopy. Tomorrow a pet scan and pulmonary function.
So the genetic testing takes a full three weeks? Is that necessary to know what kind of cancer we're dealing with? Are there ways to find a consultant-cancer expert for a second or third opinion if a quick decision must be made say radiation vs chemo vs immunotherapy if a candidate?
Worried that it is all happening quickly and that I'm absolutely new to this.
Enter stage left
(3,885 posts)flamingdem
(39,986 posts)nocoincidences
(2,358 posts)Make yourself an expert on this particular cancer if you want to be her support and advocate.
Google is definitely your friend, so don't hesitate to research it. Patient groups who all have this cancer can be found and will tell you everything you need to know.
flamingdem
(39,986 posts)Getting informed is about all I can do right now.
cilla4progress
(26,007 posts)in my heart, flamingdem!
flamingdem
(39,986 posts)CentralMass
(15,696 posts)flamingdem
(39,986 posts)Much appreciated
littlemissmartypants
(26,139 posts)It may have already been suggested but a good starting point is the American Cancer Society.
https://www.cancer.org/
Stay encouraged.
❤
flamingdem
(39,986 posts)and I'm sorry for the loss of your dad.
littlemissmartypants
(26,139 posts)ancianita
(39,093 posts)sibling you're closest to. You are tackling this and sound strong.
Please take care of yourself all the while.
It's not so weird anymore, these genetic tests, and can be worth the wait because now that they can do gene editing so stop the cancer. I don't know a lot, but I read about CRISPR Cas9 uses for curing genetically inheritable diseases, and some cancers are in that category.
moonscape
(5,428 posts)is common or not, but my best advice is to seek out the best oncology specialist in it that you can find. Then seek another, anywhere, and get a 2nd/additional opinion via video conferencing.
I know with my cancer, those who do that tend to live longer and have better remission rates, and I tend to think its a good idea regardless the life-threatening disease we have. All our research and learning is so we can ask salient questions and understand the answers!
Very sorry your sibling got this news. How fortunate for her that you are there by her side.
flamingdem
(39,986 posts)I want to get a second opinion from the closest cancer center but it's still too much of a drive.
cate94
(2,919 posts)Other lung cancers offer more hope and more time and options. Hoping for the best for you.
flamingdem
(39,986 posts)From what I understand small cell is more aggressive?
cate94
(2,919 posts)With non small cell there is more hope.