My mother has lung cancer, and today my father was informed she has 6 months, give or take, left. She is currently in the hospital. Its getting kinda late, but we're thinking about getting a second opinion. It looks like she may be in the hospital for a while. My question is how do you go about getting a second opinion, if she's in the hospital. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Bill

First ask around-lots of people have lung cancer and see who they saw. Check them out at their local hospital. Second go to a search engine such as google.com and type in lung cancer. There will be LOTS pop up look for a place near you that deals with lung cancer and have your family DR make the referral. Make it yourself if need be. Then you go get copies of all bld work, xray and ct scans, the radiologist reports for each and the DR. phsical and history. You can get most of this at medical records at the hospital you are going. Your mom has to sign for them tho. Call a day or so in advance because sometimes it takes a few day to get them. Find out what course of tx this Dr wants to do and then see what another will do. Then get back on here and maybe someone here has had the same type of lc and can give you pointers on where to go. DO NOT BELIEVE the stats! Some of us have way outlived what we were told. May God be with you.

_________________
[size=10:07600f51db]'I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me' (and He does!)

I am a 50 yo (DOB 10/13/56), wife, mom of 3, ER nurse (semi-retired).
I was 44 and diagnosed 2/2001 SCLC Extensive R Lung, mediastinal area, vessels of the heart, and L adrenal gland, Cisplatin and Camptosar (Irenotecan) x 9 mos.
Remission 1 yr.
June 2002-youngest got her drivers lis. OH NO! 1st Milestone.
Relapsed in 2/2003, tumor in L lung-6 wks radiation and chemo- carboplatin, VP-16 for 6 mos. also in Feb. 2003 I fell and broke R leg-surgically repaired.
Last chemo treatment Aug. 2003.
Sept 2003 son got married! Another milestone met!
March 2004 pericardial effusion.
Dec. 2004 pericardial effusion still present but smaller and stable
Feb. 2005-I made it--4 years!!!!( since the day I was diagnosed, YEAH!)
Remission TWO YEARS (Aug. 2005)!!!!!!!!!! This time
August 1, 2005 CT scan shows NED and MRI confirms I am still empty headed!
Nov. 2005-all scans STILL NED!!
FEB. 2006- 5 YEARS SINCE DIAGNOSIS!!!
March 2006-All scans still NED
July 2006-All scans NED
Aug. 2006-3 years no chemo-oh yeah!
Dec 2 2006 Middle daughter was married!! Another milestone!
Oct. 2006-All scans NED
Feb 2007-All still NED !!6 YEARS since orig diagnosis!!
June 2007-NED NED NED!!
June 2007 Youngest daughter turned 21!! She was 14 at my diag!
August 2007-4 years since last chemo!!
April 2008-still clean, almost 5 yrs since last chemo, Praise God!

Pic- CindyRN and KatieB at the 2007 Bash
[/size:07600f51db]

Yes, please make sure you do get a second opinion! It was the best thing my husband and I did. Just to add to Cindy's note, make sure you take the origianl films of her scans. When we went we had a bad copy of the last scan that we got from the oncologists office and had to go to the hospital to get origiansl for the team doing the 2nd opinion.

Our family doctor gave us the referral. The oncologists were not offended, it is quite common and they (unfortunately) have plenty of business. Best wishes to you and your family.

Do not listen to timeframes. We were told that my dad had 2 weeks to live and that was 3 months ago! I would also recommend getting a second opinion. We have just recently switched to our 2nd opinion doctor - not due to treatment options but because we as a family needed a doctor that we felt comfortable with and listened to our questions and concerns. This is the best decision we could have made. Though my dads prognosis has not changed we defiantly feel better the process.

When I was looking for where to go to get a 2nd opinion I searched the web to find what hospitals were known for cancer research and patient care. I have attached some links below that helped me in my search. Luckily 2 of the hospitals on the US News and Report list of top cancer hospitals were located in Michigan which is where we live. We called the office and said we wanted a 2nd opinion and they basically held our hand from there.

Top Rated" Cancer Hospitals Information:
HYPERLINK "http://www.usnews.com/usnews/nycu/health/hosptl/rankings/specihqcanc.htm"http://www.usnews.com/usnews/nycu/health/hosptl/rankings/specihqcanc.htm

HYPERLINK "http://www.modernmaturity.org/departments/2002/health/0505_sidebar_7.html"http://www.modernmaturity.org/departments/2002/health/0505_sidebar_7.html

HYPERLINK "http://www.cancercenter.com/promotions/spotlights/default.cfm/12"http://www.cancercenter.com/promotions/spotlights/default.cfm/12

Physician Locator for treatment of Lung cancer:
HYPERLINK "http://www.lungcanceronline.org/care.htm"http://www.lungcanceronline.org/care.htm

Lung Cancer Message Board (You can post questions) Good Site
HYPERLINK "http://www.lungcancersurvivors.org/wwwboard/wwwboard.html"http://www.lungcancersurvivors.org/wwwboard/wwwboard.html

2nd Opinion Advice
HYPERLINK "http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/patients/opinion.html"http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/patients/opinion.html
HYPERLINK "http://www.cancerguide.org/second_opinion.html"http://www.cancerguide.org/second_opinion.html
HYPERLINK "http://www.blochcancer.org/articles/xtrnew.asp"http://www.blochcancer.org/articles/xtrnew.asp
HYPERLINK "http://www.findcancerexperts.com/"http://www.findcancerexperts.com/
HYPERLINK "http://www.cancerlynx.com/pathology.html"http://www.cancerlynx.com/pathology.html

Specific Lung Cancer Links
HYPERLINK "http://lung.bioimmune.com/index.asp"http://lung.bioimmune.com/index.asp
HYPERLINK "http://www.cancerprofiler.nexcura.com/Interface2.asp?CB=111&NewSession"http://www.cancerprofiler.nexcura.com/Interface2.asp?CB=111&NewSession

HYPERLINK "http://www.alcase.org/"http://www.alcase.org/
HYPERLINK "http://www.alcase.org/education/bestcare/index.html"http://www.alcase.org/education/bestcare/index.html
HYPERLINK "/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&group=alt.support.cancer"alt.support.cancer


Good Luck[/url]

_________________
Gianna
Dad age 57 diagnosed 10-24-02 NSCLC-IV-adenocarcinoma-mets to brain and liver
7-10-04 - Dad lost his couragous fight
We miss and love you dad

Gianna,
What a great list of resources you shared! Thanks a bunch!

_________________
"Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." Lance Armstrong

"Every moment is a breath-taking, transitory experience, never to be repeated again." - Don Juan Matus

Tiny
Age 58 at dx; lifelong non-smoker
12/01 dx NSCLC bronchoalveolar-type adenocarcinoma (BAC), Stage IIA
2/02 Lobectomy RLL; no chemo or rad
6/03 MRI = "empty"
3/05 Bone Scan = negative
2/08 CT = "No Evidence for Metastases or Recurrence"
Enjoyed 6+ years of NED
1/09 CT/PET:Recurrent disease: multiple new nodules in both lungs, mediastinal lymph nodes, and spot on liver.
2/3/09 Bone Scan: Degenerative arthritis (hooray!)
2/4/09 Started Tarceva
~~ picture: Temple of Poseidon, Greece 4/08 ~~

Thanks for the list, got some reading for the weekend

_________________
[size=10:07600f51db]'I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me' (and He does!)

I am a 50 yo (DOB 10/13/56), wife, mom of 3, ER nurse (semi-retired).
I was 44 and diagnosed 2/2001 SCLC Extensive R Lung, mediastinal area, vessels of the heart, and L adrenal gland, Cisplatin and Camptosar (Irenotecan) x 9 mos.
Remission 1 yr.
June 2002-youngest got her drivers lis. OH NO! 1st Milestone.
Relapsed in 2/2003, tumor in L lung-6 wks radiation and chemo- carboplatin, VP-16 for 6 mos. also in Feb. 2003 I fell and broke R leg-surgically repaired.
Last chemo treatment Aug. 2003.
Sept 2003 son got married! Another milestone met!
March 2004 pericardial effusion.
Dec. 2004 pericardial effusion still present but smaller and stable
Feb. 2005-I made it--4 years!!!!( since the day I was diagnosed, YEAH!)
Remission TWO YEARS (Aug. 2005)!!!!!!!!!! This time
August 1, 2005 CT scan shows NED and MRI confirms I am still empty headed!
Nov. 2005-all scans STILL NED!!
FEB. 2006- 5 YEARS SINCE DIAGNOSIS!!!
March 2006-All scans still NED
July 2006-All scans NED
Aug. 2006-3 years no chemo-oh yeah!
Dec 2 2006 Middle daughter was married!! Another milestone!
Oct. 2006-All scans NED
Feb 2007-All still NED !!6 YEARS since orig diagnosis!!
June 2007-NED NED NED!!
June 2007 Youngest daughter turned 21!! She was 14 at my diag!
August 2007-4 years since last chemo!!
April 2008-still clean, almost 5 yrs since last chemo, Praise God!

Pic- CindyRN and KatieB at the 2007 Bash
[/size:07600f51db]

Thank you all for you information. My mother was moved to intensive care yesterday, and stopped breathing this morning. She's on life support now. I have talked to her doctors, and it doesn't look like theres much more they can do for here. Her cancer has not responded to the first 2 chemo's and they said it's "unheard of" that a third would work. If she gets better, she will be going to another hospital tommorrow to have lazer surgery to remove two tumors in her airways. Then from there look into the possibility of radiation or other methods. So far it doesn't look good. Its amazing how fast your life can be turned upside down. Thank you all for your responces.
Bill

My best goes out to you and your family right now. I know you are feeling so many different things right now, just know that there are family members and caregivers out here that know exactly what you are going through and WE ARE HERE FOR YOU, friend. Keep in touch with us and let us know about your mom's progress. We are here for you to cry, yell, and lean on.
Hugs

_________________
- Katie Brown, Co-Founder and Director of LCSC-

15 yr cancer survivor.

"Any of us who have experienced the cancer journey- and survived it-
have an obligation to make the path clearer and aid those that come after us."
- Lance Armstrong

In memory of Jessee Dewey, SCLC
December 29, 1938 - September 6, 2003
Lisa Dewey- Jan. 22, 2007
my parents are together in heaven


facebook www.facebook.com/lungevity

Bill,
Such tough news about your mom. Take some deep breaths and hang on. Keep us posted if you feel up to it and know that we are all here to lean on. My best prayers are being said for you mom and her family.

Blessings,
Tiny

The day I feared most has finally come. My mother past away Saturday night, at age 51. There was nothing more the doctors could do for her. We said our goodbyes, they took the machine off, and let her rest in peace. This will be my last post, as I do not have a story to give hope to others. I thank all, who gave me support and I hope you do the same for others.
Thank You
Bill

Bill, I am so sorry about your loss of your mother. This message board isn't just about giving stories of hope, it is about giving support when someone needs it most. Please know that you are in my thoughts during this difficult time. I hope that you will find comfort in your memories of your mother. Please take care and if you feel at all the urge to post again, I hope you will do so, as so many will be thinking of you. Deb

_________________
knowledge is power!!!

"Statistics describe a group, not the individual."

Dad has advanced NSCLC: diagnosed 1/02
brain mets treated with Gamma knife in 1/03. Started Iressa 1/03. It worked for a while.
Stopped Iressa 6/03, mets to liver; fluid drained from lungs in 7/03-talc procedure
started navabaline (1x a week) on 7/11/03
bone mets-switched to Gemzar 8/29/03 (2wks on/1off)
Radiation to bone met on shoulder blade (10 rounds in total)

December 23, 2003
Daddy left this Earth-and I will never forget how lucky I was to have him for a father. "Thank you, Daddy, I love you and will always miss you, but you will live always- in my heart and memory."


"What a grand world this would be
if we could forget our troubles
as easily as we forget our blessings..."


The secret of health for both mind and body
is not to mourn for the past,
worry about the future,
or anticipate troubles,
but to LIVE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT
WISELY AND ERNESTLY.---Buddha

Picture is of Daddy and me on the way to the church on 10/20/96.

Bill
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. We are here to help with your loss also.
Rosanne

_________________
57 yr husband diag. 10-24-02,
NSCLC-IV-adeno, mets-brain-liver
10 all brain radiation, 4 rounds of carboplatin/gemzar
5-19 liver mets grew, new mets-pelvic bone
tried clinical trial 6-2, stopped-low platelets
July 10 passed away at home with family
He is missed more everyday!

Dearest Bill,

My Deepest of Sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your dear mother. She was so young!!! Please feel free to post a message here if there is anything we can do to help you through the pain you are dealing with now. I am sooo very sorry my dear!!

Warm and Very Gentle Hugs,

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

Dear Bill,
How very sad to lose your mother. You and your family will be
in my prayers. God bless you.
Ginny