Small Cell Carcinoma

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Was just told 2 days ago, that my dad has small cell carcinoma. They found it in a lump that was taken off his arm, so I assume it is Extensive. My mom has been keeping me informed, so.....They have not yet told my dad because he was out of town, until today and he will see his doctor, tomorrow. he was told very basic info about having some sort of cancer, but not exactly what. The Dr is supposed to go into detail with him, tomorrow. My dad's always been extra healthy and noone expected this....He's always been larger than life, so to speak.

Can someone point me to some resources, etc? I'm sickened and saddened...I've been looking at the reports online of the low chance of this kind of cancer staying in remission, or any combo of radiation and chemo, being effective. Can someone help, pls? Maybe a site for this particular type of cancer? Or some sort of new research being done, or.......

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Specializes in Psych.

I'm going to be completely honest with you - until I read "his arm" I thought you were talking about lung cancer - it is the only small cell carcinoma I knew. Google told me about Merkel Cell Carcinoma.. I think you need to get more information from your dad's doctor about what he's dealing with, because the information out there is huge and diffuse - having a certain type of cancer to research will make the hunt more doable and less depressing, ultimately, I think.

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I'm going to be completely honest with you - until I read "his arm" I thought you were talking about lung cancer - it is the only small cell carcinoma I knew. Google told me about Merkel Cell Carcinoma.. I think you need to get more information from your dad's doctor about what he's dealing with, because the information out there is huge and diffuse - having a certain type of cancer to research will make the hunt more doable and less depressing, ultimately, I think.

Thanks for your reply...From what I can tell, small cell carcinoma starts out in the lungs. If it is contained in the lungs when it is found, it is considered limited. If it has spread out to other appendages, or areas of the body, it is known as extensive. Soem of the signs are coughing and bloody sputum and he's apparently got that. Believe me, if I thought there was a way to convince myself this wasn't going to happen, I would clutch on to it, like a scared little girl holds on to her binky.

Maybe I'm just in that denial stage, I dunno....Maybe I just need someone to cry to...My hubby is currently actively deployed and won't be home til the 19th. the kids I can't whine to and there is noone here....My parents live 2 states over....Just close enough to say "Fu$# it, I'll just get up and drive there" but far enough that I couldn't leave the animals or kids here without supervision (hubby gone, etc)...

I'm just lost, is all...I've been through the loss of quite a few people I was close to in my life, but this one is hitting hard for many and varied personal reasons. My dad and I had a really bad childhood (mine, not his). We were just getting into the real part of emotional healing/forgiveness, etc. Now he's going to be gone. No matter what age you lose your parents, you're still an orphan, you know?

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I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure this falls under one of the Terms of Service (TOS) that are not suppose to be discussed for legal reasons. ... A few good reasons for this is we don't know your fathers pertinent medical information, we don't know how advanced any condition(s) or risk factors are, and most importantly we don't know your father.

I'm personally not familiar with small cell carcinoma of the skin, however Google, Yahoo!, etc. are all good starting places for great resources. Ultimately being there with your father when he goes in to hear the news is important for more than one reason. First off, he'll be in shock from ANY news he gets as he's technically hearing it for the first time. Also, you'll be informed (by me!) that having a list labelled "What I want to know from Dad's Doctor(s)" that is prominent at the top is something that you will want hands down.

I'm sorry for not giving you more information, and hope all turns out well in the end!

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I think the OP is looking for resources. Sometimes Google is fine, but daunting as well. If anyone has some good REAL links for the OP once she gets things narrowed I don't see how that violates TOS. Really, those that are in the field have churned through information and might be able to suggest some valuable sources of information/learning/coping.

:hug:

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

It is okay to point the way to getting more info - we just can't provide anything else but support.

Here is a Medline article from the National Institutes on Health

Lung cancer - small cell: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

This is from the National Cancer Institute:

Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment - National Cancer Institute

And from eMedicine:

Lung Cancer, Oat Cell (Small Cell): eMedicine Oncology

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I just wanting to say I'm so sorry you and your family are going through this. Cancer is a very scary thing. I just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you.

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I think the OP is looking for resources. Sometimes Google is fine, but daunting as well. If anyone has some good REAL links for the OP once she gets things narrowed I don't see how that violates TOS. Really, those that are in the field have churned through information and might be able to suggest some valuable sources of information/learning/coping.

:hug:

TY so much, 2ndwind.

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It is okay to point the way to getting more info - we just can't provide anything else but support.

Here is a Medline article from the National Institutes on Health

Lung cancer - small cell: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

This is from the National Cancer Institute:

Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment - National Cancer Institute

And from eMedicine:

Lung Cancer, Oat Cell (Small Cell): eMedicine Oncology

I'll be going through these, today Trauma. I truly appreciate it.

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I just wanting to say I'm so sorry you and your family are going through this. Cancer is a very scary thing. I just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you.

Thanks, mj. It means a lot.

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Specializes in Psych.

OP,

I just lost my dad to lung cancer - we had five weeks warning, and weird as it sounds - we enjoyed every day he had. I visited in person for a week, and we talked on the phone (in five minute increments) several times a day. I lost my mom in 2002, so ITA - doesn't matter how old you are, you feel like an orphan. Yell if you want to talk - I'd be happy to listen.

Steph

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OP,

I just lost my dad to lung cancer - we had five weeks warning, and weird as it sounds - we enjoyed every day he had. I visited in person for a week, and we talked on the phone (in five minute increments) several times a day. I lost my mom in 2002, so ITA - doesn't matter how old you are, you feel like an orphan. Yell if you want to talk - I'd be happy to listen.

Steph

TY for that, Steph. 5 weeks. wow. I go between thinking I want longer, but then longer may mean more pain, suffering, etc.

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