Christopher's mother update

Christopher's mother, Frances, has been diagnosed with cancer in her left lung. Yesterday we went to get a second opinion from another oncologist.  He informed us that the PET scan showed a "nodule" in her right lung that is also possibly cancer. If the nodule is cancerous - and we will know in about 8 weeks when she has another PET scan to see if it has grown - then she is in Stage IV.  If it doesn't grow, then there is a chance that it's benign and that puts her in Stage I.

The plan right now is to have a brain scan done to see if the cancer has spread to her brain.  This is scheduled for next Thursday. 

The oncologist is taking her case to the "tumor board" to discuss her with 20 other doctors in order to make a recommendation for treatment.

Assuming that the brain scan comes back negative, we have two options - major surgery to attempt to remove the left lung cancer, or radiation.  The surgery is not a good option due to the condition of her lungs from smoking for 40+ years.  Also, it is a big surgery, and with her severe diabetes and stroke damage to her right side, recovery would be difficult.

We meet with the oncologist again on the 23rd to discuss the results of the brain scan and the recommendations from the tumor board.

I am going to be taking her to all her appointments and managing all the medical choices. 

Please pray for Frances and for all of us - this is going to be difficult.