Alomost a Year since diagnosis

AK, Three dimensional Intensified modulated radiation Treatment. Basically you are prescannned 3 dimensionally and actually have markers put on your body for entry point of radiation then the calculate how deep tumor is and and size. then actual radiation beam goes in small and widens only enough to cover tumor and this is done in different 3 dimensional angles to ensure most if not all of tumor is being zapped. The computer is programmed to go around your body to get the right angles and to ensure the least amount of direct exposure to the rest of your body. I hope I explained it clear enough. I have had good results twice know.
Jeff G.

AK…. Sorry to hear of your Uncles increased pain. Hopefully the scans will show if there is any tumor pressure anywhere that could be taking care of by radiation. I have had good results with 3-D IMRT during the last couple years. I would ask if they can up is pain meds a little more. I take 30mg morphine every 8 hours and 4mg of Hydromorphone every 4 hours as needed for break through pain. I was up to 60 mg morphine and 10mg hydro before scans and radiation. I actually function quite well and do quite a bit. No longer heavy work stuff but functionable. I go for scan on Monday and expect results to show compression as I’m getting alot of referred pain. So I may be headed back to radiation table again. Both lungs has mets and I think that is what is causing pain at the moment. I would echo Kris on finding what he enjoys the most and plan short outings somewhere. Just getting out and driving around does me good. I actually look forward to going to the barber shop and shooting the breeze. I find going out to favorite restaraunts helps me eat a little better even if a couple times a month. Even on vacation we would plan half day or few hours of outing e3ither in morning or evening. I’ve learned to accept my limits I guess you could say. Eggshell crate foam matteress cover helps me with rest and sleep. WalMart carries them. Hot cups of tea green or any flavor. Homade loaded pizzas I find tasty ,nutritional, and tolerable with low fat cheese. Well, got to run making waffles for dinner the grand kids love them.
Wish your uncle the best with ihis scan.

God Bless,
Jeff G.

Some people have had good results with radiation, so you might want to ask his doctor about it.
I have no suggestions on the quality of life. Personally, I think that the quality of life is some point on a graph where pain, depression, and abilities meet with love for family, fun, and enjoyment of life and the people around you. So from my perspective, letting your uncle know you love him, and have friends and family spend good time doing things he finds enjoyable (even if that is just sitting around drinking coffee watching golf on tv) will increase his quality of life as much as drugs, treatments, and helpful medical hints.

Take care and best of luck managing his pain.

Kris