In Focus

We knew it was a matter of time—we weren’t even shocked by the news that Mom has lung cancer.

She’s been a smoker since before I was born, hence the lack of shock. But yeah, it still sucks. It was found during a routine annual exam, and I’m thankful it was caught early.

She has Squamous Cell, the National Library of Medicine explains: “Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, also known as squamous cell lung cancer, is a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Squamous cell lung tumors often occur in the central part of the lung or the primary airway, such as the left or right bronchus. The principle causative agent of cellular transformation is smoking. Approximately 80% of lung cancer cases in men and 90% of patients in women are associated with smoking. SCC is more strongly associated with smoking than any other type of NSCLC. Other risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung include age, family history, exposure to second-hand smoke, and occupational exposure to minerals, metal particles, or asbestos.”

The cancer is mainly in her right lung and there is a spot on the left. Since it has metastasized, it is considered stage four and not curable. Still, it is treatable and can be put into remission. Because of the spread, they can’t do surgery or radiation, so chemo it is.

When the lab gets some additional test results back they will figure out what type of chemo is best for her. Then she will receive treatment about every three weeks. 

While that is going to suck—a lot—I know it will be okay in the long run. We don’t see this as more than a speed bump. It is what it is, and we have to deal with it.

And mom has to quit smoking. That will probably be a more significant struggle than the chemo treatments. 

They say everything happens in threes...it really does.

My dad has also been fighting prostate cancer again and just wrapped up his latest chemo treatment. His hair is actually growing back. He was well enough to drive the family to Florida for my little brother’s baseball tournament.

And yet another bombshell...over the weekend, dad told me grandma is receiving hospice. Last I checked, she had no health issues other than aging, so what happened? She has cancer throughout her GI system that “just appeared”. That was a bit shocking to hear. We may not be super close, but it still sucks to get blind sided like that. 

I’m at the point where I am just waiting for some other bad news to hit since I seem to be ground zero for it lately...but I definitely hope only good news is sent my way...