MissMolly wrote:Tjas:
Any possibility that your parents were exposed to high levels of radon?
My Godmother died of metastatic small-cell lung cancer 18 months ago (at the age of 75). Her husband was diagnosed with the same lung cancer (pathologically) a year ago. He is currently on hospice. To add to the complexity and mystery, their daughter (age 48) was also diagnosed with metastatic small cell lung cancer 9 months ago. Unfortunately, her cancer was particularly aggressive with metastatic lesions to the brain and bones (lumbar vertebrae, humerus, femur, sternum and clavicle) and she died this past March-2018.
Each were treated at a Oregon Health Sciences University (where Phil Knight of Nike has contributed substantially to cancer research). The common link for this family was their long-standing family home that did test positive for high levels of radon.
The radon is due to geological deposits laid due to flooding (75-100 years ago) in areas of the Pacific NW. The natural decay of these sedimentary deposits releases radon gases (odorless, colorless) that can concentrate in homes and other enclosed sructures. Radon gas is being studied for cause-effect links to cancer (especially lung and pancreas) and auto-immune diseases.
This was a meticulously well-kept, remodeled and updated, and comfortable home in the west hills of Portland, Oregon. It’s only fault was the soil that it was sitting on.
All three people in the nuclear family were diagnosed with metastatic small-cell lung cancer within a span of 18 months. Mother, father, and daughter.
You might test your mother’s home for the presence of radon gases.
Karen
dliu wrote:Hi Tjas1987, I don't have much advice - just wanted to say sorry for the reason you are on this forum. I am your same age and currently in a similar situation (I lost my dad 13 years ago), so I empathise a lot with what you are going through. I know you can feel powerless but please know that you are not alone and please feel free to reach out at any time via PM.
Sending you positive vibes,
NedPlease wrote:I am so sorry and angry. This is truly a nightmare and tragically unfair.
My own diagnosis made way for my thirty-ish year old children to be scoped with the hope of catching any cancer early and sparing their lives. So WTF, how is it that this has happened to your mom?
Going forward, I do hope you’ll be as diligent as possible with your own surveillance for your and your family’s sake.
Kindest regards and strength,
N
Caat55 wrote:Cancer is not fair, it sucks. I am so sorry you are going through this. I hope you get another opinion just to be sure everything is being done. My kids were 1 and 3 when I lost my brother to cancer, there is no way to make this understandable.
S
Tjas1987 wrote:I begged then and then again at every specialist appt after that. Doctor kept telling me that’s his job and not mine. I’m not the doctor.. asshole had he just done them, we would have caught it sooner. Welcome to Canada, where we pay a million dollars in taxes(or what feels it) and the doctors refuse to give us what we are asking for.
mobrouser wrote:I am so sorry to read your story.
My oldest was 5 when my father died, and 11 and the youngest 5 when my mother died.
They didn't need to hear details other than Grandad and Grandma were very sick and left us.
I felt like an orphan (and still do years later) as I have no blood relatives in Canada other than my 2 boys.
I hope you are able to reach out to family for support.
mob
dliu wrote:Tjas1987 wrote:I begged then and then again at every specialist appt after that. Doctor kept telling me that’s his job and not mine. I’m not the doctor.. asshole had he just done them, we would have caught it sooner. Welcome to Canada, where we pay a million dollars in taxes(or what feels it) and the doctors refuse to give us what we are asking for.
Wow, this guy sounds like a handful. I hope your oncologist will be supportive and helpful and will give you encouraging news to end the very difficult week you've all been going through. And hope you don't have to see the first doctor again! Keep us updated.
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