What a shock for you - just as it was for us when I took my mom to the ER expecting the dr. to tell us she was having a stroke only to find out it was a brain mass. Tho that wasn't the primary cancer site which we later found out was lung cancer (NSCLC-NON SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER)- The first dr. (ER Attending) was not very optimistic at all - he said her cancer was inoperable and anything we do as far as treatments should be done knowing that it is only buying her time -and we should know that the side effects would be very hard. That was Feb 8, 2002. Thankfully we were referred by a friend to a wonderful oncologist who was very optimistic and his office's slogan is "No stone is left unturned" - To date my mom has had the tumor on her brain successfully removed and has had many different types of Chemo and just yesterday began the new clinical trial using the not yet approved drug IRESSA. My mom had tremendous success as far as controling the cancer with the conventional chemo treatments but after a while the cells become resistant and you have to switch to a different chemo. And sure the side effects with a lot of them were tough, but it is part of the treatment. Just keep an eye on his blood levels and the other member gave you terrific advice about writing things down - I did that and can't tell you how often I have to go back to my notes even now. The first month is such a shock and you spend so much time crying and trying to be optimistic and supportive at the same time - but just remember knowledge is power - use the internet, ask questions of the dr. and nurses if you are unsure of ANYTHING. Good luck and you are in my prayers.

[This message has been edited by hope1220 (edited 01-03-2003).]