So now my father has lung cancer

[Courtesy Flush]

Just last week, he had a biopsy. I drove up to be with him, then had to leave the next day to take my wife for her regular appointment at MD Anderson, where she's being treated for brain cancer.

My father has lung cancer from non-stop smoking. My mom died of lung cancer a few years ago -- also from smoking.

My wife comes from a family of non smokers, but she has cancer, and so do all the women in her family.

I can't tell you how tired I am of this.

[niyad]

1. there really are no words for times like this. just know that your DU family is here if there is

anything we can do to help.

[kestrel91316]

2. (hugs) My dad died 32 years ago of lung cancer when he was only 47. He had smoked when young, but

quit at about age 33, for all the good it did.

I don't think I need to tell anybody how much I hate the tobacco industry.

[a kennedy]

16. I smoked for 34 years, quit just 7 years ago.....and when I get the call to say that I have cancer..

I'm going to start smoking again.....I mean it....d*mn it. I miss it, I know it's going to kill me sooner or later, and I did enjoy it....my brain was happy when smoking.....and d*mn it. I know I'm going to die from it.

[Care Acutely]

20. My mom smoked for 38 years and quit 17 years ago.

It means EVERYTHING to me that she did, and inspired me to follow suit. She's 80 now and has her health issues but is holding her old pretty well. I would be devastated if she took it back up again and I would feel very bad about what kind of example that would set for her grandkids and greatgrands.

So please don't.

Besides, tobacco companies are repulsive Republican life-sucking bastards. And that's the truth.

[kestrel91316]

23. My dad took it up again in the last few months of his life. He said he

always did enjoy it, and quit for his (and his family's) health, but didn't see the sense in abstaining any more. He also took up pot smoking to help with the side effects of chemo and radiation, and it did help.

I don't smoke tobacco. Never have. I lost 3 of 4 grandparents and 1 parent to the consequences of tobacco.

I do smoke cannabis for my back/neck, but teensy weensy amounts - and mostly I ingest it.

[MFM008]

3. so sorry

My dad did it to himself with smoking to, died 2000 at 69. My mom quit in the 90s and STILL has COPD.

[spanone]

4. so sorry, lost my mom to it.

dump the war on drugs and start the war on cancer

[Liberal_in_LA]

5. .

I hope they are all getting the best care possible

[Courtesy Flush]

6. They are

As luck would have it, all have health insurance. Most are doing very well. Thanks.

[Liberal_in_LA]

7. that's good to hear

[Le Taz Hot]

8. Holy cow, dude!

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I'll keep positive thoughts flowing your way. DU can be a pretty good support group so feel free to post when you feel the need.

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

9. My father and mother died from lung and brain cancer.

All I can tell you is to spend as much time as possible with them. I would give you platitudes but that only gives you false hope. I hope I'm truly wrong and I'm truly sorry about this but that is the best advice that I have for you. Peace.

[fascisthunter]

10. ah, damn

[markpkessinger]

11. I'm so sorry you are going through this . . .

. . . I lost both parents to lung cancer in 2000, just twelve days apart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[malaise]

12. Yep I can see why you're tired

[Honeycombe8]

13. Wow. I've never heard of one family having that much cancer. But keep this in mind...

at least YOU don't have cancer.

And....don't forget to take a couple of days away from it all. ALL of it. And do something for yourself to regenerate. Even if you have to stay around the house for your wife...she can get along without your constant attention for a few hours, twice a day. Or maybe someone else can take care of her for a day or two.

[a kennedy]

24. My brother AND sister both have passed away from melanoma cancer.....

my brother in 1980 and my sister in 2010.

[SunsetDreams]

14. I'm so sorry you are going through this

Cancer is so rampant nowadays. My Dad passed away in 1991 from Colon Cancer, and my mom passed away in 2000 from Ovarian Cancer. Cancer is so devastating on not only those who have it but all their family and loved ones.

My thoughts are with you and your wife, sending you strength to get through the treatment and difficult months ahead.

[GreenPartyVoter]

15. I am so very, very sorry. *hugs*

[a kennedy]

17. I'm so sorry for you and for your family.

[nc4bo]

18. I'm so so sorry.............

[Chorophyll]

19. Oh man. I've got nothing to offer but hopes for the best possible outcomes for everyone.

[cynannmarie]

21. that is just too much

Nobody should have that heavy of a load. So very sorry.

[applegrove]

22. So sorry.

[lunatica]

25. You've got plenty of emotional support here

Man! It's got to be really rough!

I took care of my mom for years before she died. First it was Dementia and at the end it was Pancreatic cancer. I hope their doctors prescribe hospice for anyone who needs it. They're the best caretakers in the world.

[xchrom]

26. That is really hard news. Very sorry.

It must all be very difficult & frustrating.