Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 2/16/2008

Question
My father was diagnosed with stage IV small cell lung cancer in November of 2007.  My mother, my toddler son and myself live with him.  My son and I moved in last summer because I found work in their area and I haven't had any luck selling my home in this market.  The cancer has now metastsized. to the brain in three areas.  While they are small the doctor has decided not to target them because he was not responsive to the first round of chemo and is now on a round of chemo used for non-small cell traditionally.  Background aside, He has become angry with me and where I used to be the apple of his eye and my son the prize he showed off to the world we are now public enemy number one.  He constantly belittles us and yells at us. He bad mouths me at home, in our small town and even verbally abuses me in his sleep.  I know it is the disease not my dad but it is very hard on my young son.  We do not have the money to move out because of slow market sell of my home.  I have lowered the price seven times and offered a short sell to get out from under it and still nothing.  While I am waiting for my insurance for my new job to kick in I have to pay the cobra as well.  With a small home I don't know how to be invisible.  Is there a medication to help him with this?  Is this common?

Answer
I'm sorry to read about your problems! This is not an uncommon problem and lung cancers often spread to the brain. I'm however surprised that his dr. has not suggested radiation therapy to his brain! It is not a cure - nothing including chemo therapy is - in this situation but it would quickly relieve his symptoms! Talk to his dr. about it! Please do keep me posted!