Hi Good People!!

It's been a while...

Just came back from doc's appontment. Seems that the Tarceva is working. Chest xray was stable and ultrasound scan showed stable as well, compared to previous visit. Also bloodtest results were OK. Stable's good, me like stable!!! So, doc said that I should continue with Tarceva.

And the sun is shining so beautifully first time this spring.

Life is worth living!!!

Have a nice weekend all of you!!!

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Jussi, it has been a long time and it's so good to hear from you. Sounds like you are doing great. Can't be happier for you. Keep taking that Tarceva and living life--stable is great!

Judy in Key West

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Hi Jussi. Stable is such an awesome word to hear. Keep it up and enjoy the springtime beauty! Continued best wishes

Sandra

That's GREAT NEWS, Jussi! Aloha,

Ned

_________________
Ned is just my nickname, though it would be nice to merge it with the other meaning eventually...

Aloha means "Hello, goodbye, love, compassion, welcome, good wishes." It means belonging to others with a common humanity. It's defined better as a feeling in the heart than by words.

Dx NSCLC adenocarcinoma IIIb Sep 2006, now stage IV. Taxol+Carboplatin+Avastin 4 mo., Avastin 8 mo., Tarceva 16 mo., Alimta 12 mo. (sometimes combined with Cisplatin or Carboplatin), Navelbine since Feb 2010, 10 sessions of WBR in March 2011. See My Cancer Journey: viewtopic.php?p=351369#p351369 — UPDATED 03/05/2011.

Above left: Our golden retriever Rosie, who joined the family on 3/5/08 at the playful age of 2.

Below: Hannah, our golden companion 1994-2007.

Good to hear from you Jussi and even better to hear the good news!!!!!

Enjoy the beautiful weather!!!!

Hugs - Patti B.

_________________
My personal war against cancer:
Stage IV at diagnosis 9/29/06- told 12 months tops.......yeah, right!!!
5 rounds of radiation R hip
15 Whole brain radiation txs 7/20 - 8/7/09
8 weeks on oral Tarceva
To date, 80 IV chemo sessions and still counting
Chemos have consisted of:
Carbo/Taxol/Avastin
Avastin alone
Alimta
weekly Navalbine
weekly Gemzar, now on Gemzar every other week due to blood counts
All my veins have become inaccessible - port installed 12/30/09
Put on Alimta/Avastin as a combo
Currently on Taxotere, on 3 weeks off one

Good people!

Too long since last update but I think of you people daily! =) Still on tarceva and next check is on October.

I've been taking my daughter to "kids ballet". It's so great to see how kids really get excited about something. I wish we all could keep that level of enthusiasm throughout life...

Quoting Kanye....

"I'll let you finish... but lchelp.org has the best people in the net!! Ever!!..."



All the best to you people!!!!

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Hi Jussi-

So glad to hear from you and so glad that things are going good for you.

I bet your daughter is beautiful and it must be so much fun watching her dance!!!

Don't be a stranger for so long!!!

Hugs - Patti B.

_________________
My personal war against cancer:
Stage IV at diagnosis 9/29/06- told 12 months tops.......yeah, right!!!
5 rounds of radiation R hip
15 Whole brain radiation txs 7/20 - 8/7/09
8 weeks on oral Tarceva
To date, 80 IV chemo sessions and still counting
Chemos have consisted of:
Carbo/Taxol/Avastin
Avastin alone
Alimta
weekly Navalbine
weekly Gemzar, now on Gemzar every other week due to blood counts
All my veins have become inaccessible - port installed 12/30/09
Put on Alimta/Avastin as a combo
Currently on Taxotere, on 3 weeks off one

Great to hear you are still doing well Jussi. Thanks for checking in. Ah, ballet lessons, nothing better for a parent than watching your daughter dance.

Judy in Key West

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Hi Jussi,

Congrats on the Tarceva working and the good results of your bloodwork. It is always good to just keep living life to the fullest.

Enjoy your daughter's ballet and keep that positive attitude! That's half the battle....

take care,

Maryanne

_________________
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take...but by the moments that takes our breath away"
[size=75]
Husband Joel, 58 dx 10/18/04 Smoker since age 15 stopped when diagnosed
Adenocarcinoma- stage 1B
Lobectomy Left upper lobe on 12/15/04
biopsy on lymph nodes - negative NED
1/13/04 Oncologist appt.to see about preventive Chemo.
Cancelled due to chronic fatigue
1/12 fentynal patch for pain
1/14 discontinued Fentynal patch bad reaction
1/15 Blood test showed high T levels
2/1 Endoconrinologist visit diagnosed over-active thyroid
2/8/05 took Radioactive Iodine to kill thyroid
2/16/05 appetite back, fatigue leaving
2/24/05 visit with Pulmonary Doc. Breathing at 96% capacity,
Next visit 3 mos.
3/9/05 Endocrinologist visit -T levels went from 25 down to 5.
3/30 started Synthoid(thyroid med)
3/31 Oncologist. appt. CT results NED...
4/14 starting adjunctive Chemo (carbo/taxol) 4 treatments
3 weeks apart.
6/15/05 Joel finished chemo, chest X-ray clear, Next CT in August
9/01/05 1st CT since Chemo.. NED
11/17/05 CT - small nodule found 4 or 5 mil. in his good lung
1/10/06 CT - nodule Stable
7/2006 CT/ Nodule stable
10/2006 CT Nodule seem to have grown from 4 to 7 mil.
10/2006 Pet- showed some uptake
10/2006- operation- wedge section right upper lobe turned out to be cancerous 2 nodules next to each other. 2 different types of cancer. 1 squamous cell carcinoma (new primary)2- adenocarcinoma-(not sure if new primary or metastasis)
May be restaged to IIIB
11/07/2006 will start 4 rounds of taxotere. 3 weeks apart. Will take Decadron before, day of and day after. Will get a shot of Leunesta the day after. Here we go again.. Joel's attitude.... great as usual
Horrible reaction to the neulasta shots. One night(New Years eve) went to ER. Spent 3 days in hosptal.
Feb 2007 finished chemo.
March 2007 had his CT .. as expected right now all is clear.
June 2007 NED!!!
Sept 07- CT- small nodule 3.5 mm
Going to do another CT in 6 weeks.
October 07- CT done, results STABLE...YEA
Jan. 2008... STABLE!!!
April 2008 little growth but still called stable
July 17 208 nodule doubled in size to 9mm. Needs Pet Scan, tests, hopefully cyberknife...
July 29 met with his surgeon... said Cyberknife is the way to go.
August 1- Cyberknife visit... Joel is a canidate, its a go...Happy B-day Joel...
Sept 22, 2008 finshed up the last of 3 cyberknife procedures
Nov. had CT scan
Nov. 9th results of CT from Cyberknife..... Tumor completely gone... right now NED!!!
Feb. 09- Pet/CT results. . . NEd!!!
May 09 Pet/CT results. . . NED!!!
Sept. 09 Pet/CT results.....NED!!
Jan. 2010--- NED!! Pet now will be every 6 months.
June 8,2010 Pet scan on our Anniversary... hope thats a good sign..
June 17, NED!!!
Dec. 30,2010... NED!!!
June 20,2011... NED!!!
March 2012....NED!!!

pic of Joel and our daughter Nicole at walk NOV. 07

[img]http://www.freewebs.com/beansprouts2005/nik_and_dad_1LC_walk.jpg[/img]

http://www.babababies.com

Jussi!

Always good to read an update from you. So glad things are going well and hope the Tarceva continues to be successful for you!!

Keep in touch friend!

_________________
- Katie Brown, Co-Founder and Director of LCSC-

15 yr cancer survivor.

"Any of us who have experienced the cancer journey- and survived it-
have an obligation to make the path clearer and aid those that come after us."
- Lance Armstrong

In memory of Jessee Dewey, SCLC
December 29, 1938 - September 6, 2003
Lisa Dewey- Jan. 22, 2007
my parents are together in heaven


facebook www.facebook.com/lungevity

Good People!!!

Went to see doc on Tuesday and she called today about the pelvis xray. There's some mets in there and we start the radiation quite fast... there was also some discussion about putting some type of screw in the bone(?) but that wasn't decided yet. Also some medication for bones will start, i don't know the details yet.... Also the checkup CT which was scheduled for December is going to be asap.

Doc said that don't go running and try to avoid jumping on it cause it might break.... Oh noooooo, My two favourite hobbies!!! I had planned some serious jumping for Halloween!!! =)

Best regards Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Hi Jussi-

Sorry to hear about the bone mets. I have had some and had to do radiation.

Please don't be such a stranger and let us know how this goes!!!!

Hugs - Patti B

_________________
My personal war against cancer:
Stage IV at diagnosis 9/29/06- told 12 months tops.......yeah, right!!!
5 rounds of radiation R hip
15 Whole brain radiation txs 7/20 - 8/7/09
8 weeks on oral Tarceva
To date, 80 IV chemo sessions and still counting
Chemos have consisted of:
Carbo/Taxol/Avastin
Avastin alone
Alimta
weekly Navalbine
weekly Gemzar, now on Gemzar every other week due to blood counts
All my veins have become inaccessible - port installed 12/30/09
Put on Alimta/Avastin as a combo
Currently on Taxotere, on 3 weeks off one

Jussi, sorry for this recent news. Keep up updated, o.k. And absolutely no jumping or running on Halloween. There's always next year.

Judy in Key West

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Good people!

Went to the hospital yesterday... They are planning a 2 week radiation therapy period so I needed to go for the "simulator", where they put some aiming points for the actual treatment which starts on Monday. Also I took some bone-enhancing-drug (in lack of a better term) in IV.

Does anybody know if the bone mets in hip /thigh cause some knee pain also?

All the best

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Jussi-

I THINK I had some knee pain with my hip mets but everyone is so different and remember you have a sciatic nerve that runs down your leg and the met could be messing with it.

Ask the doc for some pain meds just in case you need them - with some people, radiation to the bone is somewhat painful for a couple of weeks.

Keep us posted!!!!

Hugs - Patti B.

_________________
My personal war against cancer:
Stage IV at diagnosis 9/29/06- told 12 months tops.......yeah, right!!!
5 rounds of radiation R hip
15 Whole brain radiation txs 7/20 - 8/7/09
8 weeks on oral Tarceva
To date, 80 IV chemo sessions and still counting
Chemos have consisted of:
Carbo/Taxol/Avastin
Avastin alone
Alimta
weekly Navalbine
weekly Gemzar, now on Gemzar every other week due to blood counts
All my veins have become inaccessible - port installed 12/30/09
Put on Alimta/Avastin as a combo
Currently on Taxotere, on 3 weeks off one

Hello good people!

Ok - got back from radiation and doc called about last weeks CT results. Previous CT was in August, so these results are compared.

Some new changes in liver. Also, what 'seems like a change' in right lung (where the main tumor/cancer is).

Decision - continue on Tarceva and we'll hope it contunues to stay more or less slow for a few months. Then possibly chemotherapy.

Hip / thigh has a high fracture risk so I should start use a cane/crutch.

All the best!

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Hello Good People!


Just went to blood test today and saw my doc in the hallway while there, She's planning to get some Taxotere going on because she can't predict how fast the cancer will continue to grow.

So, it comes down to a decision whether to wait after Christmas or start chemotherapy as soon as possible...

But nonetheless, Christmas is coming!

All the best!

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

All the best to you Vesuri whatever you decide. Yes, Christmas will come and go in spite of our infusion schedules. Have a Merry Christmas in spite of this dam# disease.

Judy in Key West

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Hi Good People

Thanks Judy!

"There comes a time in everyones life when you're in crossroads...."

Ok- I guess it's decision time again. Options on the menu;

a) despite slow progression continue with Tarceva and take taxotere later

b) start Taxotere now (after Christmas anyway)

They'll start radiation therapy for the spine met anyway.

And there's also the oncolytic virus treatment card still to be played. Doc said it's up to me if I want to go there (virus treatment) already or take taxotere first and see if it helps.

Let's take a quick poll here people... Just out of interest, what would be your choice.

And enjoy the Christmas time good people!!!!

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Jussi, tough decision. But if it were me, because Tarceva is a pill so I assume easy to do, if I was tolerating it well, I might give it the span of one more scan time. If you continue to progress and/or at a faster rate, then you could go on the taxotere. As for the virus treatment, I'd keep that in my back pocket. No matter, it's a tough decision to make. I'm always about treatment that allows a measure of quality of life.

Judy in Key West

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Wow, a tough decision, alright. As long as I was tolerating the Tarceva well, I'm thinking I would stay with it. There's no guarantee that anything else will be better, and slow progression is, well, at least slow.

I remember reading a post by Dr West over on GRACE saying that there would be nothing wrong with changing chemo, then coming back to one that had slow progression, either, if it later became the best looking option. So, I guess you could make an good argument for going to the Taxotere, too.

Good luck with whatever you decide, and keep us updated.

_________________
Bud

Long distance cyclist and lung cancer survivor
56 years old at time of diagnosis in 2007, now live in Crowley, Tx
Nov 2007 - Tentatively diagnosed as NSCLC stage I from CT scan
Dec 2007 - Upper left lobectomy, biopsy showed one cancerous lymph node, changing the diagnosis to stage II (squamous cell)
Feb to Apr 2008 - Three rounds of cisplatin and gemcitabine
Apr 2008 - chest x-ray, NED
May 2008 - brain mri, clear
Jul 2008 - CT scan, NED
Dec 2008 - CT scan, NED
June 2009 - CT scan, NED
Jan 2010 - CT scan, NED
July 2010 - CT scan, NED
June 2011 - CT scan, NED
May 2012 - CT scan, NED
December 2012 - CT scan, NED. I am now a 5 year survivor!

June 2009 - Wife Rose diagnosed with breast cancer
Stage III IDC
Sept 2009 - Finished 4 rounds of chemo (AC)
Nov 2009 - Surgery
March 2010 - Finished 12 weeks of weekly Taxol
August 2010 - CT scan, NED
August 2011 - Checkup, NED
August 2012 - Checkup, NED
The rest of my story is at:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=38841

My blog - uneasy-rider.com

Jussi,

Not being a survivor myself, I'm goign to let others with more experience offer more advice about your next step, with one exception. . .

Have a very Merry Christmas. As you say, it is coming and no matter what else is going on I hope you will experience the joys of the season my friend.

Susan

_________________
76 year-old mom diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer January 5, 2007.

15 radiation treatments to the spine and four rounds of chemo, Jan-May, 2007.

Stable disease May, 2007-May, 2008.

Bone scan May, 2008 shows new mets in the spine, pelvis and ribs.

July, 2008--finished radiation and has a Quadramet treatment.

October, 2008--Scans show mild progression. Began chemo (carbo/taxol/avistin). Will have four rounds of threatment (every 21 days) and scan in January.

01/05/2009--TWO YEAR SURVIVOR!

4/2009--STABLE! No treatment. Next scan in July

7/2009--Scan shows pleural effusion. Fluid drained and malignant. Cancer has spread to other lung and a 13 mm lesion is seen on the liver. Mom to begin Alimta on 8/3

11/2009--Alimta was hard on mom and scans showed progression.

12/2009--began Tarceva, noticed almost immediate improvement.

2/25/2010--Celebrated Mom's 80th birthday!

5/15/2010--Mom watched her oldest granddaughter graduate from college and then paritied well into the night! She's still feeling great.

6/15/2010--Mom watched her youngest granddaughter graduate from high school. Still feeling great!

8/2010-10/2010--Mom begins feeling tired and stays in bed more and more. Scans reveal that the cancer is moving rapidly throughout her body.

10/13/2010--Mom wins her battle once and for all, and passes to a place where the cancer can no longer touch her.

For a more detailed timeline see:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?p=360385#360385

Good people!

Just back from doc. So there's slow progression. Next step - put Tarceva on hold and start Taxotere next Thursday.

There aren't any clinical studies going on here about lung cancer that could be suitable.

Are there any people who have had the same treatment regime as me? Going to taxotere after tarceva I mean.... I suppose it should be somewhat effective chemo anyway?

Of course I realize that all this is just an effort to buy some more time. But I want to use every option as long as it is out there.

And did I tell you that I truly, honestly, hate this disease.

All the best to you

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Good luck to you, Jussi. I may be facing a similar choice in a couple of weeks. Slow progression is, as was said, well, slow. Aloha,

Ned

_________________
Ned is just my nickname, though it would be nice to merge it with the other meaning eventually...

Aloha means "Hello, goodbye, love, compassion, welcome, good wishes." It means belonging to others with a common humanity. It's defined better as a feeling in the heart than by words.

Dx NSCLC adenocarcinoma IIIb Sep 2006, now stage IV. Taxol+Carboplatin+Avastin 4 mo., Avastin 8 mo., Tarceva 16 mo., Alimta 12 mo. (sometimes combined with Cisplatin or Carboplatin), Navelbine since Feb 2010, 10 sessions of WBR in March 2011. See My Cancer Journey: viewtopic.php?p=351369#p351369 — UPDATED 03/05/2011.

Above left: Our golden retriever Rosie, who joined the family on 3/5/08 at the playful age of 2.

Below: Hannah, our golden companion 1994-2007.

Jussi,
I'm so sorry to read about the progression but I'm glad it is slow. I hope you have a complete response to the next course of treatment. Please keep us posted. We remain here for you.
Hugs

Jussi, best wishes for a great response to the Taxotere!

_________________
Bud

Long distance cyclist and lung cancer survivor
56 years old at time of diagnosis in 2007, now live in Crowley, Tx
Nov 2007 - Tentatively diagnosed as NSCLC stage I from CT scan
Dec 2007 - Upper left lobectomy, biopsy showed one cancerous lymph node, changing the diagnosis to stage II (squamous cell)
Feb to Apr 2008 - Three rounds of cisplatin and gemcitabine
Apr 2008 - chest x-ray, NED
May 2008 - brain mri, clear
Jul 2008 - CT scan, NED
Dec 2008 - CT scan, NED
June 2009 - CT scan, NED
Jan 2010 - CT scan, NED
July 2010 - CT scan, NED
June 2011 - CT scan, NED
May 2012 - CT scan, NED
December 2012 - CT scan, NED. I am now a 5 year survivor!

June 2009 - Wife Rose diagnosed with breast cancer
Stage III IDC
Sept 2009 - Finished 4 rounds of chemo (AC)
Nov 2009 - Surgery
March 2010 - Finished 12 weeks of weekly Taxol
August 2010 - CT scan, NED
August 2011 - Checkup, NED
August 2012 - Checkup, NED
The rest of my story is at:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=38841

My blog - uneasy-rider.com

Good People!

So I'm on Taxotere now. Had the first infusion on 4th (Friday). Fingers and toes crossed it'll work!

Tarceva is on hold at the moment. Doc said there might be bad effects taking those two meds at the same time...

Feeling really upbeat reading all your positive news here!!! GREAT!

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Good people / peoples

Tomorrow is the CT time again... I've had 3 rounds of taxotere so far. The side effects have been very mild. I hope the taxotere blows the cancer cells out of the map though!

Been on sick leave for a week after infusion and after that back to work. And we went to see Princess & Frog today with my daughter.

All the best!

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Here's hoping for the best for you tomorrow. Don't remember how long you wait for results but be sure to check back in when you get them. Don't you just love going to those movies with kids. I go whenever I can with my grandson. What fun being a kid again if even for a little while.

Judy

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Jussi--Hope the scans show major shrinkage tomorrow! Let us know when you find out. In the meantime have fun at the movies!

Susan

_________________
76 year-old mom diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer January 5, 2007.

15 radiation treatments to the spine and four rounds of chemo, Jan-May, 2007.

Stable disease May, 2007-May, 2008.

Bone scan May, 2008 shows new mets in the spine, pelvis and ribs.

July, 2008--finished radiation and has a Quadramet treatment.

October, 2008--Scans show mild progression. Began chemo (carbo/taxol/avistin). Will have four rounds of threatment (every 21 days) and scan in January.

01/05/2009--TWO YEAR SURVIVOR!

4/2009--STABLE! No treatment. Next scan in July

7/2009--Scan shows pleural effusion. Fluid drained and malignant. Cancer has spread to other lung and a 13 mm lesion is seen on the liver. Mom to begin Alimta on 8/3

11/2009--Alimta was hard on mom and scans showed progression.

12/2009--began Tarceva, noticed almost immediate improvement.

2/25/2010--Celebrated Mom's 80th birthday!

5/15/2010--Mom watched her oldest granddaughter graduate from college and then paritied well into the night! She's still feeling great.

6/15/2010--Mom watched her youngest granddaughter graduate from high school. Still feeling great!

8/2010-10/2010--Mom begins feeling tired and stays in bed more and more. Scans reveal that the cancer is moving rapidly throughout her body.

10/13/2010--Mom wins her battle once and for all, and passes to a place where the cancer can no longer touch her.

For a more detailed timeline see:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?p=360385#360385

Hi people, and good people I might add =)

Had docs appointment on Thursday and seems that there's some shrinking in both, lung and liver, and also the rest are stable so we are continuing with the taxotere. So good news!

Sun is shining and now we go to buy a new bicycle for our daughter!

Have a nice and positive weekend!

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

That's good to hear, Jussi! Aloha,

Ned

_________________
Ned is just my nickname, though it would be nice to merge it with the other meaning eventually...

Aloha means "Hello, goodbye, love, compassion, welcome, good wishes." It means belonging to others with a common humanity. It's defined better as a feeling in the heart than by words.

Dx NSCLC adenocarcinoma IIIb Sep 2006, now stage IV. Taxol+Carboplatin+Avastin 4 mo., Avastin 8 mo., Tarceva 16 mo., Alimta 12 mo. (sometimes combined with Cisplatin or Carboplatin), Navelbine since Feb 2010, 10 sessions of WBR in March 2011. See My Cancer Journey: viewtopic.php?p=351369#p351369 — UPDATED 03/05/2011.

Above left: Our golden retriever Rosie, who joined the family on 3/5/08 at the playful age of 2.

Below: Hannah, our golden companion 1994-2007.

That is definitely good news. Congratulations.

Diane

_________________
3/98 Dx squamous cell NSCLC 2a at 50 yrs
4/98 Left lung removed, no chemo/rad
8/08 Persistent cough and shortness of breath, first appt. with pulmonary doc 11/4/08
11/08 X-ray and CT show tumor in right lung. PET scan confirms tumor, shows no apparent spread
12/08 CT/needle biopsy shows squamous cell NSCLC IIIB, doctors don't seem to agree if its a new cancer or recurrence - but onc believes it is a new one
12/08 Start concurrent radiation/chemo, Cisplatin/Etoposide
1/09 Chemo switched to Carbo/Taxol due to intolerance of Cisplatin
2/09 Radiation completed
3/09 Chemo completed
5/09 CT shows spot where tumor was likely/hopefully scar tissue
6/09 Begin Lucanix trial
9/09 CT scan - stable
12/07/09 CT scan - stable
3/1/10 CT scan - stable
6/1/10 CT scan - stable - begin 2nd year of trial
8/23/10 CT scan - stable
10/25/10 CT scan - stable
1/20/11 CT scan - stable
4/25/11 CT scan - stable - completed drug portion of trial, now follow-up with 3-mo scans
8/1/11 CT scan - stable
10/24/11 CT scan - stable. At my request, switching to 6 mo scans.
4/24/12 CT scan - stable.
10/30/12 CT scan - stable.
2/26/13 CT scan - stable

Avatar is with 10-mo-old grandson Ethan at Xmas

Jussi, terrific news! Glad to hear it's working.

Judy in KW

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

That's great news! Glad to hear it. thanks

Muriel

_________________
Dx NSCLC 5/03. Surgery UR lobe. Staged as 1B. Chemo (taxol & Carbo)9/15/03 - 11/13/03. Wonderful CTs until Nov 04. Surgery 11/27/04, again staged as 1B. Chemo (Cisplatin and Gemzar) 2/05 to 6/05. Good CTs and PET since chemo.

Good to hear from you Jussi. Glad that your treatment is working. Enjoy your bicycle shopping:)

_________________
GOD is good all the time,

Barb

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

" For in the end, it's not the years in your life, but the life in your years" Abraham Lincoln

1/5/07 Had cough for a few months, given antibiotics
1/19/07 abnormal CT
2/07 2nd round antibiotics
3/07 2nd CT shows growth changed, now highly suspicious for malignancy
3/27/07 fine needle biopsy fails to get target tissue
4/6/07 PET-CT negative for malignancy
4/07 2nd opinion at Karmanos Cancer Institute, tumor board recommends surgery to remove nodule.
5/16/07 Lobectomy RLL- NSCLC, adenocarcinoma with BAC features, Stage 1a, no further treatment
needed.
8/24/07 CT - NED
9/14/07 Dx with pleural friction rub, need NSAIDS for the inflammation.
12/17/07 CT showed 2 new small nodules, 6 & 8 mm. Enlarged lymph nodes.
2/28/08 CT & PET Scans, more nodules, SUV between 2 & 8. Report says most likely recurrence and metastases.
3/6/08 Needle biopsy; benign, no fungus or TB.
3/19/08 Bronchoscopy; benign, no cancer, tumors, infections, fungus, virus or TB. Most likely inflammation.
5/3/08 PET/CT and CT-most nodules decreased in size by 50%, diagnosis; inflammation possibly from ruptured silicone breast implants which were removed 9/05.
7/18/08 CT nodules stable from May, 2 lymph nodes slightly increased, will rescan mid-Oct
10/10/08 PET/CT and CT show lymph nodes of concern decreased in size. Still have several nodules, but they are either stable, reduced in size. There are now 2 new enlarged lymph nodes. They believe they may be part of my ongoing inflammation, will rescan in 3 months.
1/09 scans show progression of larger nodule. Biopsy 2/5/09 benign, will rescan in 3 months.
4/24/09 "scans show progression of disease". Have had horrible cough and increased SOB. Will treat with 30mg prednisone for 6 weeks, then new PET.
PET/CT 6-5-09 suspicious mass decreased in size indicating no recurrence, probably sarcoidosis or inflammation, will rescan in a few months.
9/09 All inflammtion is back. Put back on prednisone, rescan in Dec
12/09 Most inflammation gone. Start predinsone taper rescan 3/10
1/10 Seek treatment for increased pain from 5/07 thoracotomy.
3/15/10 CT shows slight increase in 2 nodules and lymph node, continue prednisone 4 week more, rescan in June
4/16/10 back on higher dose prednisone due to increased cough during taper. Will taper to inhaled steroid and have CT 6/11/10
6/17/10 CT nodules & lymph nodes stable, stay on inhaled steroid rescan 12/10
12/16/10 CT Stable, recan 6/11
2/11 Start Lyrica for post thoracotmy syndrome pain. Now haivng regular epidurals for ongoing lumbar herniated disc with bilateral leg pain

Jussi,
This is encouraging news!! Keep us posted and celebrate this good news!! hugs! Katie

Fantastic news Jussi! Very encouraging. Keep in touch, and enjoy that sunshine. It's so beautiful this Spring.

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

Hi

10th of June - time for some CT results....

Meanwhile a little question... Seems that the radiation therapy to my right hip/pelvis has destroyed normal lymph activity -> my right thigh and foot has swollen. I've read something about lymph therapy massage... Is it any good? Is there anything else that can be done?

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Jussi, sorry I don't know a thing about lymph therapy massage or even any connection between lymph activity and swelling. I do want to say good luck with your upcoming CT and be sure to post us the results.

Judy in KW

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Hi people

saw my oncologist today about ct results and seems that all is stable more or less!

Some lung nodules have grown a bit, some shrunk a bit. Liver met shrunk significally and bone mets remain stable. So, i'm a happy man and it's June people!

Next taxotere in 5 weeks. I go to some lymph therapy also to release the swelling in the thigh/ ankle.

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

I've been stable for just over a year - I love stable - stable is GREAT!!! Enjoy your summer.

Diane

_________________
3/98 Dx squamous cell NSCLC 2a at 50 yrs
4/98 Left lung removed, no chemo/rad
8/08 Persistent cough and shortness of breath, first appt. with pulmonary doc 11/4/08
11/08 X-ray and CT show tumor in right lung. PET scan confirms tumor, shows no apparent spread
12/08 CT/needle biopsy shows squamous cell NSCLC IIIB, doctors don't seem to agree if its a new cancer or recurrence - but onc believes it is a new one
12/08 Start concurrent radiation/chemo, Cisplatin/Etoposide
1/09 Chemo switched to Carbo/Taxol due to intolerance of Cisplatin
2/09 Radiation completed
3/09 Chemo completed
5/09 CT shows spot where tumor was likely/hopefully scar tissue
6/09 Begin Lucanix trial
9/09 CT scan - stable
12/07/09 CT scan - stable
3/1/10 CT scan - stable
6/1/10 CT scan - stable - begin 2nd year of trial
8/23/10 CT scan - stable
10/25/10 CT scan - stable
1/20/11 CT scan - stable
4/25/11 CT scan - stable - completed drug portion of trial, now follow-up with 3-mo scans
8/1/11 CT scan - stable
10/24/11 CT scan - stable. At my request, switching to 6 mo scans.
4/24/12 CT scan - stable.
10/30/12 CT scan - stable.
2/26/13 CT scan - stable

Avatar is with 10-mo-old grandson Ethan at Xmas

So happy for you--stable is great! Have a fun-filled summer with your daughter.

Judy in KW

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

That's good news. Thanks for the update.

Muriel

_________________
Dx NSCLC 5/03. Surgery UR lobe. Staged as 1B. Chemo (taxol & Carbo)9/15/03 - 11/13/03. Wonderful CTs until Nov 04. Surgery 11/27/04, again staged as 1B. Chemo (Cisplatin and Gemzar) 2/05 to 6/05. Good CTs and PET since chemo.

Stable is FANTASTIC!!!!

June is such a wonderful month with the flowers in bloom and the sun shining on your face. I hope you enjoy watching your daughter bike riding, dancing and whatever else she fancies.

I wish you a very speedy reduction of the swelling in your thigh and ankle!

I think of you often and I am so happy to see this update from you.

Take care Jussi,

Linda

_________________
46 years old at diagnosis
Lucky mom of a 16 year old boy and 15 year old girl

Mar-May 2006-3 CXR's performed; eagle eyed radiologist caught something not quite right-F/U done
May 24, 2006-CT scan-suspicious for lung cancer
June 1, 2006-Went to Vancouver for private PET scan-SUV 1.4; ? bronchioalveolar carcinoma or carcinoid
June 5, 2006-Met with surgeon-thinks 1A-surgery soon
June 20, 2006-Left lower lobectomy via VATS
July 5, 2006-Pathology back-stage 1A, pure non-mucinous bronchioalveolar carcinoma, 1.8 cm, well differentiated
Oct 13, 2006-CXR, good
Jan 16, 2007-CXR, good
April 17, 2007-CXR, good
May 4, 2007-CT scan-good
Sept 18, 2007-CXR, good
Dec 18, 2007-CXR, good
March 18, 2008-CXR, good
May 30, 2008-CT scan-good
Oct 21, 2008-CXR, good-graduated to 6 month visits!
June 5th, 2009-CT scan-good!!!
December 3rd, 2009-CXR-good
May 27, 2010-CT scan-good-moved to once/year CT scan & visit!

4 1/2 years from surgery-so happy to be here!!!

That's great news! Congrats and enjoy!

_________________
Bud

Long distance cyclist and lung cancer survivor
56 years old at time of diagnosis in 2007, now live in Crowley, Tx
Nov 2007 - Tentatively diagnosed as NSCLC stage I from CT scan
Dec 2007 - Upper left lobectomy, biopsy showed one cancerous lymph node, changing the diagnosis to stage II (squamous cell)
Feb to Apr 2008 - Three rounds of cisplatin and gemcitabine
Apr 2008 - chest x-ray, NED
May 2008 - brain mri, clear
Jul 2008 - CT scan, NED
Dec 2008 - CT scan, NED
June 2009 - CT scan, NED
Jan 2010 - CT scan, NED
July 2010 - CT scan, NED
June 2011 - CT scan, NED
May 2012 - CT scan, NED
December 2012 - CT scan, NED. I am now a 5 year survivor!

June 2009 - Wife Rose diagnosed with breast cancer
Stage III IDC
Sept 2009 - Finished 4 rounds of chemo (AC)
Nov 2009 - Surgery
March 2010 - Finished 12 weeks of weekly Taxol
August 2010 - CT scan, NED
August 2011 - Checkup, NED
August 2012 - Checkup, NED
The rest of my story is at:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=38841

My blog - uneasy-rider.com

Great news Jussi!! You keep on keeping on my friend. It's always so good to see an update from you
(((hugs)))

Wonderful!!!!!

_________________
Brian 6-4-48 - 1-1-06
Brian dx w/ NSCLC w/ nueroendocrine features/adenopathy, & mets to liver following routine Chest x-ray >>>> CTScan,needle biopsy,PET/CT fusion scan.(2-2005)
Lung tumor inoperable due to location. Radiation not an option due to Liver met. No discussion relative to prognosis......
3/2/05 1st cycle Cisplatin / VP16 - Tolerated fairly well.
3/23/05 2nd cycle - really knocked Brian for a loop. Lots of nausea and weakness.
4/5/05 scan 4/13/05 (onc visit/results/begin 3rd round:mixed news: reduction in tumor sizes TX plan: 2 more rounds of Cisplatin/Vp16 Weekly labs to watch low hmglbn (injections prn)
4/20/05 Brain MRI (Bri joins empty head club!)
4/27/05 Portacath installation
5/4/05 4th round cpltn/VP16 much difficulty w/ side effects.
5/10/05 scans show no further reduction of lung or liver tumors.
5/25/05 5th cycle Cis/VP16 postponed till 5/31/05 (need time to rebound a bit) round 5 was rough: exhaustion, labored breathing, fever, anxiety.
6/23/05 Doc appointment to address above and okay Tarceva start. Lung Xray done to check for pneumonia as possible explanation for fever.
6/24/05 Begin Tarceva 150mg daily.
next scheduled onc appt or PRN for 8/4/05
6/27/05 OOPS PRN came sooner rather than later>call from onc: chest film showed lung tumor growing quickly
6/27/05 CT scheduled for 7PM
6/30/05 Bad news per CT: progression. Brian is too weak for more chemo so praying that Tarceva will halt growth while Brian gathers strength to fight on.
8/2Scans
8/4/2005 onc appt:Bad news Rapid progression. Off Tarceva.
8/4 began Carboplatin/CPT-11 Praying!
9/1/2005 Chemo had been postponed due to low white blood cells, but began again today.
9/8/2005 next infusion
Brian is very ill, problems w/ voice. Scans & Visit moved up:
9/16/2005 CT Scan
9/19/2005 Onc says scans show significant reduction in tumor volume. Plan is to continue CPT 11 alone for 3 more weeks then 2 weeks off so Brian can gain strength for family wedding in FL on 10/22/05. Carboplatin has to be stopped due to progressing nueropathy.
10/17-19/05 Bri hospitalized with abdominal pain and fever.
10/20-24/05 FL for wedding (Brian was really too sick to go, but we realized that too late)
10/27/05 Scans taken during hospitalization show remarkable progression of disease. Brian begins Alimta and Sandostatin.
He is very ill and spending more and more time in bed.
11/10/2005 No more Alimta. Liver enzymes out of control. More progression. He is receiving Navelbine and low doses of Carboplatin. Brian continues to trend downward.
12-22-05 Onc says no more tx. Brian is too weak.
12-24-05 Hospice called in.
1/01/06 Brian is called Home.
Brian's love remains a great gift. I miss him like fire.

Great news.... stable is good! Hope you keep having positive changes!!

Maryanne

_________________
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take...but by the moments that takes our breath away"
[size=75]
Husband Joel, 58 dx 10/18/04 Smoker since age 15 stopped when diagnosed
Adenocarcinoma- stage 1B
Lobectomy Left upper lobe on 12/15/04
biopsy on lymph nodes - negative NED
1/13/04 Oncologist appt.to see about preventive Chemo.
Cancelled due to chronic fatigue
1/12 fentynal patch for pain
1/14 discontinued Fentynal patch bad reaction
1/15 Blood test showed high T levels
2/1 Endoconrinologist visit diagnosed over-active thyroid
2/8/05 took Radioactive Iodine to kill thyroid
2/16/05 appetite back, fatigue leaving
2/24/05 visit with Pulmonary Doc. Breathing at 96% capacity,
Next visit 3 mos.
3/9/05 Endocrinologist visit -T levels went from 25 down to 5.
3/30 started Synthoid(thyroid med)
3/31 Oncologist. appt. CT results NED...
4/14 starting adjunctive Chemo (carbo/taxol) 4 treatments
3 weeks apart.
6/15/05 Joel finished chemo, chest X-ray clear, Next CT in August
9/01/05 1st CT since Chemo.. NED
11/17/05 CT - small nodule found 4 or 5 mil. in his good lung
1/10/06 CT - nodule Stable
7/2006 CT/ Nodule stable
10/2006 CT Nodule seem to have grown from 4 to 7 mil.
10/2006 Pet- showed some uptake
10/2006- operation- wedge section right upper lobe turned out to be cancerous 2 nodules next to each other. 2 different types of cancer. 1 squamous cell carcinoma (new primary)2- adenocarcinoma-(not sure if new primary or metastasis)
May be restaged to IIIB
11/07/2006 will start 4 rounds of taxotere. 3 weeks apart. Will take Decadron before, day of and day after. Will get a shot of Leunesta the day after. Here we go again.. Joel's attitude.... great as usual
Horrible reaction to the neulasta shots. One night(New Years eve) went to ER. Spent 3 days in hosptal.
Feb 2007 finished chemo.
March 2007 had his CT .. as expected right now all is clear.
June 2007 NED!!!
Sept 07- CT- small nodule 3.5 mm
Going to do another CT in 6 weeks.
October 07- CT done, results STABLE...YEA
Jan. 2008... STABLE!!!
April 2008 little growth but still called stable
July 17 208 nodule doubled in size to 9mm. Needs Pet Scan, tests, hopefully cyberknife...
July 29 met with his surgeon... said Cyberknife is the way to go.
August 1- Cyberknife visit... Joel is a canidate, its a go...Happy B-day Joel...
Sept 22, 2008 finshed up the last of 3 cyberknife procedures
Nov. had CT scan
Nov. 9th results of CT from Cyberknife..... Tumor completely gone... right now NED!!!
Feb. 09- Pet/CT results. . . NEd!!!
May 09 Pet/CT results. . . NED!!!
Sept. 09 Pet/CT results.....NED!!
Jan. 2010--- NED!! Pet now will be every 6 months.
June 8,2010 Pet scan on our Anniversary... hope thats a good sign..
June 17, NED!!!
Dec. 30,2010... NED!!!
June 20,2011... NED!!!
March 2012....NED!!!

pic of Joel and our daughter Nicole at walk NOV. 07

[img]http://www.freewebs.com/beansprouts2005/nik_and_dad_1LC_walk.jpg[/img]

http://www.babababies.com

Good people!

It's been a while again. Had taxotere yesterday, and bone mass strengthening drug too (bondronate?). I have 5 week cycle between taxotere infusions now and last couple of rounds I've noticed pain in lower abdomin - like inner muscle pain. Occurs when standing up but gets easier after standing a while. Maybe from taxotere or maybe not....

Well, I ask about it in next doc's appointment.....

I don't know what type of weather you guys have had this summer but in Finland it has been absolutely scorching! We had new record high in late July.... I don't mind though - since we have so long and dark winters...


All the best to you all!!!

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Good to see you Jussi. I do know about those niggling pains that are just enough to put you a little on edge. The radiologists (not oncologists) are saying they think they see something in my abdomen. Now every gastro distress makes me worry just a little. We will definitely be waiting for your update after your next appointment.

Record high temps around the US this year too. But then, we had some record cold in the winter also. I'm traveling with my husband on business. We are in Portsmouth Ohio and the weater is grand. Warm in the afternoon, cool in the mornings/evenings. However, it could change here on a dime. They were in the upper 90s here just before we came.

Take care and try not to worry too much. Famous last words lol.

Judy in KW

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Good People!

Just came from my oncologist and he gave the CT results... seems that the liver mets have grown a bit, and blood values indicate same thing... But seems that the lung tumor has some dead cells inside (necrosis i think is the term he used...?) and this might be a positive thing since this hasn't shown in previous CT's.

Liver status might be because of 5 week taxotere cycle instead of previous 3 week cycle. Or then again, it might be not. So he decided to go back to 3 week regime and check later if the Taxotere still has the punch. So, I guess it was kind of good news/ bad news -visit? I don't know...

Did some cancer registry browsing yesterday and seems that, when looking at time period 2004-2008 in 30-34 year old men in Finland (about 170 000 men), I'm the o n l y one diagnosed with NSCLC. That is 0.0006% chance.

O, Lucky me!



All the best!

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Yes it's a mixed bag of news this time isn't it? I will keep you in my prayers- with your attitude I know you will be successful.
Keep us posted on the next steps. I see you on Face Book LUNGevity page alot! Good to "see" you.

HUgs,
K

Thanks Katie!

The LUNGevity facebook page is very good! And although I have some "logistics"'issues in participating the events I'm there in my heart and thoughts! Keep up the good work guys!!!! -Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Yes, Jussi, always good to see you. Yes, it is a mixed bag but I'd go with the glass have full view. It must be a drag going back to 3 wk infusions. I know, I've never gotten off them lol. Let us know how the next scan goes. And how is that sweet little girl of yours?

Judy in KW

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Hi good peoples =)

Went for a round of Taxotere (actually it is called something else, but it's the same drug so I call it that) and bumped into my doc in the hall, she told me that she had gotter reply from genetics lab concerning my question about the ALK gene mutation. And apparently I wasn't eligible.

Well, it was worth the shot anyway! Never leave any stones turned!

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

HI Jussi,
HOw are you feeling after your taxotere? I hope you are feeling ok. Keep us posted friend.

Hi all

I think I've had 8, 9 maybe 10 cycles of taxotere and I've had very mild side effects. What I've read and understood, this medicine could hit hard some people.

Basically low blood count and loosing hair (which is grown back) were the biggest effects, oh and loosing taste for food for week or two after infusion but it comes back slowly before next infusion. Strange...

Try to stay positive and enjoy life, even if both "tasks" feel hard sometimes.

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Hi Jussi. Sorry the gene test didn't turn out the way you'd like. I'm glad you're doing relatively well on the Taxotere. It's tuff being on chemo for years on end. I know. My side effects are relatively mild too and also changeable from infusion to infusion. But hey, we do what we have to do to stay on the upside of the garden.

Take care.

Judy in KW

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Good people!!

Today is 3 years since being diagnosed...

Maybe a cake?

All the best

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

YEEAAAHHHH Jussi! A cake at least!

Judy in KW

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Jussi--Congratulations on this wonderful milestone! I think you deserve a big cake to celebrate!!!!

Susan

_________________
76 year-old mom diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer January 5, 2007.

15 radiation treatments to the spine and four rounds of chemo, Jan-May, 2007.

Stable disease May, 2007-May, 2008.

Bone scan May, 2008 shows new mets in the spine, pelvis and ribs.

July, 2008--finished radiation and has a Quadramet treatment.

October, 2008--Scans show mild progression. Began chemo (carbo/taxol/avistin). Will have four rounds of threatment (every 21 days) and scan in January.

01/05/2009--TWO YEAR SURVIVOR!

4/2009--STABLE! No treatment. Next scan in July

7/2009--Scan shows pleural effusion. Fluid drained and malignant. Cancer has spread to other lung and a 13 mm lesion is seen on the liver. Mom to begin Alimta on 8/3

11/2009--Alimta was hard on mom and scans showed progression.

12/2009--began Tarceva, noticed almost immediate improvement.

2/25/2010--Celebrated Mom's 80th birthday!

5/15/2010--Mom watched her oldest granddaughter graduate from college and then paritied well into the night! She's still feeling great.

6/15/2010--Mom watched her youngest granddaughter graduate from high school. Still feeling great!

8/2010-10/2010--Mom begins feeling tired and stays in bed more and more. Scans reveal that the cancer is moving rapidly throughout her body.

10/13/2010--Mom wins her battle once and for all, and passes to a place where the cancer can no longer touch her.

For a more detailed timeline see:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?p=360385#360385

Congratulations Jussi! Hope you had cake and more:) If we all weren't a ocean apart we would be there with lots of cakes:)

_________________
GOD is good all the time,

Barb

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

" For in the end, it's not the years in your life, but the life in your years" Abraham Lincoln

1/5/07 Had cough for a few months, given antibiotics
1/19/07 abnormal CT
2/07 2nd round antibiotics
3/07 2nd CT shows growth changed, now highly suspicious for malignancy
3/27/07 fine needle biopsy fails to get target tissue
4/6/07 PET-CT negative for malignancy
4/07 2nd opinion at Karmanos Cancer Institute, tumor board recommends surgery to remove nodule.
5/16/07 Lobectomy RLL- NSCLC, adenocarcinoma with BAC features, Stage 1a, no further treatment
needed.
8/24/07 CT - NED
9/14/07 Dx with pleural friction rub, need NSAIDS for the inflammation.
12/17/07 CT showed 2 new small nodules, 6 & 8 mm. Enlarged lymph nodes.
2/28/08 CT & PET Scans, more nodules, SUV between 2 & 8. Report says most likely recurrence and metastases.
3/6/08 Needle biopsy; benign, no fungus or TB.
3/19/08 Bronchoscopy; benign, no cancer, tumors, infections, fungus, virus or TB. Most likely inflammation.
5/3/08 PET/CT and CT-most nodules decreased in size by 50%, diagnosis; inflammation possibly from ruptured silicone breast implants which were removed 9/05.
7/18/08 CT nodules stable from May, 2 lymph nodes slightly increased, will rescan mid-Oct
10/10/08 PET/CT and CT show lymph nodes of concern decreased in size. Still have several nodules, but they are either stable, reduced in size. There are now 2 new enlarged lymph nodes. They believe they may be part of my ongoing inflammation, will rescan in 3 months.
1/09 scans show progression of larger nodule. Biopsy 2/5/09 benign, will rescan in 3 months.
4/24/09 "scans show progression of disease". Have had horrible cough and increased SOB. Will treat with 30mg prednisone for 6 weeks, then new PET.
PET/CT 6-5-09 suspicious mass decreased in size indicating no recurrence, probably sarcoidosis or inflammation, will rescan in a few months.
9/09 All inflammtion is back. Put back on prednisone, rescan in Dec
12/09 Most inflammation gone. Start predinsone taper rescan 3/10
1/10 Seek treatment for increased pain from 5/07 thoracotomy.
3/15/10 CT shows slight increase in 2 nodules and lymph node, continue prednisone 4 week more, rescan in June
4/16/10 back on higher dose prednisone due to increased cough during taper. Will taper to inhaled steroid and have CT 6/11/10
6/17/10 CT nodules & lymph nodes stable, stay on inhaled steroid rescan 12/10
12/16/10 CT Stable, recan 6/11
2/11 Start Lyrica for post thoracotmy syndrome pain. Now haivng regular epidurals for ongoing lumbar herniated disc with bilateral leg pain

Good people!

Time for an update. I have doc's appointment in local hospital 10 am today and after that I'm going to call Docrates clinic in Helsinki that I'm coming to the oncolytic virus treatment next monday/tuesday.

I visited them on Tuesday and, although it is experimental treatment (with quite promising results), I give it a go.

This is the treatment that I've been talking about before... check www.docrates.com for additional info... and www.oncos.com


All the best!

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

wow good luck Jussi!! Please keep us posted on your progress!!

It looks like a very interesting trial. Good luck, Jussi!

_________________
Bud

Long distance cyclist and lung cancer survivor
56 years old at time of diagnosis in 2007, now live in Crowley, Tx
Nov 2007 - Tentatively diagnosed as NSCLC stage I from CT scan
Dec 2007 - Upper left lobectomy, biopsy showed one cancerous lymph node, changing the diagnosis to stage II (squamous cell)
Feb to Apr 2008 - Three rounds of cisplatin and gemcitabine
Apr 2008 - chest x-ray, NED
May 2008 - brain mri, clear
Jul 2008 - CT scan, NED
Dec 2008 - CT scan, NED
June 2009 - CT scan, NED
Jan 2010 - CT scan, NED
July 2010 - CT scan, NED
June 2011 - CT scan, NED
May 2012 - CT scan, NED
December 2012 - CT scan, NED. I am now a 5 year survivor!

June 2009 - Wife Rose diagnosed with breast cancer
Stage III IDC
Sept 2009 - Finished 4 rounds of chemo (AC)
Nov 2009 - Surgery
March 2010 - Finished 12 weeks of weekly Taxol
August 2010 - CT scan, NED
August 2011 - Checkup, NED
August 2012 - Checkup, NED
The rest of my story is at:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=38841

My blog - uneasy-rider.com

Good luck in the trial. We're wishing for the best outcome for you Jussi. Keep us posted.

Judy in KW

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Good Lucl Jussi. Praying for a good outcome for you.

_________________
GOD is good all the time,

Barb

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

" For in the end, it's not the years in your life, but the life in your years" Abraham Lincoln

1/5/07 Had cough for a few months, given antibiotics
1/19/07 abnormal CT
2/07 2nd round antibiotics
3/07 2nd CT shows growth changed, now highly suspicious for malignancy
3/27/07 fine needle biopsy fails to get target tissue
4/6/07 PET-CT negative for malignancy
4/07 2nd opinion at Karmanos Cancer Institute, tumor board recommends surgery to remove nodule.
5/16/07 Lobectomy RLL- NSCLC, adenocarcinoma with BAC features, Stage 1a, no further treatment
needed.
8/24/07 CT - NED
9/14/07 Dx with pleural friction rub, need NSAIDS for the inflammation.
12/17/07 CT showed 2 new small nodules, 6 & 8 mm. Enlarged lymph nodes.
2/28/08 CT & PET Scans, more nodules, SUV between 2 & 8. Report says most likely recurrence and metastases.
3/6/08 Needle biopsy; benign, no fungus or TB.
3/19/08 Bronchoscopy; benign, no cancer, tumors, infections, fungus, virus or TB. Most likely inflammation.
5/3/08 PET/CT and CT-most nodules decreased in size by 50%, diagnosis; inflammation possibly from ruptured silicone breast implants which were removed 9/05.
7/18/08 CT nodules stable from May, 2 lymph nodes slightly increased, will rescan mid-Oct
10/10/08 PET/CT and CT show lymph nodes of concern decreased in size. Still have several nodules, but they are either stable, reduced in size. There are now 2 new enlarged lymph nodes. They believe they may be part of my ongoing inflammation, will rescan in 3 months.
1/09 scans show progression of larger nodule. Biopsy 2/5/09 benign, will rescan in 3 months.
4/24/09 "scans show progression of disease". Have had horrible cough and increased SOB. Will treat with 30mg prednisone for 6 weeks, then new PET.
PET/CT 6-5-09 suspicious mass decreased in size indicating no recurrence, probably sarcoidosis or inflammation, will rescan in a few months.
9/09 All inflammtion is back. Put back on prednisone, rescan in Dec
12/09 Most inflammation gone. Start predinsone taper rescan 3/10
1/10 Seek treatment for increased pain from 5/07 thoracotomy.
3/15/10 CT shows slight increase in 2 nodules and lymph node, continue prednisone 4 week more, rescan in June
4/16/10 back on higher dose prednisone due to increased cough during taper. Will taper to inhaled steroid and have CT 6/11/10
6/17/10 CT nodules & lymph nodes stable, stay on inhaled steroid rescan 12/10
12/16/10 CT Stable, recan 6/11
2/11 Start Lyrica for post thoracotmy syndrome pain. Now haivng regular epidurals for ongoing lumbar herniated disc with bilateral leg pain

Hello good peoples

Thought I'd post little update. This Tuesday (10/5) I went to the clinic for the oncolytic virus treatment...

After draining 6.1 litres (1.61 US gallons) ascites they injected the virus. I think it was total 4-5 injections. 1 in the abdomen through the ascites tube, 1 in IV and couple directly to liver.

Next day I was released from hospital only suffering from fever since that is normal body reaction to the virus. Of course they took lot of bloodtests and today I visited there for some nurse "interview" checkup. Fingers & all body parts crossed that viruses kill cancer!

All the best people! Stay positive!!

Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

Hi Jussi,
Thanks for keeping us updated. I look like a pretzel with everything I can crossed that the virus does the trick and kills the cancer. Throwing in some prayers as well:)
All the best to you,
BarbVH

_________________
GOD is good all the time,

Barb

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

" For in the end, it's not the years in your life, but the life in your years" Abraham Lincoln

1/5/07 Had cough for a few months, given antibiotics
1/19/07 abnormal CT
2/07 2nd round antibiotics
3/07 2nd CT shows growth changed, now highly suspicious for malignancy
3/27/07 fine needle biopsy fails to get target tissue
4/6/07 PET-CT negative for malignancy
4/07 2nd opinion at Karmanos Cancer Institute, tumor board recommends surgery to remove nodule.
5/16/07 Lobectomy RLL- NSCLC, adenocarcinoma with BAC features, Stage 1a, no further treatment
needed.
8/24/07 CT - NED
9/14/07 Dx with pleural friction rub, need NSAIDS for the inflammation.
12/17/07 CT showed 2 new small nodules, 6 & 8 mm. Enlarged lymph nodes.
2/28/08 CT & PET Scans, more nodules, SUV between 2 & 8. Report says most likely recurrence and metastases.
3/6/08 Needle biopsy; benign, no fungus or TB.
3/19/08 Bronchoscopy; benign, no cancer, tumors, infections, fungus, virus or TB. Most likely inflammation.
5/3/08 PET/CT and CT-most nodules decreased in size by 50%, diagnosis; inflammation possibly from ruptured silicone breast implants which were removed 9/05.
7/18/08 CT nodules stable from May, 2 lymph nodes slightly increased, will rescan mid-Oct
10/10/08 PET/CT and CT show lymph nodes of concern decreased in size. Still have several nodules, but they are either stable, reduced in size. There are now 2 new enlarged lymph nodes. They believe they may be part of my ongoing inflammation, will rescan in 3 months.
1/09 scans show progression of larger nodule. Biopsy 2/5/09 benign, will rescan in 3 months.
4/24/09 "scans show progression of disease". Have had horrible cough and increased SOB. Will treat with 30mg prednisone for 6 weeks, then new PET.
PET/CT 6-5-09 suspicious mass decreased in size indicating no recurrence, probably sarcoidosis or inflammation, will rescan in a few months.
9/09 All inflammtion is back. Put back on prednisone, rescan in Dec
12/09 Most inflammation gone. Start predinsone taper rescan 3/10
1/10 Seek treatment for increased pain from 5/07 thoracotomy.
3/15/10 CT shows slight increase in 2 nodules and lymph node, continue prednisone 4 week more, rescan in June
4/16/10 back on higher dose prednisone due to increased cough during taper. Will taper to inhaled steroid and have CT 6/11/10
6/17/10 CT nodules & lymph nodes stable, stay on inhaled steroid rescan 12/10
12/16/10 CT Stable, recan 6/11
2/11 Start Lyrica for post thoracotmy syndrome pain. Now haivng regular epidurals for ongoing lumbar herniated disc with bilateral leg pain

Jussi, sounds like quite an ordeal. Are the injections once and done or repeated? If repeated, how many times? We are always so grateful for you folk who put yourself out there for trials. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Judy in KW

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Jussi - it is so great to hear from you! Praying very hard that this virus will kill that *$#*$ cancer quick! Look forward to hearing some good news very soon Jussi.

Warm regards,

Linda

_________________
46 years old at diagnosis
Lucky mom of a 16 year old boy and 15 year old girl

Mar-May 2006-3 CXR's performed; eagle eyed radiologist caught something not quite right-F/U done
May 24, 2006-CT scan-suspicious for lung cancer
June 1, 2006-Went to Vancouver for private PET scan-SUV 1.4; ? bronchioalveolar carcinoma or carcinoid
June 5, 2006-Met with surgeon-thinks 1A-surgery soon
June 20, 2006-Left lower lobectomy via VATS
July 5, 2006-Pathology back-stage 1A, pure non-mucinous bronchioalveolar carcinoma, 1.8 cm, well differentiated
Oct 13, 2006-CXR, good
Jan 16, 2007-CXR, good
April 17, 2007-CXR, good
May 4, 2007-CT scan-good
Sept 18, 2007-CXR, good
Dec 18, 2007-CXR, good
March 18, 2008-CXR, good
May 30, 2008-CT scan-good
Oct 21, 2008-CXR, good-graduated to 6 month visits!
June 5th, 2009-CT scan-good!!!
December 3rd, 2009-CXR-good
May 27, 2010-CT scan-good-moved to once/year CT scan & visit!

4 1/2 years from surgery-so happy to be here!!!

Good people!


Yesterday was second virus treatment. I got home today and have mild fever. Otherwise pretty ok. They took about 1 litre of ascites before injected the virus. The ascites gives terrible heartburn....

Stay good -Jussi

_________________
In the avatar pic I'm waiting to see the doc after CT in 9/21/07... I somehow knew this is going to be BIG, so I took the last picture of me still healthy... (camphone is good invention =)


6/4/07 went to doctor for wheezing sound when exhaling hard, x-ray showed nothing -> control x-ray after summer
9/4/07 went to control x-ray after 80 km mountainbike marathon. Lots of fluid in right lung + lower and middle lobe in atelectasis
9/21/07 CT scan, showed tumor in right lung + mets in liver
9/24/07 blood tests
9/25/07 pleural effusion sample, ultrasound check
9/26/07 bloodtest, bronchoscopy
9/27/07 complete bonescan
10/2/07 took 1 litre fluid out of the lung
10/3/07 took 1 litre fluid out
10/5/07 2nd bronchoscopy
10/8/07 draining the fluid out
10/9/07 draining the fluid out
10/10/07 "glued" the lung surfaces together to prevent the "flooding"
10/26/07 2nd CT scan
11/4/07 1st chemo
11/20/07 2nd chemo
... 3rd, 4th chemo. Had 2 CT scans which show lung mass shrunk and liver mets shrunk after 1st scan and stable mets after 2nd CT
02/07/08 5th chemo completed
04/10/08 CT scan - everything quite stable!
05/21/08 CT scan - waiting results.......
05/29/08 CT scan shows everything stable!
07/10/08 CT results quite stable!
09/09/08 CT results show new lesion in liver, overall progression and a new bone met (in lower spine)
09/26/08 1st Alimta - also took radiation for upper back earlier..
12/4/08 4th Alimta -> scheduled for CT
12/17/09 slow progression (1.7 cm in liver and 1.3 cm in lung compared to CT couple of months ago), radiation helped the hip pain, should start Taxotere with some schedule

take care of yourself Jussi.

Hang in there Jussi. Hope it doesn't get too tough on you.

Judy in KW

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.