Aloha everyone-

My story is in the "Introduce Yourself!" section, but I'll briefly reiterate here. My 77-year-old dad was just diagnosed with Stage III A (not IIIB, as I previously thought) NSCLC. He also has emphysema, COPD and congestive heart failure. He will be undergoing both chemo and radiation beginning next week. He's had a port installed and met with the radiology oncologist, as well as his regular oncologist today.

And awaaaaaay we go....!

Dad just got his chemo schedule, and we start next week. Radiation only on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; Radiation and Chemo on Tuesday; and Radiation, blood draw and bloodwork check with the oncologist on Fridays. He'll also be prescribed some Ferrous Sulfate to help with his iron, and Decadrel, which is supposed to help with the chemo nausea and help prevent infusion reactions. I told dad he was going to need a bigger pill organizer! Poor guy was also battling sciatica pain, and he's worried that he'll have to lie still on his back (which he can't do right now) for so long during radiation, and sit for so long during chemo. He was prescribed some muscle relaxers for that, and hopefully that will help a bit over the weekend before he starts.

He feels really bad about my having to take off from work, and use up my vacation time, to take him to all these appointments. And I feel bad, when he feels bad! But if everyone comes through who said they would help, we should be fine.

Take care, everyone, and have a great weekend!

-Cathy

Cathy,
Definitely not a fun time - but there is a strength in your writing so I'm sure even with the ups and downs you will be able to muddle through whatever is thrown your way. There are so many folks here that have been through the rigors of chemotherapy they can probably help you more than I can. I know that even with the side effects they come through somehow - and so we will be waiting for updates and success stories. If you have any questions or need anything specific - someone here can probably help you or point you in the right direction - don't hesitate to ask.
Annette

_________________
5/5/09 Bad Cough - sent for xray
5/6/09 CAT SCAN
5/8/09 Pulmonologist - not good ordered bronch
5/14/09 Bronc 5/19/09 Breathing test & Results - NSCLC (Adenocarcinoma 3cm)
5/22/09 PET Scan - 5/27 referred to surg & onc
6/2/09-met with surg & onc. They say there are two spots. One small on left lung and one larger one on right lung 3.6 x 3.2 cm - they are pretty sure and approaching it as if it were two separate cancers staging the right at II and the left at I.
June 15 - RML removed - Pathology - margins clear and nodes clear. June 25 follow up with surgeon - doc agreed to stage I since it appears he got it all - June 30 return to work
July 7 Oncologist says Stage 1A - we don't recommend chemo for this stage
Aug 17 - surgery - again took ULL and some nodes -
Sep 8 to onc - Both sides IA - no chemo just watch closely
Dec 15, 2009 - CT Results - NED
March 10th, 2010 - CT Scan - Results - NED
June 15th, 2010 - XRay - Results - NED
Sep 15th 2010 CT Scan - Results - NED
Dec 2010 XRay Only - Results - NED
Dec 2010 MRI - Results - Clear
March 2011 - CT Scan - NED
June 2011 - XRay Only - NED
Sept 2011 - Scan & Vampires - Scared to death!!!!

Good morning, Annette-

Thanks so much for taking the time to read and reply to my story. I have my strong moments... and then I have my "breakdown" moments, too. Listened to some gospel music on the way in to work this morning, and just started crying out of the blue. But I'm trying very hard to stay focused on the task at hand: getting my dad to his appointments, helping him with his errands so he doesn't overextend himself, and making sure mom is taking care of him at home. I may be a bit "smothering" at the moment, but I think he understands.

He told me last night that he hasn't told his brother about his diagnosis yet because "He doesn't need that right now." Apparently, my uncle is going through a lot of his own problems right now, and my dad said, "Besides that... I feel like I'm going to make it through this just fine." That's the first optimistic thing I've heard him say! And even if he doesn't really feel it, and is just trying to convince himself, that's fine with me. The more positive affirmations you make, the more you'll (hopefully) believe them.

I plan to be a permanent fixture here!

-Cathy

Hi Cathy
I think it is great that your Dad is getting in that fighting mode and talking in a positive tone. That will certainly help with going through the treatments. I'm sure there will be moments when things won't seem as rosy and that is where the caregiver's can really help out.
Alot of us are permanent fixtures on this site. LOL But it is nice to talk with other members that "get" it.

_________________
02/07 spot showed on chest x-ray
04/07 ct scan confirmed spot
07/07 pet scan could not confirm cancerous
09/07 had lobectomy of upper lobe on left lung.tumour was 2.1cm
10/07 lymph node samples were negative. classified as stage 1b.
12/07 Begin 4 rounds of adjuvant chemotherapy. Cisplatin and Vinerolbine on a 21 day cycle.
01/08 First 3 month chest x-ray was all clear.
03/08 After 3 rounds, cisplatin wil be replaced by carbo for the last round. Ringing in the ears is a side effect of cisplatn.
03/08/08 Had treatment yesterday of Carboplatin/Vinerolbine. So far feeling alot better than when I received the Cisplatin. Treatment lasted 2 hours compared to 5 hours for Cisplatin.
04/08 Chest x-ray. All clear.
06/08 chest CT Scan. All clear
09/08 Chest x-ray. All clear
11/08 Chest x-ray. All clear
02/09 Chest and abdomen CT Scan. All clear
04/09 Chest x-ray. All clear
06/09 Chest x-ray and abdominal ultrasound All clear
01/10 Chest x-ray. All clear

Hi everyone-

Sorry for being MIA for a bit. Things have been a little hectic, trying to get all of these appointments and drivers scheduled. We've discovered that it would be easier to take it week-by-week. We are also having problems with my mom. We believe she may be in the beginning stages of dementia because she can't remember more than one thing at a time. She keeps saying (about dad's cancer treatments) "I have no idea what's going on..." and it only makes things worse to say, "Remember when I told you...?" because she never remembers. This is causing me a lot of anxiety with regard to dad's care at home, and how well she'll be able to care for him. There are substance abuse issues there, too, which she refuses to acknowledge or deal with. I'm feeling very overwhelmed at the moment.

I guess the good news is that we finally got all chemo, radiation, bloodwork and doctor appointments coordinated and scheduled. My sis is with him at his first chemo appointment this morning. He checked in at 7:15...it is now 12:30 and he's STILL there! They said it would not be this long for future visits. They gave him a bunch of pre-chemo goodies (antinausea, Benadryl). My sis said he's not stopped talking all morning, even while under the influence of Benadryl! He said that he misses having "normal" conversations at home. I told her we just need to enjoy these times with him while we have him. Radiation appt. is in 2.5 hours.

Bruce - I told dad about the side effect of Decadron being irritability, and my mom said "Oh, great!" I looked over at dad, and he was smiling...

Crossing fingers and praying his side effects, if any, aren't too severe.

Cathy

Hi everyone

Sorry for being MIA for a bit. Trying to adjust to my new schedule and new life, and it's taking some getting used to.

Dad is going into his 3rd week of treatment. His first round of blood work after starting chemo came back great! His doc told him that his bone marrow must love the chemo because his numbers were even better than before. He's becoming a bit more fatigued, though, and Friday night was the first time the nausea really kicked in. His appetite was great up until Friday evening, and now he's not really hungry, but knows he needs to eat.

I really think that there's a disconnect with my mom and this whole situation. She finally admitted that she can no longer pretend that he just has a bad cold. That said... I think that she can't bring herself to help him as much as he needs her to, because that would be acknowledging that he does have cancer. She's never been one to face problems and deal with them, (hence, the substance abuse issues i mentioned in my post above), so I'm really at a loss as to what to do.

Any advice?

Cathy

Try this link for a little organizing help. Its a freebie too!!

http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/

as for dealing with the dementia/Denial, mom is probably very scared right now and is fearing the worst. Not sure how to handle that issue at moment. Hang in there!! Have to think about things to get an answer for you.

_________________
April/03 My Wife Deborah, age 46, diagnosed adenocarcinoma NSCLC
1/20/2006 Admitted to hospital Respiratory distress
1/23/2006 Ran to the light and is waiting for us to be rejoined in the Kingdom Of Heaven Her journey is Over but mine lingers on for Now!!!
4/23/07 DEb is joined in Peace by her Puppy Dawg Daisy from Cancer
8/30/07 Got new Pup named Mocha!!

"No matter hnow much it hurts, No matter how alone you feel, Your friends will help you get through anything!!"
Scrubs!!!!Yes the comedy show!!!

The Reason I advocate
If you would like to see our family photos Click on this link!
http://deborah-wallin.memory-of.com/

My memory-of Link is good to go now if you want to see it!!

Thank, Randy.

My dad's lab work came back great again this week. However, he is now REALLY feeling the fatigue and "blah-ness". Today my niece took him to his radiation treatment, and he told her that today is one of those days where he's so thankful to have people driving him around. We also have a transport wheelchair in the back of his van in case/when he gets too weak to walk. He's got 4 more weeks of treatment to go....4 more chemos and 17 more radiations... and I just hope he makes it through without too much pain or discomfort.

I wish I could take all of this away from him... His body is taking such a beating, and for a 77-year-old, he's taking it like a champ. I love my daddy...

Cathy

Cathy, somehow these have not come up in my "view new posts" window until today. Terrific on the good labs but I can understand how the treatment plan is wearing him down. I've been on treatment for years but nothing like the schedule your Dad is on. He is lucky to have you and you the people helping transport him. The docs are doing what they have to do and your Dad is doing his part just getting through it. That's what it's all about, we do what we have to do. I'm sorry about the situation at home with your Mom and are glad he has you and your sister to talk to.

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 Cathy,

Like KW Judy, I didn't see your posts until today or I would have definitely commented. I can relate to your situation. When my Dad was very ill with cancer, and going through treatments, it was a huge problem for my family. Both of them quit drinking when he was diagnosed, but as the treatments began to wear on him, she went back to it.

I finally had to move into their home because Dad would fall asleep with a cigarette in his hands, almost burned up his favorite chair. That along with Mom's favorite medication, turned it into a full time job for me.

I can see how much you love your Daddy in these posts. That's truly very special. I guess, just try to treasure those precious moments. How neat to hear how talkative he was in chemo, and how much he was enjoying the conversations with his daughters. That is just an incredible thing to read.

Mi Judy

_________________
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

Thank you, KW Judy and MI Judy. I guess I'm just having a hard time adjusting to seeing my dad in the state he's in. Then I have to remember to stop being selfish and think about how HE'S trying to adjust to all of this. It truly is a roller coaster ride of emotions.

As for the rest of what I'm going through, that'll just have to be dealt with as it comes. MI Judy - thank you for sharing your story, which is VERY similar to mine. I just can't fathom having to move back home yet. My nerves will be shot, and I'll need intensive counseling.

I'll post back when there's something more substantial to report. Don't want to spend a lot of time here moaning about things I can't change.

Thanks everyone-
Cathy

Hi Everyone-

Well, we've just finished the 5th week of dad's treatment, and the chemo side effects are definitely rearing their ugly head. He hasn't been able to eat or drink very much over the past couple of weeks, and has lost about 10 pounds. He's already pretty slim, so that's not good. Also, his blood pressure has been steadily dropping. Yesterday it was 76/50. His doctor told him to stop taking his BP pills to see if that would help. (It did. This morning it was back to normal.) I took him in to the infusion center this morning to get an IV with some multivitamins in it because he was so weak. We're trying to get him to understand that even though he doesn't have an appetite, he needs to force himself to at least drink something so he won't get dehydrated.

I think his spirits are rather low at this point. He told me this morning,"This is hell." I try to cheer him up, telling him he only has 2 more chemo sessions and then he will get a well-deserved break. But I know all he can think about is the 2 additional chemos he will get in April... Full-strength ones... that I know will completely wipe him out.

For those of you actually going through treatment: How long after you stop chemo do you start feeling human again? I need to give him some hope. We all feel so helpless, and my mom is feeling like she's not giving him the care he needs. I told her there isn't much else we can do, other than keep doing what we're doing. But I understand how she feels.

Sorry this was so long. Thank you for listening.

Cathy

Hi Cathy,

I made it through my chemo two years ago without too serious problems, and did not have radiation concurrent, so I'm probably not much help. This round is manageable as well - I lose 5 pounds, put of 3, lose 7, put on 5...on my better weeks, I am eating fine and indulging (as always) in anything I like, including plenty of chocolate and ice cream.

Keep snacks available to him all the time, and boost his milkshakes with protein powder or whatever is tolerated. I know I have lots of times I don't feel like eating, but keeping something in my belly is key for me. That's harder if he is experiencing throat or mouth problems.

Is he going for 6 cycles of chemo? As far as I have read, 4-6 cycles with platinums is considered reasonable. If more than 4 is too much, he can say no (and I've known strong guys who've said no after 3.) Quality of life is part of the equation. This is something you might discuss with him and his oncologist.

Bests

_________________
(photo: me in '61)
Female never smoked, 52 at diagnosis, otherwise healthy
09/08: false cardiac event = finding of 3 cm tumor upper right lobe plus two .5 cm nodes elsewhere on chest x-ray at ER
09/08: CTScan with IV contrast confirms.
10/08: Pulmonary referral for EBUS - bronchoscopy - confirms NSCLC - adenocarcinoma, with bronchoalveolar features
10/08: PetScan - further confirmation, classified T1N0MX (false negative) VATS scheduled.
11/08: full open surgery - revised to T4N2MX with positive spread to 2 lymph nodes, removed upper lobe with 3 cm tumor and partial mid lobe with (1) .5 cm tumor, 3 lymph nodes on trachea - 1 lymph node and margins negative.
5 night hospital stay.
12/08: Port-a-cath implanted
12/08: Brain MRI and hearing test - good other than minor high end loss in left ear
12/08: start (4) 21 day cycles of chemo - day 1 cisplatin and gemcitabine, day 8 gemcitabine alone, day 15 off - tolerated it pretty well - a little hair thinning and follicle inflammation, some ringing in ears and vertigo, much fatigue, and nausea. Kept my taste-buds almost intact.
02/27/09: completed 4 cycles of chemo!
03/03/09: removed port-a-cath
03/27/09: tattooed for radiation
03/30/09: start radiation (IMRT) 5x/wk for 6 weeks - fatigue, moderate esophagitis
5/08/09: completed treatment
6/22/09: NED
9/18/09: Recurrance in the liver and scattered in lungs. No symptoms. Rx Tarceva.
9/25/09: start Tarceva
11/20/09: clear lungs, shrinkage in liver.
2/24/10: still good on Tarceva
6/3/10: graduated to 6 month scan
12/9/10: new 6 cm tumor in liver
12/28/10: stop Tarceva
1/10/11: carbo/alimta/avastin
3/11/11: scan after 3 cycles 72%ish met reduction, stay the course
5/26/11: scan after 6 cycles, stable.
5/31/11: begin Avastin maintenance.
8/17/11: met growth, stop Avastin. Start Alimta.
10/25/11: met growth, stop Alimta. Wondering what to do next?
1/24/11: start hospice

Hi ts-

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm still a little confused as to what a "cycle" of chemo is, but my dad has been undergoing one chemo session per week for the past 5 weeks (along with 5-day-a-week radiation sessions). He has 2 more chemos and 7 more radiations to go before he gets a break (between 3-4 weeks. I'm hoping for 4 weeks.) After that, he'll have two more chemo sessions, each about 2-3 weeks apart, so I'm guessing that counts as 2 cycles? His doctor told him yesterday that if his platelet count goes below 75, or if he starts feeling horribly weaker, he'll decrease his chemo dosage. (So far, though, his bloodwork is still really, really good. Platelet count has gone down, but is still in the 100's.) Doc tried to cheer him up a bit by telling him "Well, I can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel here," but my dad who is normally cracking jokes and never being serious, barely said a word. He's been in bed most of the day today. I have a sneaking suspicion that if this first round doesn't significantly get rid of the tumor, he may stop after this. However, he may feel rejuvenated after the month's break, so we shall see.

We're trying to keep snacks and juices at the ready, but since he's never been the type to "graze" throughout the day, getting into that habit is hard. My mom feels like she's nagging him when she tries to get him to drink or eat... he's crabby... etc. It's just really rough right now. I had a mini-meltdown tonight. I hold it in for so long that every week or two I just have to let it out. It didn't help that my brother gave me a new Tyler Perry DVD that involved a mother dying of cancer. I don't think he considered the subject matter... he just likes Madea!

Thanks again-
Cathy

ts said:
Cathy, I definitely agree with that. I'll take it even further, and even though I can't prove it scientifically, say that being on a tolerable treatment and feeling relatively strong can be just as effective against the cancer as being on a rougher treatment and feeling lousy. For that reason, I've never hesitated to tell my onc I'd like to ease off a bit (either in dosage or schedule), and he's always accommodated my preferences. That approach has worked out well so far, and as they say, you can't argue with success. Here are a couple of rather long discussion threads between me and other patients/caregivers and some of the GRACE docs:

http://cancergrace.org/forums/index.php ... l#msg18528

http://cancergrace.org/forums/index.php ... l#msg38110

And getting those calories in is important, even more important than a so-called "balanced" diet right now. Here's something I wrote back in 2007 about my eating difficulties while on Taxol:

viewtopic.php?p=316878#p316878

I'm sending you a PM also. 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.

Cathy - I just saw this thread, am not sure why it hasn't popped up before. I had what sounds like the same treatment your Dad is having - concurrent chemo/radiation, and then two high-dose chemo treatments three weeks apart after radiation is done. It is hard, and of course wears you down more the longer it goes on. But at the end, I had an excellent response and still remain stable two years later. I had to give up my blood pressure meds as well, and still do not need them. I had a hard time finding anything I could eat or drink, and finally when I found something I could tolerate I just existed on that. Probably not nutritionally recommended, but it got me through. Tell your Dad that it does indeed begin to get better after the last treatment. It takes awhile before you are feeling really "normal" again - but it does happen. Your Dad is very lucky to have such a caring daughter.

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

Hi Cathy
I just had 4 rounds of chemo and no radiation. What I found and was told is that the drugs accumulate in your system. So the fourth round affected me more than the third. I think with the 3-4 week break, your Dad will be ready to tackle the next 2. But I also agree with the quality of life comment and your Dad should be the person to decide how many treatments that he is comfortable with.

_________________
02/07 spot showed on chest x-ray
04/07 ct scan confirmed spot
07/07 pet scan could not confirm cancerous
09/07 had lobectomy of upper lobe on left lung.tumour was 2.1cm
10/07 lymph node samples were negative. classified as stage 1b.
12/07 Begin 4 rounds of adjuvant chemotherapy. Cisplatin and Vinerolbine on a 21 day cycle.
01/08 First 3 month chest x-ray was all clear.
03/08 After 3 rounds, cisplatin wil be replaced by carbo for the last round. Ringing in the ears is a side effect of cisplatn.
03/08/08 Had treatment yesterday of Carboplatin/Vinerolbine. So far feeling alot better than when I received the Cisplatin. Treatment lasted 2 hours compared to 5 hours for Cisplatin.
04/08 Chest x-ray. All clear.
06/08 chest CT Scan. All clear
09/08 Chest x-ray. All clear
11/08 Chest x-ray. All clear
02/09 Chest and abdomen CT Scan. All clear
04/09 Chest x-ray. All clear
06/09 Chest x-ray and abdominal ultrasound All clear
01/10 Chest x-ray. All clear

Ned, Diane and Bruce-

Thank you all for your wonderful comments and support! Diane, I will pass on your story to my dad. It's always great to hear of someone who's gone through the same thing, and has come out fine on the other side.

Dad just finished his 7 weeks of concurrent radiation/chemo treatment last week, so now he gets 4 weeks off before starting on the 2 cycles of full-dose chemo. I think he came through all this splendidly, aside from the diminished appetite, fatigue and occasional (though not severe) nausea. There was one day when his BP was ultra-low (77/56, or something), and he was very weak, so we took him in for some IV fluids (he got a second dose of fluids a few days later after chemo), and that seemed to perk him up a bit. Also, the day after the last chemo session, his Neutrophils (Absolute) value was a bit low, so he had to go in for a shot. He's lost about 8 pounds so far. Hasn't lost any hair (well, that we can tell... he's "follically challenged" to begin with). He's a bit obsessed about checking his BP since they took him off his meds, but I figure he's lost control over pretty much the rest of his physical health, we'll let him take his BP as much as he wants. LOL! Oh, and I think he does have a small case of "chemo brain" because he forgets things right away after he's told something. We just humor him...

He goes back on 3/21 for a CT scan and bloodwork; will see his oncologist on 3/25 to make sure everything's okay; then he'll start his chemo the following week. He will also be getting that same shot the day after his 2 chemo sessions, to make sure that level stays normal.

Ned - I printed out the information about your appetite issues for him, and he has it posted on his fridge at home. He said that was EXACTLY what was going on with him. Strange tastes and textures... all of that. Thank you so much for that. I hope you're doing well...

This will be my first week without having to take him anywhere, and my first full week at work in over a month. All I really want to do is stay in bed and sleep for a day or so.

-Cathy

Cathy - work may seem like somewhat of a break it gets you at least out of "sight" of the worry that will no doubt be in the back of your mind. Do yourself a favor - relax a minute - take a minute for you - if you feel good - it will help your dad. I know that after I had my surgeries I felt like the mud on my shoes - but just hearing / seeing "okay" in my caregivers eyes made things better. Sounds like you have a strong disposition - so don't forget about you. Hope you find that everything has worked like it is supposed to work at the scan later this month!
Annette

_________________
5/5/09 Bad Cough - sent for xray
5/6/09 CAT SCAN
5/8/09 Pulmonologist - not good ordered bronch
5/14/09 Bronc 5/19/09 Breathing test & Results - NSCLC (Adenocarcinoma 3cm)
5/22/09 PET Scan - 5/27 referred to surg & onc
6/2/09-met with surg & onc. They say there are two spots. One small on left lung and one larger one on right lung 3.6 x 3.2 cm - they are pretty sure and approaching it as if it were two separate cancers staging the right at II and the left at I.
June 15 - RML removed - Pathology - margins clear and nodes clear. June 25 follow up with surgeon - doc agreed to stage I since it appears he got it all - June 30 return to work
July 7 Oncologist says Stage 1A - we don't recommend chemo for this stage
Aug 17 - surgery - again took ULL and some nodes -
Sep 8 to onc - Both sides IA - no chemo just watch closely
Dec 15, 2009 - CT Results - NED
March 10th, 2010 - CT Scan - Results - NED
June 15th, 2010 - XRay - Results - NED
Sep 15th 2010 CT Scan - Results - NED
Dec 2010 XRay Only - Results - NED
Dec 2010 MRI - Results - Clear
March 2011 - CT Scan - NED
June 2011 - XRay Only - NED
Sept 2011 - Scan & Vampires - Scared to death!!!!

Cathy - it sounds like your Dad is doing pretty well with the treatment. This break will be good for him, and good for you also I imagine - gives everyone a chance to catch their breath. Annette is right, you need to take a minute for yourself too.

Thanks for keeping us posted.

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

Hi Cathy,
I third the idea of you taking a break for your self - work can be pretty overwhelming to return to, but maybe a good change of pace. Still, hope there is something fun planned for the weekend.

Sounds like your Dad did a great job getting through the concurrent chemo/radiation. I am sorry I did not respond and added to the confusion regarding chemo cycles. I had 4 cycles of chemo - which was 2 infusions day one, one infusion day 7, no infusion day 14, repeat a week later for 4 cycles. The concurrent chemo is given as a smaller dose and typically once a week as radiation is done daily. And, as with your Dad, often followed by a couple of big mop up chemos. So I was talking about apples and oranges.

Nice to humor his chemo brain - I played a game after dinner last night (Apples and Apples) - and it involved very short term memory skills - I really had to concentrate, and despite that, I won! But I can tell I have a bit of lint in my dryer screen.

If you see Ned, please give him a very soft hug from all of us on the mainland. And one for you and your Dad too.

Annette, Diane, ts:

Thank you all for your replies! I will definitely be thinking of something fun I can do for myself over the next few weeks. It's hard, though, when you're kinda broke... and don't have very many vacation days left at work. LOL! I love going to movies, but I can always talk myself out of it because they're so darn expensive - especially if you actually want to EAT anything!

ts - no worries re: chemo cycles. I'm learning that there are SOOO many different types of treatment options. I'm one of those people who sometimes gets mixed up between "biennial" and "biannual", so when they tell me he's getting a cycle every 3 weeks, I have to think hard... is each one 3 weeks apart, or is the 2nd one done on the 3rd week after the first one... Maybe I have "chemo brain" by association?

I do hope to meet Ned one of these days after his current treatment is done. If/when I do, I will give him a BIG hug from all of you.

-Cathy

Hi Cathy,
I just want you to know,although I have not been active on your string I have been following your postings each day sent.My experience of Lung Cancer pretty much along the lines of Bruces and Buds,I did have one nearest lymph node involved though,chemo and surgery, escaped the bit radio therapy as we call radiation here in the UK.I felt I didnt have much to offer you regarding your dads treatments,particularly after reading the quality of the comments you have been receiving from everyone here.I just want you to know how much I have appreciated reading your posts,they are so supportive of your Dad,and so positive in their outlook,you are one special daughter.I do hope on all our behalves you get to meet up with Ned,please pass on my best wishes for him also as his treatments continue.

_________________
Regards,
Eric Byrne

To read my story, please follow the link : http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?t=43268

Hi Cathy,

Thanks for keeping us updated on Dad. It all sounds like it's going very well. Yeah! Enjoy a break, and like the others said, do something nice for you. It does not have to be much. I find a lovely walk at sunset is an amazing gift. Or sitting with someone you love as the sun rises. The other day at night, we saw a moon with a halo around it. It was like someone gave us a gift. So lovely.

As for chemo brain? Yes, YES and YES again. I still don't have the memory I had 4 years ago. Could it still be chemo brain? Or is it that I'm 56 years old. LOL!

My husband had to hear a ton of stories two or three times because I had absolute no memory of the previous conversation. The nice part for me was that all of it was brand new and very exciting, as I told it again! LOL!

Hugs to you sweetie,

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

Cathy, I just noticed your Dad's scans are next week. You must be getting nervous--it's normal, we all experience degrees of what we can scananxiety. Here's hopes for the best for him. Do keep us posted on the outcome.

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 all

Well, we got the results back from dad's bloodwork and CT scan and met with the doctor last Friday. His bloodwork is almost back to pre-chemo levels. Doc said that although the tumors hadn't shrunk quite as much as he had hoped, the main tumor HAS shrunk a little bit, and there was no evidence of any new lesions, and the ones that are there have not gotten bigger. My dad said that's all he was praying for, and he was SO happy with the news. Physically, he's feeling great. He is even getting his sense of taste back. When this all started, he couldn't even smell coffee without getting sick. Now, he's drinking two cups a day and loving it. His weight and blood pressure have stabilized, and the only lingering problem he has is a nagging cough, but I guess that's the only way to get rid of all the "yucky stuff" in his chest.

Now, we proceed to the next step. Dad goes in for full-dose chemo on Thursday, so I just downloaded a new book to my Kindle to occupy myself while I sit there for 5 hours (Johnny Wier, the ever-so-colorful figure skater. Should be an interesting read!)  He goes back for his second dose on April 21st. A couple of weeks after that he will get another CT scan and bloodwork done. Then the doctor will just follow his progress every 3-4 months. I asked if he would get another PET scan done, and he said probably not because it would be near impossible to differentiate between cancer activity and the radiation which is still going through his body. Makes sense...

Thank you all, again for your support and encouragement. Eric - there are hundreds of stories on here, so I don't expect everyone to follow every story. Just the fact that you stop by to give your support means the world to me. And you two Judy's are just precious! I always smile when I read your posts.

Cathy

Terrific Cathy. What you are describing sounds like what we call stable and stable is good! Glad to hear your Dad's had some feel good time before he goes into his next treatment. Hope it goes easy for him.

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.

Cathy,

this is so good to hear! Isn't it great to download books now. I have the Nook by Barnes and Noble, and I just love it! Thanks for the update.

Take care,


MI Judy

_________________
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

Sounds as though things are going very well - as Judy said, stable is good. I remember when I was having treatment and was down to my last two high dose chemos - was so happy just to see the light at the end of the tunnel that they seemed like a breeze.

Wishing your Dad the best. Enjoy your book!

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

Aw Shucks Cathy,thanks for your comment,you brought a tear to my eye(I am such a big softy)Hope you Dads Chemo on Thursday works a treat and all his subsequent treatments kicks all the cancer cells into touch for good.Enjoy the read.

_________________
Regards,
Eric Byrne

To read my story, please follow the link : http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?t=43268

Hi all!

Oh my goodness! I just realized I never came back here to update you all on my dad's progress. So sorry... I think his "chemo brain" has rubbed off on me a bit.

Dad met with his radiologist in early May, and doc said that he was doing as well as can be expected, and he directed that comment to me in a very reassuring tone, which made me feel good. I know that this cancer is most likely incurable, and we're just buying him more time, but it was nice to hear, anyway. He said no more radiation in the forseeable future, and wants to see him again in August. He also had his final CT scan and checkup with his oncologist on May 20th. Doc said that everything looked about the same as the last one a couple of months before: stable, with no new lesions, and that he'd just check up on him every couple of months to see how he's doing. One slightly disturbing thing was his weight: Since treatment began in January, he's gone from 162 to 145 lbs! He said he can't imagine why he'd lost almost 10 pounds since the beginning of May because he was "eating like a horse". He felt fine, though. Doc told him to come back in July and to try to gain some weight back.

Well... I just checked with him 2 days ago and he said he's back up to 157 lbs.!! He was ecstatic! His scale and the doc's scale are within 1/2 lb. of each other. Just one downside... bugger is completely bald up top now. (Sorry, I probably shouldn't laugh because I'd be devastated if it were me...) We're all so used to seeing him 90% bald anyway, but this extra 10% just looks so different. My nephew told him, "That's okay, Grandpa; I still love you, even if you're bald." (Uh, child... did you not notice the baldness before all this?) Oh, and he has bald knees, too! Little bit of hair on his chest... and I didn't ask about anything else.

So, I guess he's doing as well as can be expected. I feel like now is the time for me to take a break and do something fun for me, now that I know he's stabilized. I'm taking myself to Las Vegas in September. Yes... MYSELF! I want to go where I want, when I want. I'm not a gambler, but I love music so I'm going to 4 shows: Barry Manilow, Human Nature (Australian group who sings Motown songs); The Australian Bee Gees (a tribute group), and... Donny and Marie!! I've loved them since I was 10, and still have a book about them I bought at a book fair in the 5th grade that I'm going to bring for them to autograph. Oh, I didn't mention that I'm getting the VIP ticket, which lets you sit right up front and then meet them afterward. I'm so stoked!

Anyway, that's all for now. I can't believe it's been 6 months since all of this started. I thank all of you so much for sharing your experiences, and for all of your support and encouragement.

Love to you all-
Cathy

Cathy,

That all sounds excellent. Both cancer itself and chemo seem to contribute to weight loss in some patients. I've lost about 25 pounds since this all started despite the gallons of ice cream consumed. I could afford that loss and it has been gradually enough to not be a big issue. I just hope I can keep it off - things have been stable this year (well, up and down depending where I was in my chemo cycle.) Without chemo making me sick for a week, no more yoyo weight.

Las Vegas? Okay. Lots of good restaurants there too, if you are interested. Have fun. And let us know how you and your Dad are doing over the summer.

Kathy, terrific news about your Dad. Stable is very good in this journey. So glad to hear you taking time for you. It's important for the caretakers. You can't take care of someone else if you don't take care of 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.

Sounds great, Cathy. Stable is definitely on our list of likes.

_________________
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

Hi Cathy,
Thank you for the upbeat report of your Dads progress,its so good to hear.Please keep 'em coming.Great idea you doing a solo to Las Vegas,freedom to do your own thing is just wonderful,I am doing exactly the same,sorry I will miss Las Vegas,maybe next year?.VIP tickets to see Donnie and Marie to boot?dont forget the camera and post in the pics please.Enjoy youself,you certainly deserve to,please pass on to your dad my best wishes.How about getting him to post in during your absence,I am sure we would all enjoy that.

_________________
Regards,
Eric Byrne

To read my story, please follow the link : http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?t=43268

sounds good Kathy!
(((hug)))

_________________
- 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


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