Bill has had blurry vision for about one month. I have been absolutely convinced that his cancer had spread to his brain, despite his PCI last year.

Today he went to the eye doctor, who diagnosed cataracts. I was never so happy to hear that Bill needs cataract surgery.

Sounds very crazy, but I'm so relieved.

He thinks I'm nuts.....gone off the deep end. Actually, a little nuts, but very happy.

Blessings to you all........have a great Tuesday!!!

_________________
~~Laurie~~

Bill, I love you so, I always will
(The 5th Dimension - Wedding Bell Blues - 1969)

05/13/47 -- 04/03/08
Small Cell Lung Cancer

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3, 5-6

__________________________________

Only the folks here could ever begin to understand the thrill of hearing the word cataracts!!!!!! Thank goodness, Laurie........I'm so happy that's all it is!

Kasey

_________________
Kasey ~ 8 year survivor ~ Stage IIIb 'inoperable' (yea, right!) lung cancer
9/20/04 Dx lc
9/24/04 Bronchoscopy
10/08/04 CT guided needle biopsy
10/14/04 Dx Pancoast tumor - NSCLC 111a(?) - inoperable - incurable
11/02/04 2nd opinion - Sloan-Kettering - concurs with local dx and tx
11/03/04-12/02/04 Radiation x22 chemo x5 taxol/carboplatin
11/04 - 3rd opinion - FoxChase -turned away
11/04 FOUND LCSC & HOPE
11/04 4th opinion NIH - surgery possible
1/04/05 Successful surgery - RU lobectomy - all margins, nodes, and path reports are NEGATIVE
2/05 chemo x2 taxol/carboplatin
3/05 Esophagus stretched twice
4/06/05 bloodwork, chest x-ray, CT scan, PET scan, NED
5/05 2 more esophagus stretches
7/13/05 bloodwork, chest x-ray, CT scan, PET scan, brain MRI, NED
10/05/05 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, NED
1/11/06 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
4/05/06 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, NED
6/10/06 emergency appendectomy
7/12/06 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
9/26/06 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, NED
1/10/07 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, CT, PET/CT scan, arm CT, brain MRI, NED
7/11/07 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
1/9/08 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, CT w/contrast.....mm 'spot' lower right lobe - watch and wait 3 months
4/8/08 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, NED
10/14/08 bloodwork, urinaysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
4/15/09 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
10/13/09 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, CT/contrast, NED
4/13-4/15/10 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, CT/contrast, PFT, echocardiogram, EKG, stress test, NED
4/11-4/13/2011 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET scan, CT scan w/contrast, brain MRI, NED
4/16-4/18/2012 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET scan, CT scan w/contrast, brain MRI, NED

I'll bet you both were scared. Glad to hear the good news! I had cataract surgery in '89 and '90. Quick recovery. Is he going to do that or does he just feel too rotten to undertake anything else?
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.

What Great News!!!!
Dar

_________________
My Mom
5/1/46-6/20/08

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight

Jake

Thank goodness!
Mom had the surgery done on both of her eyes, and the recovery was fine, other then the fact that she had to use a lot of eye drops for a while afterwards.
I'm sorry he has to mess with that, but am happy it's nothing to do with the cancer!

_________________
My Husband's battle with SCLC.....Picture is of Harry before diagnosis.....

January 07-Doctor ordered a Cat Scan due to cough and pain in ribs. Sent us to the Pulmonologist.
Late January- Biopsy taken. Results show SCLC, inoperable.
Sent to Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa.
End of January '07 -started first chemo treatment. Ended up in ER after about 5 days with dehydration.
Feb 23rd '07 - second round of chemo, ended up IN the hospital for 2 days with a bladder infection.
March-'07 Third round of chemo. Also started radiation twice a day, 5 days a week.
April 10th,'07
Harry is in the hospital with a very bad infection in his heart valve. On liquid diet now because radiation has burnt his esophagus.

May 11th, '07- new scan and MRI results were good. Cancer/tumor has shrunk about 60%. Head is still clear.
June 8th, '07
Harry started first infusion of Carboplatin.
June 15th, 07..... Harry is in the hospital again. Has an abscess on the wall of his intestines. He's lost 7 more pounds. Blood counts are terrible.
June 27th, 07
Harry remained in the hospital for 7 days, (once again).
He is now passing out when he stands. He's been put on a new medication to raise his BP a little, plus help him retain fluids. Hoping it works, because he's bruised and cut from falling.

July 26th, 07- New Cat Scan results show that the original tumor has grown, and there are also new areas involved near ribs and higher in the left lung.. Will start Taxol, to "control" growth.
August 07
MRI came out clean. Thank you, Lord.
Lung tumor has some shrinkage, but some new growth in different areas. Mixed bag of results.

2nd dose of Taxol given.
9-10-07
Cat scan results were fairly stable.
He will continue on the Taxol, another 4 rounds. Blood counts were good.
Nov. '07
Harry had his last dose of Taxol. He won't get the 6th dose, due to numbness and tingling in his feet.

New scan done on Jan. 7th, '08
Shows Mets to liver in several spots. New tumor in lung, and more fluid.
Started Cpt-11 once a week.
Doctor mentioned Hospice. It was declined. Harry went fishing the next day. :O)
March '08
Harry now has Mets in his liver, ribs,shoulder, arm and more nodes.
He's on strong pain medication. Mostly sits in his chair and sleeps. His fighting spirit still remains, and he chooses to continue treatment.
April 8th, 08
Radiation doctor states that there isn't much more they can do. Harry has been given a "6 months or less" prognosis .
Harry has chosen to have Hospice involved. Says he's "kind of tired of sitting in doctor's offices".
I'm not sure yet how I feel about it , but it's his choice.
June 7th, 08
Harry passed away at 1:05 am, a few hours after being taken to the Hospice Care Center .
I miss him SO much. My heart is broken.

Good, good, greath news!
Carol

_________________
Carol
64 Year old former smoker
1/4/05 at age 56 DX NSCLC, upper right lobe.
Staged IIA by PET Scan.
Restaged to IIIA by surgeon prior to surgery, after he examined PET and CT Scan results.
4/7/05 Completed 6 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy (taxol/carboplatin).
4/29/05 CT Scan.
5/21/05 PET Scan.
5/31/05 Met with surgeon, PET Scan showed nodule in left lung lit up that never lit up before.
6/9/05 Biopsy=OK nodule is scar tissue.
7/1/05 BRONCHOSCOPY,
MEDIASTINOSCOPY, THORACOTOMY SURGERY=ALL MARGINS CLEAN, 20 LYMPH NODES REMOVED. PLUS ONE RIB BONE. ALL NEGATIVE FOR CANCER.
8/9/05 & 9/1/05 ADJUVANT CHEMO. 10/4/05 1ST CT SCAN="Defined patchy density at the superior segment of the right lower lobe. Findings are most likely related to recent surgery and/or posttreatment change, however, this should be followed on subsequent studies".
1/3/06 Brain CT=Clear;Chest CT=Scar Tissue.
1/4/06 ONE YEAR SINCE DIAGNOSIS
4/1/06 Brain & Chest CT=NED. 6/13/06 XRAY=NERD.
7/1/06 ONE YEAR SINCE SURGERY.
10/25/06 CT=NED.
1/4/07 TWO YEARS SINCE DIAGNOSIS
5/3/07 CT=NED.
7/1/07 TWO YEARS SINCE SURGERY.
11/6/07 CT=NED
PLEASE continue to keep me in your prayers.WHEN PRAISES GO UP, BLESSINGS COME DOWN.[/size]
1/4/08 THREE YEARS SINCE DIAGNOSIS
3/20/08 CT=NED
6/20/08 X-RAY=NED
7/1/08 THREE YEARS SINCE SURGERY.
10/27/08 CT=NED
1/4/09 FOUR YEARS SINCE DIAGNOSIS
3/26/09 X-RAY=NED
7/1/09 FOUR YEARS SINCE SURGERY.
9/17/09 CHEST X-RAY CEA BLOOD TEST=NED
1/4/10 FIVE YEARS SINCE DIAGNOSIS
3/29/10 X-RAY=NED
10/5/10 CT=NED
4/1/11 X-RAY=NED
7/1/11 SIX YEARS SINCE SURGERY
10/10/11 X-RAY=NED
4/15/12 CT/PET=NED
4/18/13 CT=NEW 3MM NODULE FOUND ON UPPER LEFT LOBE

I'm calling his Opthamologist first thing this morning to make an appointment. He is most anxious to get this done and be able to see clearer.

Thanks for all your good wishes.

_________________
~~Laurie~~

Bill, I love you so, I always will
(The 5th Dimension - Wedding Bell Blues - 1969)

05/13/47 -- 04/03/08
Small Cell Lung Cancer

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3, 5-6

__________________________________

One eye at the time
it is the way they do it here,
Be good for the drops they are the
important part.

A friend of mine had it done and
his sight that was not bad before
improved to the point he did not wear
glasses after.......

Good luck
Jackie

_________________
Husband *Mike*
dx'd nsclc Stage IIIA, inoperable, May 21st 2002
On October 13th 2003, he died at home as he
wanted, very peacefully during his sleep.
I miss you so much Mike.
Jackie

Laurie,

My heart sank when I read the title of your post, then I recovered when I read the inside. Weird how good news comes sometimes. Congrats!

Hugs,

_________________
Teri

In loving memory of my best friend, soul mate and hubby, Bill (aka "bware21").
You are my most favorite person -- forever.

July 17, 1952 - July 16, 2007
(Ext. SCLC)

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." - James 1:17

I like nuts! Especially because I am one myself! Great news...surgery or not!

STay strong!
Jen

_________________
[size=75]Loving Daughter, with three siblings, praying for a Dad with SCLC, superior vena cava syndrome.

3/16/06 DX Mass and/or adenopathy within the right hilum..consistent with bronchogenic carcinoma. May also be subcarinal adenopathy. Small right pleural effusion.
3/17/06 MRI head with/out contrast. Biopsi-lung, right middle lobe bronchus. Small Cell Carcinoma of the right lung with SVC syndrome
3/21/06 Bone scan. No evidence for skeletal metastases
3/21/06 Etoposide and Carboplatin chemotherapy (3 days)
4/12/06 Chest XRay - Obvious shrinking of tumor
4/12/06 Etoposide and Carboplatin (3 days)
5/2/06 CScan - again, obvious shrinking of tumor
5/5/06 Meet with Radiologist to determine radiology plan
5/9/06 Day one of Radiation
5/10/06 Chemo (?) (3 days)
6/4/06 In the middle of radiation, going EXTREMELY well, aside from sore eating, and tired, tired, tired. Dad is hopeful, sure that he is coughing up tumor every day, and spirited. Thank you God!
6/18/06 Went into local hospital for infusion. Chest X for possible pneumonia.
6/20/-6 Went to local hospital for infustion. DX with pneumonia in both lungs. O2 levels low, and irregular heart beat. He does not feel heart beating 140 and above. Meds for regulation not working. Made it to Mayo 6/25...back in the hands of the amazing!
6/29 Radiation Graduation! Dad is now home, and regaining strength every day. He is tired, tired, tired, but again, getting stronger every day. Will return to Mayo on 7/30 for all new tests.
7/30 "There is nothing in your noggin but a brain, Keith!" Amazing words to hear! "I would give your chest a clean bill."
8/1 "Keith, you are in remission." We don't consider a cure until you are clear for five years.
8/7 Began 15 rounds PCI brain radiation treatments. This was a difficult decision to make as we were given the side affects, and quite honestly it does sound scary. However, most all SCLC survivors appear to have some form of brain radiation at some time throughout their treatments. Dad figures that mom does the money books, organizes the meds, and keeps the house going already, so what the heck. "I don't want to die from cancer," he says!

August 25, 2006 Mom and Dad return after PCI. Dad feels great, has a tan, bald head, and got out onto the boat on day 1 of his return! Thank you God!

11/29/06 3 month Check Up...Still in remission. Lung scarring from radiation occuring. Dad feels great. Depression and low activity are going away!

2/25/07 Another check up shows no progression...however a slight pleural effusion that has grown since November. Could be one of three things...1. Infection 2. Scar Tissue 3. Cancer. Must go back to Mayo next week to have it drained and checked.

3/1/07 Drained pleural effusion yesterday. However, when they got in there, there wasn't enough fluid to drain and check...this means it probably wasn't cancer, and more than likely was the tail end of some kind of infection. She decides she wants him back in two months instead of three, just to be safe. Heart doc gives dad the clean bill of health. Go home, enjoy life!

5/11/07 Dad had a standard chest CT, which showed nothing new. He feels great and again was given a clean bill! Yeah! Doc will do a "big" check-up in August...complete with chest CT, bone scan, and brain scan...all because at that point he will be one year in remission! Yeah...I pray every day for these years to be granted!
8/21/07 Dad had a full body scan yesterday and results today were very "boring!" We LOVE boring. There was one nodule, in the lung area, that she could see, but it is smaller than small, and leaves no reason to be concerned. Dad will return for a check-up after Christmas. When mom said, "So, do we not need to be worried anymore" she answered with, "Your new normal will be that you are always worried." Yuck...but oh so true. Thank you God for the gift of healing, and may you continue with that wonderful gift. I pray in thanksgiving.

1/21/08 "I am going to call you my miracle man! Keith, I still don't see any evidence of cancer in your body." Wow! Blessed again!

5/19/08 "Keith there is no change. I see no evidence of any cancer." Wow! We are so blessed to be given another clean report. "Every day is a gift," my dad said. Isn't that the truth!

Sept. 08 Still Cancer Free

4/8/09 All evidence of the small cell is still gone. She believes Dad is cured. However, a dot on the CT almost a year ago has turned into an eraser sizes spot. This could just be a product of his recent bronchitis or could be when he breathed during the scan. She DOES NOT think we have anything to worry about. Scans will be in 3 months now, instead of 6 months...I am happy for that!

7/20/09 CT shows growth in spot on opposite lung than original cancer. They do not want to leave it alone. Will have PET and surgical consult next week with the hopes for simple removal.

8/2009 Removed spot. Biopsy showed trace of NSCLC. No SCLC found.

11/2009 All clear
3/2010 All clear
7/2010 All clear
11/2010 All clear. We really are so very blessed to continue to be cancer free. Thank you God.
8/23/11 - Still clear. Thank God!



Picture at left is my husband and I, October 2007. Below is Dad crossing the line during the survivor lap at the Relay. The other pic is just one of my faves!

[img]http://lchelp.org/picfiles/jen2.jpg[/img][img]http://lchelp.org/picfiles/ztweb3.jpg[/img]
[/size]

It feels weird to say it, but I am happy your husband has cataracts.

Good Luck,
Bobby

_________________
Sister, 50 years old, diagnosed with sclc/ext. on 9/16/2006.
09/19/2006 Begins Chemo. MRI clear, Bone Scan come back clean.
11/29/2006 3 Rounds Chemo completed. PET shows 100%Resolution. No cancer showing. Dr. wants to begin Radiation after Christmas along with her Chemo. Taking Neuprogen shots to build her body up to take the Radiation. Side effects have been minimal thus far..just very tired.
1/02/07 Very Depressed. Beginning 5th round of Chemo. Given Lexipro for Depression.
01/08/2007 Beginning Radiation. 28 treatments.
Sixth and final chemo postponed due to low WBC.
Radiation continues. Side effects so far: fatique, heartburn, sore throat.
01/29/2007 6th and last round of Chemo. Radiation postponed until after Chemo.

01/30/2007 In really good spirits. Feeling much better and relieved almost through with Chemo. Anti-depressant meds. are great.

Feb.05-09 Resumed Radiation
Feb. 12..CT scan done. Still waiting on Results. Praying for good news.

Feb. 12 Scan results. Dr. said he thinks only scar tissue remains. She will have 8 more radiations just to be sure.

Feb. 28 Radiation completed. Goes for PET scan on 4/10/2007. Dr. said if all goes as expected she will be in remission. 10 PCI's to start soon after.
4/10 PET scan denied by Ins. Company. Had CT scan. Will get results on 16th.
4/11 Pet scan given for free. Radiologist said all looks good. Dr. will talk to her about it on the 16th.
4/16 Dr. finds tiny spot near lung, wants to treat it just in case. Starts new chemo soon. PCI's to begin soon. He told her the PET she got for free, probably saved her life.
04/18 Begins chemo. 5-FU,Taxol and Carboplatin combination. Minimal side effects so far. Numbness in fingers and fatigue. No nausea. YEA! Will see radiologist Monday to decide on Radiation. Will have Chemo on Wednesdays concurrent with radiation.
4/25 WBC too low. chemo postponed until next wednesday. radiation done today.
5/02/2007 2nd Chemo given today with concurrent radiation. Side effects still minimal. She is feeling pretty good..just tired.
May 10 Last Chemo and Radiation for 6 weeks until scans. She is happy for the rest and attributes everything to a miracle from God. Side effects are minimal if any and is in really good spirits.

June 12 CT scan done
June 18-22 Rented cabin on the Tickfaw River for the whole family to get together. We fished and laughed and had a great time. She didn't want to know results until vacation was over.
June 26th CT scan is clear. Begining PCI's.
July 16 Halfway through with PCI's and doing pretty good. She is having headaches, but so far bearable.Dr. prescribed steroids.
7/17/07 Headaches have not subsided..Doctor sent her to have a MRI and it was all clear. Thank YOU GOD!! She will have a 2 day break on the PCI treatments.
7/25/2007 Finished PCI treatments. Some headaches, dizziness, and a rash on her forehead have been the only side effects so far.
7/26/2007 Came to Baton Rouge to visit and go to see Sister Dulce(nun that is supposed to have some healing abilities..she doesn't claim to be a healer, but someone that God works through.)
8/01/2007 Chest congestion and SOB. Dr. Thinks it is allergies.
08/02/2007 Beverly doesn't think it is just allergies. Returns to Dr. and insists on CT scan.
8/06/2007 Cancer is back. Growth is on Sternum.
08/08/2007 Starts Topotecan. Here we go again.
08/09/2007 Feels somewhat better already. Breathing is better. Continues to hold on to faith.

8/17/2007 2nd Topotecan. Will skip next week due to blood counts.

08/22/2007 Coughing, heaviness in chest, SOB. Dr. says the tumor never actually went away. Now being treated for RP. 20mg Steroids.
8/23/2007 Feeling better. Scans done next week.
8/27/2007 Brachytherapy done.
09/05/2007 Given Avastin along with Topotecan.
09/12/2007 Placed on Oxygen to help with breathing.
09/19/2007 Given partial chemo treatment due to low counts. Voice seems to be stronger and breathing seems to be easier. I Hope this combination is working for her.
She has made it past the 1 year mark!
The angels took my sister to heaven on Oct. 18, 2007. I will miss her very much.
PRAYERS DO WORK!!

Got an appointment with the Ophthalmologist on the 17th of September. I tried to explain I couldn't wait that long, but they didn't understand.......not many do.

Thank you all for your good wishes. Sure is nice to have ALL of you as friends.

Laurie

Laurie,

Now that I'm actually reading the posts instead of playing with songs , I'm glad it was something they can correct for Bill. You guys deserve a break so badly. These ophthalmologists are busy -- they are all that way. Booked months in advance. Sorry they couldn't squeeze him in sooner.

I'm squirrelly, so "nuts" sounds good to me.

Debi

_________________
Carepages.com for Tony's journey, Named: TeflonTony
Beloved Husband - 67 (at diagnosis - made it to 70 1/2) - non-smoker/23 years, night sweats, coughing up blood & very SOB. Oxygen 24/7. Lung capacity 50%, blood/ox levels 88%. TB Test, Broncoscopy, CT, PET Scan
- 3-28-05 Wedge section biopsy Dx'd NSCLC Adenocarcinoma Stage IV. Primary tumor 3 x 5 cm, extensive mets both lungs. Mediastinum, hilar, lymph node & supraclavicular involvement. Histologic grade: Poorly differentiated Emphysema also.
-4-05 PLAN A -Chemo TAXOL/CARBOPLATIN - 8 CYCLES(full strength dose)- 21 day cycle APRIL-AUGUST 2005
- PET & CAT in May & Aug. 2005 show marked reduction.
- Cycle 8 - Second severe carboplatin reaction - no more platinum based drugs
- PLAN B - New chemo - TAXOTERE/GEMZAR - 12 CYCLES (full strength dose)- 21 day cycle. SEPT 2005-MAY 2006 (22 actual chemo sessions in 12 cycles) Both drugs day 1 & Gemzar only day 7. Fatigue, high fevers, fingernail changes, & mouthsores. Procrit & Neulasta started during Cycle 3 (as needed).
-11-7-05 CAT & PET - more improvement. Large mass now 3.6 x 2.7 cm with less uptake. One small tumor in each lung.
-2-2-06 - PET & CAT scans show large mass down to 2.6 x 3.2 cm with lower SUV. R Lung clear. Areas of scarring in both lungs. Tumor in mid-left lung has grown.
-3-7-06 - 15 RADIATION TREATMENTS to nuke the tumor in mid-left lung while continuing chemo. (Chemo 9b skipped)
-5-16-06 - Cycle 12a finished. Trouble breathing, skipped 12b. Allergic reaction to long term use of taxotere. Severe fluid retention everywhere. Oxygen 24/7 continues.
-5-22-06 - CAT & PET Scans. Radiated tumor gone, primary mass unchanged. More scarring, thickening, etc.
***CHEMO HOLIDAY for 3 mos
-6-6-06 - 1-3-07 - PLEURAL EFFUSION ISSUES - 14 Thoracentesis done ranging from 500-1300 cc's on both sides. No cancer cells ever found in any of the taps.
-8-28-06 - PET & CAT scans."Significant progression." Primary tumor larger and seven new tumors found in both lungs. Higher SUV uptake levels then initially.
-9-1-06 - PLAN C - TARCEVA 150 mg daily begins.
-11-16-06 PET/CAT scans. Tarceva didn't do squat. Disease progression. Some lung tumors same size, growth in old tumors, many new tumors in both lungs (about 17). All are over 1+ to 3+ cm. SUV higher on all (high being 12.1). New uptake in R-iliac and L-Scapula. Increased adenopathy in L-hilum with corresponding uptake. First time cancer has left his lungs. Crap.
-11-29-06 - Port installed.
-11-30-06 - 4-2-07- PLAN D - 19 WEEKLY NAVELBINE INFUSIONS Neupogen/Procrit (as needed) Zometa for bones every 4th treatment. Night sweats & some fatigue.
-2-2-07-PET/CAT scans. Overall improvement with decreased number & SUV activity in most of the lung tumors. All but one are smaller. Bone mets are better. Empty head too. Effusion issues cleared up! Praise God for prayers answered.
-3-28-07 - TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY SINCE DX and now 70 years old!
-4-5-07 PET/CAT scans - Mixed results w/progression. R-lung tumors are still shrinking, bone mets are gone, two large areas in L-lung are stable. Progression in a tumor in the L-lung has increased in size & intensity and a larger area of new growth (3.9 x 2.4 cm) w/SUV 11.9 in subcarinal region. Need new chemo plan.
-4-18-07 - 7-9-07 PLAN E - 5 cycles ALIMTA - 21 day cycle (Zometa still every 4 weeks)
Alimta has proved to be more challenging then we hoped. Crud. Fatigue, increased SOB & cough (some blood). Counts are good. Fevers/sweating episodes. Still on Oxygen 24/7.
-6-15-07 - CAT/PET scan results -- mixed bag, but overall stable. Some tumors have grown, none have shrunk, some are somewhat higher uptake values, several are somewhat lower. Bone mets still gone & no liver involvement. Dealing with 7-8 lung & mediastinum tumors, 3+ cms on most. Doc says continue with Alimta as the cancer is not running totally amok.
7-18-07 - Week from hell. Crisis SOB, cough, on antibiotics, fevers/sweats, very bad. Pleural effusion tapped. Partial collapse of upper R-lung.
7-19-07 - X-ray -R-lung almost reinflated, bottom of L-lung is collapsing from pleural effusion. Wait to tap L-side until R-lung fully inflated. Coughing & SOB still bad. Hospital/Doctor visits are now in a wheelchair.
-7-24-07 - Onc. visit. Obvious symptomatic progression.
-7-30-07 - 8-27-07 PLAN F - 2 CYCLES salvage GEMZAR -21 day cycle days 1 & 8
-8-2-07 - CT scan shows L-pleural space loculation & tumor progression. One tumor is now encasing pulmonary artery. SOB worse.
-8-6-07 - Doc appt. Still very SOB, but tolerates Gemzar well. Onc does not want to do radiation. More harm than good. Pray it works.
-8-9-07 - Breathing issues escalate. Reluctantly went to hospital as both docs are out of town. Infection in L-lung. Re-confirmed tumor progression. Main bronchial tubes still open. Home on 8-12. That was a waste of time.
-8-15-07-Onc. visit. Continue Gemzar. Scans after next cycle. Weight & r-side fluid somewhat stable.
-9-4-07 - Wait on scans for another cycle. Hgb up to 11.1 Yay!
-9-10-07 - No chemo. Gemzar stopped, not working. Weight is plummeting.
-9-11-07 - Echo Doppler test on heart. Results normal. Pulmonary artery difficult to detect on this type of test.
7-18-07 - 10-2-07 - PLEURAL EFFUSION ISSUES AGAIN - 9 Thoracentesis done ranging from 600-1600 cc's on both sides. Loculation in upper half of L-pleural cavity. Lasix to try to reduce fluid & help breathing. Toward the end, fluid was bloody on L-side and contained poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma malignant cells.
-9-12-07 - Dr. appt. Discussed options, had "the talk." Tony chooses to continue treatment. On we go.
-9-17-07 PLAN G - IRINOTECAN (aka CAMPTOSAR, CPT-11) AS OF 10-9-07 - 2 CYCLES COMPLETE. - 21 day cycle.
-10-3-07 - (And now for something completely different...) Hgb down to 8.3. Need transfusion. Heart rate went nuts, 180 & into atrial fibrillation 1 1/4 units into transfusion. ER 5 hours - controlling with meds - home.
-10-9-07 - Chemo
-10-10-07 - 10-12-07 - Gasping for breath, falling down, refuses to go to hospital. Finally called ambulance against his wishes to get him morphine to calm breathing, meds to straighten out A-fib, antibiotics for lung infection & 15 liters of oxygen vs. the 4 at home. Walked down the stairs 2 hours before ambulance was called. Fought til the end...
-10-12-07 - 6:14 pm CDT - My beloved Tony is with God in Heaven.
FINAL TOTE BOARD:
CHEMOTHERAPY 60 infusions in 48 CYCLES, 23 THORACENTESIS, & 15 RADIATION SESSIONS.
Never cancer free since diagnosis, never missed a treatment -- Tony was a cancer Warrior.
"How do I live without you, I want to know --How do I breathe without you...." - LeAnn Rimes
"And I'll try, oh Lord, I'll try, to carry on..."- Styx

Sorry I've been away and just saw this post! This is good news!! I'm so happy for cataracts!! I hope they can get him all fixed up soon! Keep us posted!!

_________________
- 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

I have also been away and just saw this post. I am so happy that it is cataracts. Now adays I am happy to hear almost anything as long as it isn't cancer!!!

HURRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!
Dana

_________________
Feb 07 Mom has a x-ray because of cold that won't go away.
CT followed because spot was found
March 07 Mom had a scope but couldn't reach to get a biopsy.
March had a surgery where the
dxed Limited sclc.
March started 3 weeks of twice daily radiation and concurret chemo Cisplatin and VP-16
End of march finished radiation continue with chemo.
April 2-4 had second round of chemo.
April 12 went to emergency room exteme pain from radiation to esophagus. Couldn't even drink water.
April 20th released from hospital. PAin under control starting to eat.
April 25-27 Mom decided to stick with protocol and have chemo.
May 9th Eating much better energy a little better. DR pleased with turn around!
May 16-18 Last round of chemo before scans. I pray it's working!
May 30th Had scans now we wait for results
June 6th CHEST IS NED one small suspicious spot on brain MRI will compare to last one.
PCI is planned. Next step.

Aug 20th we will scan PRAYERS!
Aug 24th 07 Scan shows NED THank you god Pneumonia or radiation pneumonia Tests to see which
November 29th,2007 Scans-NED Prayer have been answered,God is great!
Feb/08 Scan shows small spot biopsy confirmed sclc.It is right where chest tube scar was.
Well the news wasn't good...Large tumor by chest tube scar and multiple bone mets...I hatw cancer.

Fe/08 Started chemo again. Carbo and vp-16. Will do four rounds and then scan! I continue to pray for a miricle.

May 14, 2008 First day of finally round before we do PET. The Dr can no longer feel the tumor and she hasn't had any pain for about a month. All great signs that prayers are heard! PET scan for end of the month!

December 10, 2008 My mom peacefully goes to heaven I miss her more each day.

Laurie, only the folks here can understand the happiness of cataracts. So glad that's all it is. Blessings to both of you

wendyr

_________________
Picture is of Maurice with one of his recent metal sculptures.

If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.

wife and caregiver to husband Maurice, age 69 at dx, heavy smoker, quit at dx.
Previous colon cancer 1992.
Previous melanoma 11/2001
4/13/06 cough, pcp ordered chest xray which showed abnormalities to right lung with right hilar and suprahilar mass.
4/25/06 CT shows stellate mass in right pulmary apex 2.8cm x 1.1cm. Also right suprahilar adenopathy at 3cm as well as right paratracheal, precarinal and subcarinal lymphadenopathy. Small nodular densities at the posterior lung bases in th 2-2mm size.
5/3/06 Bronchoscopy. Dx nsclc with adenopathy adenocarcinoma
5/4/06 Pet Scan reveals prominent areas consistent with known tumor and multiple satellite lesions. Largest tumor in subcarinal area but also in the mediastinum and right hilar area and satellite ltumors in the right lung apex. It's stage 3a nsclc
5/5/06 see local onc (Dr Gloom & Doom) no hope. Possible chemo but no cure, palliative only. Thanks but no thanks. Had already made appt with MD Anderson Cancer Center in Orlando for 2nd opinion
5/15/06 2nd opinion at MD Anderson. Superior level of professionalism. They swung into action. Start induction chemo of weekly carboplatin/paclitaxol immediately and referred to radiation for Tomo Therapy IMRT.
5/25/06 chemo starts
6/5/06 radiation starts. 33 appointments made for IMRT. We drive 180 miles round trip daily for 33 days.
7/20/06 Radiation ends. Onc says next plan is to go to heavier dose chemo - same drugs - but every 3 weeks, 3 cycles.
8/06 thru 9/06 chemo, carboplatin/paclitaxol. WBC went down, got Neulasta. RBC went down got Aranesp.
9/6/06 CT shows some reduction in satellite tumors and in lymph nodes but main mass has increased. Keep going with chemo.
10/13/06 Onc says we get 2mths off. Chemo & Radiation still working.
12/14/06 Pet/CT shows overall reduction of 60% we're happy, she's not satisfied. Gives us 3 choices. 1: Leave it alone and he might live another year. 2: Go on Tarceva (expensive) 3: Go in clinical trial with Tarceva and Avastin. We tell her we are pro-active and choose trial.
12/20/06 CT Brain. no mets to brain
12/21/06 See onc sign papers for trial.
12/28/06 given bottle of Tarceva & first infusion of Avastin.
1/18/07 second infusion of Avastin. See onc. Diarrhea from Tarceva is being handled with Lomotil 2.5mg which he has used since colon cancer. Joint and body pain from Avastin being handled with Vicodin 750mg. 2 tabs every 4 hours. Doesn't kill the pain but takes the edge off it.
2/5/07 CT scan. Pickd up rx for oxycontin and loratab for pain. Doesn't help much
2/7/07 Bone scan
2/8/07 See onc. ct shows everything stable but may be issue with left hip as seen on bone scan. Will follow up with MRI. Pain management switched to oxycontin & ultram. So far, so good.
2/15/07 MRI of hip & femur. No mets seen.
2/25/07 oxycontin & ultram not working. Pain getting worse
2/24/07 Bought curcumin at health food store - used for inflammation
3/1/07 Pain meds upped to 20mg oxycontin twice daily & ultram for breakthrough pain.
03/16 - 3/19/07 increased diarrhea Added pro biotic, the refrigerated kind, started to stabilize bowels after about one week. Also started on the BRAT diet. Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast.
3/19/07 CT scan
3/22/07 Results show stable. Continue on with same program until end of July
3/22/07 combination of pro biotic and increased rice and banana intake have stabilized bowels. Diarrhea no longer a serious issue
3/27/07 oxycontin upped to 20mg every 8 hours, plus 2 oxycodone 5mg every 3 hours for breakthrough pain
4/30 CT scan
5/4 Scan shows stable. Continue in trial until July
5/24 Stable
6/14 Stable
7/5 Stable
7/24 Stable
7/24 Started Lexapro 20mg for depression
7/26 Cortisone shots in each shoulder. Enormous pain relief. Can now go back to 20mg oxycontin every 12 hours with hardly any breakthrough pain.
9/06 Stable
9/06 Added Wellbutrin XL 150 mg to the Lexapro for depression
10/18 CT. Stable
10/19 Onc called. RBC way too high at 18.3. We drive back to Orlando and they take 1 pt blood to bring count down. Rather fitting since Halloween is coming up. Maurice does not see the humor in it.
10/24 Lexapro dropped, Wellbutrin increased to 200mg twice daily
11/14 hemaglobin still way high at 17.4 we're to go back & give up another pint of blood. Onc wants to do this every month for the next 3 months
11/29 CT: minor progression (10%) but onc says it still falls within 'stable' No new plan just stay with trial and rescan in 6 weeks
11/29 Blurred vision and dizzy. Brain MRI scheduled for 12/6
12/10 MRI clear....thank you God
12/10 phlebotomy 500cc
12/20 Chemo today. Blood work shows hemoglobin down to 16.7. Phlebotomy is working. Next scan 1/8
1/7/08 phlebotomy
1/8 ct, stable, but find blood clot in right lung. Admitted to MD Anderson for treatment.
1/11 discharged from hospital. Blood INR is .8 they want it to get up to between 2 & 3. He gets Lovenox 80mg twice daily injected in stomach and 2.5 mg Coumadin at night. Has to go to lab every 3 days for four weeks for blood test.
1/10 taken out of trial no more Avastin. Continue with Tarceva only.
1/14 Blood INR .9 should be between 2 & 3
l/31 PT/INR will not come up past 1.3 in spite of 10mg coumadin daily
2/21 CT 30% progression in 6 weeks since Avastin discontinued due to clot but now that clot is gone Onc says to go back on Avastin along with Tarceva. Will re-scan after 2 cycles. If no improvement we move on to Alimta
2/28 back on Avastin & Tarceva but no longer in trial & Tarceva is $100 a day but we have hope that it will work it's magic as it did before when he was in the trial.
4/1 Scan shows stable. Avastin & Tarceva doing the job.

Cataracts is a "C" word I can deal with! Stinks that you guys have to wait until the 17th, but what great news!

_________________
My wonderful husband of 15 years - 46 y.o. - ext. sclc

9/06 - Hoarse voice prompts visit to ENT. Xray reveals 10 cm. mass left lung. Go to MSK - inoperable.
Only pursuing natural remedies.
10/30/06 - mediastinoscopy finds mets to mediastinal and rt. hilar nodes
12/15/06 - cardiac tamponade, fluid drained
12/28/06 - 1st visit to onc at MSK (finally!)chemo to start next wk. carboplatin/etoposide
5/3/07 - last chemo complete
5/29/07 - depart for our once-in-a-lifetime trip, a 12 day Mediterranean cruise
6/20/07 - get scan results. progression in lung and lymph nodes. Hycamtin to begin next week.
8/6/07 - get scan results, progression in lung and lymph nodes again. Begin once weekly taxotere tomorrow.
8/29/07 - my honey gets to have another birthday...that's a cause for celebration!
9/12/07 - hubby has seizures. brought to hospital. huge pleural effusion, multiple brain mets, and dka.
9/13/07 - hospice begins in hospital
9/14/07 - we move to my mom's so I have additional caregivers available as needed
10/2/07 - Joe's earthly journey comes to an end

My life will go on, but my soul will never recover

"Somewhere beyond the sea, he's there watching for me.
If I could fly like birds on high, then straight to his arms I'd go sailing".

I understand u so well

_________________
[size=10]Beloved one diagnosed 07 Feb 2002 SCLC limited ,6 chemos, radiation, PCI,all according to international protocol.
Dec03 back pain, diagnosed as mets in several vertebra pressing on spinal cord;ribs+liver affected as well. Hospitalized in Jan+Feb 2003.On our request out of hospital in a wheelchair. For 5 nights into our newly built (and just finished in time) house -"just us"as Richard said, left me for ever, early morning in emergency hospital 28 Feb 2003

Hey Laurie. Just wondering how things went for you and your man yesterday. Give us an update if you can. You've both been in my thoughts.

_________________
My wonderful husband of 15 years - 46 y.o. - ext. sclc

9/06 - Hoarse voice prompts visit to ENT. Xray reveals 10 cm. mass left lung. Go to MSK - inoperable.
Only pursuing natural remedies.
10/30/06 - mediastinoscopy finds mets to mediastinal and rt. hilar nodes
12/15/06 - cardiac tamponade, fluid drained
12/28/06 - 1st visit to onc at MSK (finally!)chemo to start next wk. carboplatin/etoposide
5/3/07 - last chemo complete
5/29/07 - depart for our once-in-a-lifetime trip, a 12 day Mediterranean cruise
6/20/07 - get scan results. progression in lung and lymph nodes. Hycamtin to begin next week.
8/6/07 - get scan results, progression in lung and lymph nodes again. Begin once weekly taxotere tomorrow.
8/29/07 - my honey gets to have another birthday...that's a cause for celebration!
9/12/07 - hubby has seizures. brought to hospital. huge pleural effusion, multiple brain mets, and dka.
9/13/07 - hospice begins in hospital
9/14/07 - we move to my mom's so I have additional caregivers available as needed
10/2/07 - Joe's earthly journey comes to an end

My life will go on, but my soul will never recover

"Somewhere beyond the sea, he's there watching for me.
If I could fly like birds on high, then straight to his arms I'd go sailing".

Hi, Laurie:

WHAT A GLORIOUS WORD CATARACTS ARE! None of us would ever want them under normal circumstances, but after all that Bill has endured, THAT IS WONDERFUL NEWS!

Keeping you and Bill in my prayers.

Barb

_________________
10/31/05 - coughed up blood;went to EM, admitted to hospital;many tests including bronoscopy and pet scan confirmed diagnosis of nsclc.

1l/27/04, Surgery done to remove middle lobe and part of upper lobe right lung; was told stage la nslc, bronchoalveolar type. No chemo or radiation recommended.
Sent home on oxygen after 8 days in hospital.
2/04 - xray scan NED
6/04 - xray scan NED
6/30 - CAT SCAN - waiting for results on 7/7/05.

Have had problems since surgery such as:

Radiating pain up and down the outside of legs from hip to calf,burning of feet; swollen leg; excessive heartburn, bleeding gums, pain in hips and rectum area,cyst on thumb, red and flushed face and neck; nausea, dizziness, coughed up blood twice. All of the above has been addressed with doctors as follows,and told not of significance concerning lung cancer.

Primary care physician - who is an internist, 2 other internists; family doctor, Surgeon who did lung cancer surgery,2 Pulmonologists (regular and 2nd opinion,Orthopaedist,Neurusurgeon,Dentist,ENT.,Colerectal specialist,Accupuncturist,PhysicalTherapist,General Medical Doctor specializing in lumbar epideral steroid injections (had 2 so far).

I have had: lung cancer surgery, thumb surgery, dental surgery, one sacroiliac joint shot, 2 lumbar epidural steroid shots, accupuncture, xrays, cat scans, MRI of spine, bone scan, and ent checkup which resulted in a diagnosis of acid reflux.

Was told by surgeon that he removed part of one of my ribs "which was in his way" when he did surgery.

7-06 - Chest Xray - NED - Pulmonologist said I was "CURED"

11-06 - two-year anniversary from surgery; did chest xray - said "evidence of recurrent cancer."

Rest of November and December 2006:
Did cat scan - said metastatic cancer several places;

Did PET SCAN - lit me up like a Xmas tree

Did bronchoscope - unable to get tissue for biopsy

Did Mediastinoscopy surgery - took scrapings for biopsy; sent to pathologist; first part said negative; second part said waiting on slides

Results of slide said cancer - NOT NONSMAL......NOT RECURRENT....BUT new cancer called oat cell or SMALL CELL cell; mass in spine, and two in right lung close to area of surgery

This whole situation was unreal; finally got a diagnosis;

Went to oncologist; he ordered MRI of chest and of stomach and back, with and without contrast;

Results confirmed results of biopsy.

Onc went over treatment plan, which will be one per week for three weeks; one week off; repeat until two months; then will scan and see what's going on.

Had surgery again to put port in upper chest area to house the chemo

Onc said may do radiation after two months

Had first chemo treatment; first couple days no problem; after that, moderate nausea and tiredness;

12-28-06 - Second chemo treatment; drew blood, etc., am anemic, gave shot for that; so far, just very tired and some nausea;gave me antinausea medicine

2/13/07: Had 7th chemo treatment and change in medicine because other is not compatible with radiation and must have radiation on spine and other areas where thickening is and could recur there (I think that was what the onc said).

Scan results were good but not NED. Most tumors either gone or only thickening or shrunk except for spine which must be treated with radiation as does the other areas even though improved or gone.

I didn't take the best notes in the world or remember all he said because I was a nervous wreck to the point where even the onc asked me if I was nervous and I said yes, could I please take some notes and he waited a bit for me.

I go to chemo treatment again today and tomorrow, and for a shot to increase my white blood counts.

Waiting to see how all this comes out.

January 2007 to April 10, 2007
Have had severe side effects of chemo and radiation. Have had several shots for red cells and white cells; severe nausea,vomiting, trouble swallowing; had blood transfusion 2 pints; and iv liquids for dehydration. Also have really bad cough

Since last update, I have been through chemo, radiation to lung and then to brain as a precaution the doctor said. The radiation to my chest caused my esophagus to BURN REAL BAD, but doctor said was not burn but don't understand what he meant. I could not swallow, and even normal breathing was painful. Took the crap that numbs your throat, but instead of pain, I gagged and vomited, so had to dicontinue that. Meanwhile had dehydration and hospital for treatment; then low blood counts which ended up requiring a 2 pints blood transfusion. Meanwhile had and still have real bad cough; severe headaches when cough; doctor did not explain why and I don't understand why; coughing up green mucus which means infection; taking antibiotics for that; cough still bad; weakness and sometimes feel like I'm going to pass out, but so far have not. Taking all medicines doctors gave me.

Was supposed to go get a CAT SCAN OF BRAIN AND PET SCAN today but could not do so because of cough and infection and headaches; rescnheduled for next tuesday, hope ready by then.

Last scan showed "mass" on my left lung, which doctor said was {puzzling), because it is not in his opinion something that looks like small cell; remember I had non small cell originally; then this last one was small cell, and so now I HAVE A THIRD LUNG CANCER, can you believe this?:

Thanks for all your prayers and support. This is a wonderful place to come to for comfort and support.

Congrats, Laurie. Nothing like cancer to put these other medical "speed bumps" into perspective. They become welcome alternatives. And it's good for all of us to remember that not every symptom is actually from the cancer.

-Dr. West

_________________
My comments do not constitute medical advice and should not be considered a substitute
for the direction of your physician.