Hi everyone... I have been reading and reading for days now and have to say this forum has helped me to get to this point.
A little background since I'm brand new...
My mom was diagnosed with Small cell lung cancer on December 6th, 2007. All we received was a phone call from the Internal Medicine Doctor who gave us very little explanation other than the fact this was incurable and then gave us the terrible statistics regarding survival. With that information, I began to search, and as I'm sure you all know, found very little positive information. I think I succeeded in scaring the daylights out of myself and most of my family based on the information that I found, but I kept looking and I found you all!!!
Today we met with the oncologist for the first time. He reviewed the CT scans with us and right now, we are hoping it is still limited to her right lung. We are scheduled to do a bone scan on Monday and hoping for the best results. We are set to begin chemo asap. She has been experiencing excruciating pain in her chest, so we are hopeful that the chemo can help to eliminate some of the discomfort. Is this normal? I can't help but worry the bone scan will not turn out well b/c she has so much pain in that area.
It has been hard to keep her positive right now. I'm hoping it is still just the shock and eventually she will become more of a fighter. She is only 49 years old and her biggest concern is never seeing her grandchildren. I have read the information in this forum and found myself in so many other peoples' journeys. You are all a life saver! I am trying to get my mom to get on here because I think the support is just what she needs. I will try to post more often. I just wanted to thank you all and let you know the difference you are making for anyone lucky enough to come across this site.

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My mom is 49 years old, Smoker for 30 years
12/6/07 - Mom dx with Small Cell Lung Caner
12/13/07 - First Meeting with the oncologist, set up a bone scan on 12/17. Hoping for the best.
Bone scan did not show anything unusual. Thank God for small favors.
12/26-12/28 The first 3 days of chemo. No sickness, but the pain has not lessened in her chest.
1/3 Met with her doctor regarding the pain, they have substantially increased her Oxycontin and lowered her percocet.
1/4 Mom is back... she isn't as groggy and finally is making a little bit more sense.
1/11 We will meet with the oncologist and review current chest x-ray.

Welcome to our board. If you've been reading here then you know we have several long term survivors of small cell lung cancer. It does respond well to chemo. Let us know what all the tests show and what her treatment plan will be once you know. Make sure you read the sticky post in the sclc forum titled, "how I beat small cell lung cancer" (or something like that) it will help.
Rochelle

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Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
John Lennon

"Never, never, never give up." Winston Churchill

"I rang for ice, but this is ridiculous." -Madeline Talmadge-Astor, as she was being helped off the Titanic

"Losing love is like a window in your heart, everybody sees you're blown apart, everybody sees the wind blow". Paul Simon

Husband John has NSCLC-Vena Cava Syndrome Stage 3B, Dx 6/02
Carbo/Taxol,Radiation
Taxotere
Gemzar
Iressa started 3/03
10/03 Stable CT scan
1/04 CT Still stable.
3/04 PET Scan, Still stable.
7/04 Still stable
1/05 Still stable
1/30/05 Iressa discontinued Started Tarceva, still stable 7/05
1/06 Slight increase in tumor, stopping Tarceva.
1/27/06 Started Alimta
5/5/06 Avastin added to Alimta
6/14/06 Stable, continue w/ Avastin
1/29/07 Shrinkage! Continue w/ Avasin.
7/07- Something new on the CT scan, doing a bronc 7/25/07 to see what it is. 8/21/07 begins brachytherapy. Next treatment postponed until 9/6/7 due to an infection which is making him too ill for the procedure. 9/13/07 Diagnosed with Aspergillus. Has brachytherapy 9/20/07. Developed a pericardial effusion, 10/30/07 has a pericardial window to drain the fluid. Procedure goes well but he passes away 10/31/07 due to a pulmonary hemorrhage.
Pic is me and daughter Jillian aka The Jillinator.
Visit Walk the Walk:
www.michiganlungcancerwalk.org

Welcome! And thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself and provide the background of your story. Best wishes for positive scan results and successful treatment.

Nicole

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Nicole
Mom, Lola, Dx 11/1/07 NSCLC Adenocarcinoma, Stage III & SCLC (treated as SCLC)


Mom, 60 yrs @ Dx

10/18 Dad takes Mom to ER after coughing blood all afternoon. Xray and CT Scan reveal 8 cm mass upper rt lung that is 'consistent with carcinoma'
10/26 Pulmonologist appt & bronchoscopy at Cleveland Clinic - told probably inoperable LC (due to size & location of tumor) with possible nodules on liver & adrenal gland. Pulmonologist puts in order for chemo & radiation.
11/1 Dx NSCLC Adenocarcinoma w SCLC characteristics, Stage III.
11/6 Consult w Radiation Onc & Chemo Onc - confirms inoperable but CURABLE. Need to shrink the tumor with chemo before starting radiation.
11/7 PET scan - "No evidence of metastatic disease" Praise God!
11/12-11/14 Round 1 of Chemo (cisplatin/etoposide - treating as SCLC)
11/14 Ultrasound of swollen left leg - confirmed no blood clot.
11/15 MRI - Clear! Praise God!
11/22 Thanksgiving - great celebration with the entire family. Mom is tired, has had some diarrhea, but overall handling the chemo well.
12/3-12/5 Round 2 of Chemo - hair starts falling out/Mom shaves it 12/7.
12/14 CT scan - 25% reduction in tumor! 1x/day for 4 wks and 2x/day for 1 - 1 1/2 wks radition to begin 12/26
12/26-12/28 Round 3 of chemo & radiation begins
12/26 Onc discussed PCI - to begin after chemo and rad complete
1/16-1/18 Round 4 (Final) of chemo. 2x/day rad begins 1/18. More extreme fatigue but no other side effects.
1/18-1/30 2x/day radiation

3/12 MRI & CT to determine effect of treatment. Lung tumor shrinking - no other cancer evident in abdomen CT. MRI shows nickle-sized tumor at base of brain. Brain radiation to begin on Monday.

3/17 - 3/28 Brain Radiation - targeted at tumor site along with WBR - fatigue main side effect again.

4/3 Mom's hair falls out again as a result of the WBR

5/2 CT & MRI - STABLE!!!! Lung & Brain tumors show NO LIFE and are turning to scar tissue. Mom gets the summer off - back in 3 months for scans (Aug). God is Good!

8/18 - CT & MRI - Lung Tumor STABLE. Brain tumor shows slight growth. Gamma knife surgery 8/22. Back in 2 months. Hair is starting to grow back.

8/22 - Gamma Knife for brain tumor. Out by noon and went to lunch!

10/1 - Renewed energy for Mom - not so lethargic. Back to a more normal work load around the house and has days without naps!!

10/16 - MRI - brain tumor shrunk from 13 mm to 3 mm. Positive Response! Next CT/MRI in December.

10/15 - CT scan - site of original lung tumor appears to be all SCAR TISSUE! Don't come back until APRIL. Mom and Dad going to FL for the winter after 1/1/09.

4/09 - CT & MRI are CLEAR! Scar tissue only and don't come back for SIX MONTHS! God is good all the time.

9/09 - 10/09 - Dad is dx w/ colon cancer. Successfully removed through surgery. No chemo needed. Yahoo!

10/09 - CT & MRI look GREAT! More scar tissue and see you in six months. Another winter in FL for Mom & Dad!

The avatar is Mom and me at her 60th bday celebration Spring, 07.

Welcome. Glad you found us. 12/6, boy you guys are just starting this journey. I know several long term survivors of SCLC. Besides chemo they also have had brain radiation because that is the first place it spreads. They made it through all the treatment and have been fine for years. Keep us posted

DonnaG

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NSCLC, 4 cm Pancoast tumor, diag. 12/3/97 Cisplatin and VP 16, Radiation, R upper lobectomy, more Cisplatin and VP 16. Celebrating 16 yrs of survival ! Click here and read MY STORY

http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?f47&t=9092

Hi and welcome. My Mom had radiation to her chest and neck the day after diagnosis and her breathing improved and the large node on her neck shrunk before her eyes. Has the oncologist said anything about radiating the chest?

And I wanted to add BOO, HISS to the internal medicine doc for not having more tact. They need better instructions in school about passing on information.

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Mom: SCLC 6/7/40-11/28/07
Dad: Renal failure 1/21/35-12/13/06
*Living forever in my heart.*

Hi and welcome. When I read your post I realized it was exactly what I had written over a year ago when my Mom was DX. Sept/06-Read everything I could get my hands on-very grim prognosis-but I am here to tell you my Mom is here 15 months later and still doing ok. After being DX and things settle down some you realize this is your "new normal" as we like to call it here. Your life changes forever-for your Mom, you, everyone involved who loves her. When I found this site and saw CINDYRN who had Ext with relapse and still here 6 years-I knew my Mom could be like her and that's all I have done is read my Mom the positive stories-I rarely tell her about anyone who has passed on here-she knows what the statistics are but if we listened to the statistics she would already be gone by now.
Once your Mom starts her treatments and you feel more in control again things should settle down some.
Email me anytime........
Dar

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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

Our own Geri is a SCLC survivor of 6 years, a remarkable women and a inspiration to many, there is always hope! Welcome to the board.
Rich

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TO READ ABOUT MY PROFILE (MY JOURNEY WITH LUNG CANCER - AS THE CHEMO DRIPS!) WITH STAGE IV LUNG (BAC) CANCER, DIAGNOSED MAY, 2002 / PROGNOSES TWO YEARS AND MY STORY PLEASE CLICK LINK BELOW.
http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewto ... 2155#72155

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR / HELPFUL LINKS:
http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewto ... 585#163585

You must, on your own, make the commitment that you will do everything in your power to fight your disease. -Advanced stage lung cancer survivor RA Block-

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.
-Buddhist Quote On Gratitude-

It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, we will then begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.
-Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross-

We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, "Why did this happen to me?" unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way. -Author Unknown-

Top Ten Reasons Why I’m A Lung Cancer Survivor

10. Not going into funeral mode the day I was diagnosed. I never once thought this was it, that life was over or why bother. Lung Cancer is not a death sentence and one can be cured of it or still have a life living with it for many years.
9. Not dwelling on it. How I got it, why me, what if I did this/that or the blame game etc. It’s counter productive and wasted energy.
8. RESEARCH, RESEARCH and more RESEARCH. Knowledge is the key! The more one knows the better one can make decision with their doctor and better fight. Keeping it simple, does not really matter to me every little word on a report. Try to get down to the chase of what is going on and what needs to be done.
7. Living life to the fullest by making the best of it every day and by keeping busy. Life is short enough so why let a day go by.
6. I appreciate everything my family/friends do for me. I let them (especially Kathy and Tina) know how much it means to me and how much I love them.
5. Not making my disease about me. It affects my family/friends just as much if not more. My life has changed and I have to learn to adjust to the new normal. If I can’t do things or go places does not mean they can’t. It’s very important they have a life and go about it.
4. Keeping an open mind about treatments. Don’t know unless you try. Laughter, it’s the best medicine, does not have to be all doom and gloom. Exercise, it’s good for overall health and a great stress reliever. Healthy (common sense) diet, this one I need to improve on. I can eat in a coma.
3. Staying positive and having a good attitude. YES it does make a difference regardless of what adversity one faces. Have my days like anyone else but they are few and far in between.
2. All my doctors/nurses. I’m very blessed/fortunate to have a great medical team and great health coverage.
1. My wife.my daughter and my closest friend I love them the most and they mean the most to me. I owe it to them, there the ones who have stood by my no matter what and showed me the true meaning of family, life and love is all about. You can lead a horse to water but can’t get it to drink. Bottom line it’s up to me to be pro-active, to keep trying and to never never never give up!

Thank you all for the wonderful support and hope. Today we go in for the bone scan to see what our course of treatment will be. We have been told that if the bone scan comes back clean, we will probably be doing radiation to her right lung and chemo. The doctors are not wanting to do a PET Scan since my mother has no insurance. Does anyone in here know if this is something I should definitely push for? Please let me know. I will keep everyone posted on the results of the bone scan. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you!
Thanks again!
Sundi

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My mom is 49 years old, Smoker for 30 years
12/6/07 - Mom dx with Small Cell Lung Caner
12/13/07 - First Meeting with the oncologist, set up a bone scan on 12/17. Hoping for the best.
Bone scan did not show anything unusual. Thank God for small favors.
12/26-12/28 The first 3 days of chemo. No sickness, but the pain has not lessened in her chest.
1/3 Met with her doctor regarding the pain, they have substantially increased her Oxycontin and lowered her percocet.
1/4 Mom is back... she isn't as groggy and finally is making a little bit more sense.
1/11 We will meet with the oncologist and review current chest x-ray.

Sundi:

Of course more information is better, but if there's no insurance coverage and cost is a major factor (as it usually is), this question should be asked: Could the results of a PET scan change the treatment that's currently being planned? If your mom is already scheduled for systemic treatment (chemo), then the answer is probably "no" -- discovering via PET that there is a suspicious area somewhere else in the body would probably not change the treatment, since that possibility is already being addressed by the chemo.

The bone scan is a different matter. If a bone met is found, it might be treated by localized radiation as a side issue, to reduce the possibility of a load-bearing bone fracture or to minimize pain in a specific area.

If you look through my profile below, you'll see that I didn't have a PET scan until October 2007, after I'd completed a full year of treatment for NSCLC IIIB (4 months Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin plus 8 months Avastin alone). I have standard Medicare, supplemented by Tricare as a military retiree.

This is just my opinion. You may get others. Best wishes and Aloha,

Ned

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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.

Well, the bone scan came back normal, nothing unusual in the bones as of yet... Also, we have begun the chemo. We started on 12/26 and will then have it each day until the 28th. Then she gets a break. I'm hoping some of the pain she is feeling in her chest will start to ease up a bit. She isn't really feeling any nausia yet, but I'm definitely waiting for that. She is more nervous about throwing up than she is about losing her hair. She makes me smile each and everyday! (When I'm not crying) But it does seem to be getting a little easier. Of course, we have a long road ahead of us, but the shock is finally starting to wear off and now I can help her control this cancer instead of letting the cancer control her. Thanks again for all your wonderful thoughts and prayers. Mine are with you all as well.
Sundi

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My mom is 49 years old, Smoker for 30 years
12/6/07 - Mom dx with Small Cell Lung Caner
12/13/07 - First Meeting with the oncologist, set up a bone scan on 12/17. Hoping for the best.
Bone scan did not show anything unusual. Thank God for small favors.
12/26-12/28 The first 3 days of chemo. No sickness, but the pain has not lessened in her chest.
1/3 Met with her doctor regarding the pain, they have substantially increased her Oxycontin and lowered her percocet.
1/4 Mom is back... she isn't as groggy and finally is making a little bit more sense.
1/11 We will meet with the oncologist and review current chest x-ray.

Great News!!! Your Mom will definitely start to feel and breathe better as the chemo starts shrinking the tumor. Sorry I missed this post last week.
Keep us posted
Happy New Year
Dar

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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

Hi Sundi,
Just wanted to give you some encouragement. I was diagnosed with limited SC in April, 2002 at age 48. In May I'll be 55! Please don't give up hope. SCLC is tough, but there ARE long term survivors! Please tell your Mom this. Also, Zofran is a very effective anti-nausea drug which prevented me from nausea completely. Ask her dr. about Zofran before her next round of chemo. Keep the faith!
Joanie

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Joanie C SIX YEAR Survivor
[size=9]Diagnosed Limited SCLC, April 2002
Concurrent Radiation
(16 Doses twice daily)
And
4 Rounds Cisplatin/Etopside Chemo
All therapy completed June, 2002
Back to Work July, 2002
Diagnosed Hypothyroid, Nov. 2004
(due to radiation)
Evidence of healing on each CAT scan.
All scans Clear
Last Check Up Sep. 2005 - NED
Dec.12, 2005 Uncontrolled bleeding from tumor cavity. Emergency surgery performed which closed the hole permanently. Healing continues and I look forward to a bright future.
June, 2006 - NED on CAT SCAN. Scan shows IMPROVEMENT from December. Hurray! Experienced fevers through summer. Took antibiotics.
July, 2006 six month Oncologist visit. All is well! Go back in December. Hurray!
August 8,2006 Sudden,uncontrolled bleeding from surgery site. The tumor site was repatched with my own aumentim. All looks successful and I was released from the hospital after 33 long days.
Oct.19, 2006 bleeding returns.Tests reveal hospital-acquired germ has eaten away at tumor repair sight. Results in 2 more operarations and 13 days in hospital.
Recuperating at home. Daily nurse visits to change bandages on incision site.
March, 2007 - NED CAT Scan. Incision healing nicely.
April, 2007 - 5 year anniversary! Still bandaging the incision daily.
July CAT Scan - NED once again.
July 2007, operation to open surgical incision to promote healing. Still bandaging daily.
July, 2007 - was called a "walking miracle" by four doctors at the hospital. They were truly amazed to hear my story.
1/14/08: Lost my best pal, Dagwood, to old age at 14 years on . He helped me thru this struggle and I will miss him forever. I still consider myself to be "Daggiesmom."
Feb. 25, 2008: Finally had the repair surgery (9 hours and 7 days in the hospital) to close hole in my bronchus and to close surgical packing hole in back which has been open for 16 months. I expect to be healing for a few months.
January 2009 - I've healed nicely from the February operation and the CAT scan today showed NED once again!
March 11, 2009. Hemoptosys again and admitted to hospital. Due to bacterial infection. Bleeding stopped and I'm on antibiotics. Seems I am prone to these bleeds?

I am so sorry I haven't posted until now. This journey is terrible...not really a "journey" really, as that word sounds exciting....something cancer is not. BUT...I do want you to know that there is SO MUCH HOPE out there. My dad is almost a 2 year survivor now...that feels so weird to even type, because it has been a tough two years, but we have made it, and every day we are learning about the new normal.

I see that your mom started chemo. This will be hard, but it will also mean that as the hair starts to fall out, as the tummy starts to feel crummy, as the skin gets dry...that tumor is also shrinking! As many say around here...Die tumor die!! We don't want you around here anymore!

Please know you are welcomed with open arms here, and there is so much to learn, everyday about what you can do to battle this booger!

Please PM me if you have any questions or need an ear (eye). Your mom is so young...which means you probably are too. Don't go this alone.

Blessings,
Jen

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[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]

Hi Sundi,
Just wanted to welcome you and wish your dear mum well with her treatment.Hope she is still doing well.
I am 9 months along this road with my mum and remember all too well that dreadful shock of those first few weeks - it still hits me sometimes but once treatment is underway you kinda go with the flow and settle down a bit.Its certainly not easy but people here have helped me so much. Even though I do not post much I gain much peace from reading the experiences and thoughts of everyone here.
I hope you do too.
Wishing you strength & best wishes in 2008
God bless
Debbie

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04/18/2007 - Mum, 70, dxd with lung cancer after CT scan. Symptons : flu like, nausea, severe headaches and persistent cough. Been treated for lung infection for 4 months.
04/19/2007 - Brain scan and bronchioscopy.
04/25/2007 - Bronch. results confirm Ext.SCLC. Tumour high up in right lung, lymph node involvement and one adrenal gland affected. Lung specialist says incurable and only palliative care available.No radiation or surgery. Brian scan clear.
04/27/2007 - Meet with Oncologist who is a bit more optimistic. Although prognosis is poor he offers chemotherapy and possible radiotherapy late on.
05/01/2007 - Mums first chemo - Carboplatin & Etopiside by IV. takes about 2 hours in hospital. Oral Etopiside to take at home for 3 days.
05/08/2007 - Mum extremely fatigued and experiencing severe pain in back which radiates around middle. Doctor called & pain killers prescribed.
05/09/2007 - pain worsens and now numbness in left arm & left leg. Taken to A & E - it is not a stroke ! Mum sent home. Pain has eased but numbness remains - could be chemo side effect..??
05/24/2007 - Mum develops wheezing but also appears to have a cold - we all do at the moment !
05/25/2007 - Mums second round. Blood count ok. Docs not concerned with wheezing.
06/02/2007 - Mum comes away with us for a weeks holiday. Manages well, just very tired so no long walks on this holiday !
06/10/2007 - Mum starts to cough up very small spots of blood in mornings. Never had this before.
06/15/2007 - Mum has 3rd round of chemo. X ray shows 'improvement' and due to tolerating chemo quite well, oncologist says she will probably be able to have 6 rounds in total. Will have CT scan after 4th. Asked oncologist about radiation but he is doubtful she will be candidate due to tumour being in tubes and not lungs- also due to ext.DX.
7/6/07 - Mum has 4th round of chemo - blood count very low but got green light from oncologist due to good tolerance.Mum still has no nausea and is eating well. Very tired but up and about every day. CT scan ordered.
7/9/07 - Mum celebrates 71st birthday with all the family !!
7/27/07 - 5th round of chemo - blood counts very low but doc says ok to proceed due to mum tolerating well. Fatigue increasing a little now. Mum says legs feeling wobbly/weak on occasion.
7/30/07 - Mum having difficulty swallowing. Awaiting results of CT scan. Mum still has occasional spasms of pain in back which radiates around her middle.
8/13/07 - CT Scan results - response is 'excellent'.(More detail when we meet with oncologist for last round on 8/17/07) Mum & family ecstatic !!
8/17/07 - Mum has last round of chemo. Oncologists states that ct scan showed 'major' shrinkage. Adrenal gland spot confirmed as cancer due to shrinkage. No radiation possible at this point. Appointment made for three months.
8/22/07 - Sinus infection, mum put on antibiotics. Hasnt slept for three nights due to not being able to breath properly when lying down. Doctor says chest sounds ok.
9/2/07 - Mum feeling very fatigued and weak. Neuropathy seems to be worsening. Sleep disturbance more regular. Sleeping tablets from nurse.
9/24/07 - Mum sees doctor re worsening neuropathy symptons. Prescribed nerve pain killers.
9/25/07 - Mum wakes in night feeling 'strange' gets up and is violently sick in bathroom. No nausea but blinding headache.
9/26/07 - Take mum to Doctor as headache worsening and now has balance probelms.Feels 'weird' Prescribed Lyrica as a stronger nerve pain killer. Thinks headache may have been from previous painkillers. X- ray of chest ordered in a months time.
10/3/07 - Mum goes to see oncologist about pain and neuropathy symptons. He conducts x ray. No change since last x ray in August. Pain medication increased.
10/10/07 -Mums pain is a lot better as she is now taking Codipar and Lyrica regularly.
10/29/07 - Mums pain worsens.especially in head and neck area. Doctor called. oramorph given.
10/30/07 - Mum vomiting and has severe headache.Seems a little disorientated and voice has gone very hoarse. Doc visits and admits to hospital.
11/3/07 - X ray - ok Chest scan - ok Brain scan - ok Abdominal ultrasound picks up small spot on liver. Doctor says he isnt too concerned at this point as mum is making progress. No vomiting for last two days.
11/4/07 - Mum now eating a little and much more 'with it' - think she was dehydrated earlier in week. Still very weak and needs wheelchair.Spot on liver is fatty lump.
11/7/07 - Mum has biopsy & mammogram due to lump found in breast. Released from hospital to come home. Eating and feeling better.
11/9/07 - Lump is cancerous.Don't know if its from lung or a primary. We are devastated yet again. Still having a lot of pain in arms and head area.
11/12/07 - Full body scan and bone scan.
11/16/07 - All scans clear. Breast lump is primary breast cancer. Mastectomey in 4 days.
11/20/07 - Mastectomey carried out with lymph node removal.Mum done really well and out of hospital next day.
11/26/07 - Surgeon says margins and lymph nodes clear.Good news as tumour was high grade.Radiotherapy not necessary.
11/28/07 - Mums neuropathy bad again. This seems to come and go a lot.Taking Lyrica, Tramadol & Amitryptiline. Legs feel weak at times.
12/3/07 - Mums has a couple of days in bed with'flu type' symptons - this also happens a lot.
12/5/07 - Mum much better and out shopping again. She's a STAR !!
02/06/08 - Mum put on Oxycontin for neuropathic pain. This seems to be working bettter than tramadol.She is sleepy for the first two days but has adjusted to meds now.
02/25/08 - Mum has wheeze and congestion in chest. Put on antibiotics.
03/09/08 - Mum given Oxynorm for breakthrough pain. Pain fluctuating in arms, hands and occasionally legs.
04/6/08 - Mum has sever vomiting and diarrhea.Is confused and disorientated.
04/7/08 - Mum much better and 'with it' again. Eating ok again.Relief !!
03/03/13- 6 years on and still stable!! Pain issues are now well controlled. Never give up hope!!

Sorry that it has taken me so long to get back on here. Sometimes its a little crazy. Well, Mom made it through the first round of chemo like a champ. She didn't experience any sickness. We all feel very blessed for that. This weekend we decided to cut her hair... We did a short little boy cut. We had been told that will help to ease the shock when it begins to fall out. She looks cute as a button! We have had 4 good days in a row. Her spirit is up and her sense of humor is back. What a wonderful time for us! After 3 months of not knowing what was wrong and then a month of her dealing with the diagnosis, it is wonderful to start to see some of the "Old Mom" coming back. I know that it is silly, but there were days that I wondered if we would ever sit around and laugh again. But thankfully, I see that you do find that new normal. It is always on your mind, but sometimes you can actually look past it for a minute. I do have to say I'm a little nervous. We go to the oncologist this Friday, the 11th for the first chest x-ray since she was diagnosed. I hope for good news. I don't know how she will handle anything but good news. Then we start our 2nd round of chemo on the 16th. So far, she is coming through this with flying colors. She is truly my inspiration right now. In this journey, we have been so fortunate to find so many wonderful people along the way. Cancer is such a terrible thing for all involved, but I do have to say, it has completely changed my outlook on life. You all have been an inspiration to me. Sometimes I can't find the words to type anything out, but just reading helps me to find a little peace sometimes. Thank you all!

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My mom is 49 years old, Smoker for 30 years
12/6/07 - Mom dx with Small Cell Lung Caner
12/13/07 - First Meeting with the oncologist, set up a bone scan on 12/17. Hoping for the best.
Bone scan did not show anything unusual. Thank God for small favors.
12/26-12/28 The first 3 days of chemo. No sickness, but the pain has not lessened in her chest.
1/3 Met with her doctor regarding the pain, they have substantially increased her Oxycontin and lowered her percocet.
1/4 Mom is back... she isn't as groggy and finally is making a little bit more sense.
1/11 We will meet with the oncologist and review current chest x-ray.

I'm so happy to hear that your mom did well with her first chemo. You DO laugh again and while the fear never goes away, it can be put in it's place so that life can continue. My mom has felt better during the year on chemo than she felt the year before diagnosis. She gets out, stays busy with friends and family and we have been able to share some extra special monments with her this year that I believe are even more special now. I wish your mom the very best with her treatment and hope that she has great news with her Chest xray report. Shelley

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My very special mom is a 67 year old mother of 5 and grandmother of 12.
She smoked for 40 years and quit about 7 years ago.
Prior history of laryngeal cancer in 2002, treated with radiation. NERD at this site.

Recent persisitent cough for about 3 months. Despite a history of cancer and 40 year's of smoking, no chest xray was ordered. The lung cancer was picked up accidentally with a routine abdominal CT for evaluation of chronic GERD.

12-18-06 Chest CT shows 7cm and 3cm masses in right lung
1-10-07 Seen by Oncology team at regional oncology center. PET scan and Brain MRI ordered.
1-16-07 MRI negative
1-17-07 PET scan shows same masses in right lung and 2 small nodules in left lung. Biopsy scheduled
1-31-07 Biopsy of left lung nodule shows squamous cell carcinoma. Both Radiation Oncologist and Thoracic surgeon determine mom's cancer to be NSCLC stage IV Both feel that Radiation and surgery are not an option and we are referred to an Oncologist.
2-19-07 - 6-11-07 Carbo/Gemzar Occassional low blood counts. Treated with Aranesp and Neulasta.
3-23-07 Happy Birthday Mom! 68 today!
3-27-07 CT Scan shows largest mass with some shrinkage other 2 masses about the same
6-6-07 CT Scan shows stable disease compared with study 2 moths ago
6-11-07 Last week of first line chemo. Based on stable CT, will have a break and F/U with monthly CXR and CT every 3 months. WBC low so 1 last Neulasta injection tomorrow before her summer break!!!
7-11-07 Well, mom's chemo break was short-lived...CT shows slight progression in a couple areas. Onc plans to start chemo again on Monday.
7-16-07 - 11-20-07 Taxotere
Side effects are hair loss and diarrhea for a couple days. Occassional low WBC treated with Neulasta. Mom continues to feel GREAT!
10-5-07 CT shows nodules in left lung gone and masses in right lung have decreased in size by half compared to last CT! Taxotere is working!
12-3-07 CT shows stable disease in most areas with a very slight increase in size of her smallest site (5mm-1cm) Onc asks mom if she wants a break or if she wants to go ahead with the next line. As much as she REALLY wants that break, she decides to go ahead with Chemo
12-17-07 - 6-9-08 Alimta
Will be getting port due to increases difficulty with veins and post Rx bleeding.
1-22-08 Port installed with some difficulty. Pneumothorax occurs so chest tube placed. Admitted to hospital.
1-29-08 Released from hospital. all is well!
3-11-08 CT shows significant shrinkage! Onc feels chemo is working so well, wants to continue for 4 more cycles and repeat CT.
3-23-08 Happy 69th Birthday Mom!
6-4-08 CT and PET scan done. All old masses show shrinkage or are stable. There is one very small nodule in the left lung that wasn't present on last scan. Onc recommends starting 4th line.
6-16-08 4th line Carbo/Taxol
6-29-08 2nd annual "Sue's Cruise" 20 family members including mom....we all had a great time!
1-31-09 2 year survivor since diagnosis of stage IV LC!
3-23-09 Happy 70th Birthday Mom!!!!



Mom with her 2 very good friends and me

Glad to read about getting mom back! That is great news. Stay strong and know that though it may be hard, you have so many here to support you.

Blessings,
Jen

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[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!

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