Good morning to everyone of you!

I've run into this site when I was looking for information about my father's cancer and I have to admit it was very encouraging to find out how many people are facing the same situation that I do and making the same thoughts I do! Thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences..It's been really helpfull and fulled me with optimism sometimes!
Although I try to keep up my life as I did before, I never forget what we went through the last year and I never stop worrying about the future. I observe the others all around me, at work, and I realise how the whole situation has changed me and my family. It seems to me sometimes that I can communicate with very very few of my friends and my co-workers because they have no idea of the feelings that I have had. Everything is normal and ok for them.
Now that we' re expecting to do a pet scan, I have even more anxiety about the results and the doctor's opinion... I hope and wish that we will have good news as many of you have! God bless us and for all of you facing the same situation I wish you the best!

_________________
Daughter of a 55 year old man dx with SCLC
7/10:dx LCSC limited. Tumor in right lung. Cannot be operated. Chemotherapy and radiation the only cure.
6 cicles of chemotherapy etoposide/cicplatin starting from 7/10
CT scan Chest showing constant shrinkage
8-9/10 :pleural infusion and pneumonia
Spent a long time at the hospital until he recovers and then chemotherapy again.
12/10: radiation to chest,Ct scans are encouraging
2/11 : epileptic crisis lead us to hospital again. Emergent radiotherapy to brain because CT scans showed small spots and swelling.Brain metastasis
8/11: Ct scan in brain showed shrinkage of the swelling and minimum spots. CT scan also showed small mass in adrenal. Doctor suggests pet scan and probably gamma knife.
9/11: Starting chemo with Hycamptin (Topotecan)
10/11: MRI in brain showed stable
2/12:surgery for removal of the left adrenal due to growth of the adrenal tumor. Everything went good!
4/12:started chemo with cav, due to new nodule in pancreas
5/12: scans showed minimal shrinkage. Stay on the same drugs and new scans at the end of treatments.
7/12:MRI in brain showed new small spots
8/12:radiotherapy (10 visits) in brain
9/12:ct-scans showed stable results! waiting for a brain MRI

Whether survivor or caretaker, we all know about scananxiety. Seems no way to avoid it. We just support each other through it like we will you. Glad you came back to share.

As for the changes that make you feel isolated, been there and done that too. I'm visiting family and friends in my annual trip to NJ and am noticing the difference just from last year. I'm almost four years into the journey, on treatment most of that time, and am having trouble putting myself out there. Cancer is a sobering event. You are not alone.

Wishing you well on your Dad's PET. Come back and share as you go and be sure to let us know the results in Update.

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.

Hello to everyone...

The results of my father's pet scan showed met in adrenal, so he has just started chemo with Hycamptin (Topotecan). He is doing well! The white blood cells are low but he is doing injections that help him cope with it. We do hope for the best...
A new MRI in brain will be done in some months to check if a gamma knife surgery will be helpful.
Has anyone of you had any similar experience?

_________________
Daughter of a 55 year old man dx with SCLC
7/10:dx LCSC limited. Tumor in right lung. Cannot be operated. Chemotherapy and radiation the only cure.
6 cicles of chemotherapy etoposide/cicplatin starting from 7/10
CT scan Chest showing constant shrinkage
8-9/10 :pleural infusion and pneumonia
Spent a long time at the hospital until he recovers and then chemotherapy again.
12/10: radiation to chest,Ct scans are encouraging
2/11 : epileptic crisis lead us to hospital again. Emergent radiotherapy to brain because CT scans showed small spots and swelling.Brain metastasis
8/11: Ct scan in brain showed shrinkage of the swelling and minimum spots. CT scan also showed small mass in adrenal. Doctor suggests pet scan and probably gamma knife.
9/11: Starting chemo with Hycamptin (Topotecan)
10/11: MRI in brain showed stable
2/12:surgery for removal of the left adrenal due to growth of the adrenal tumor. Everything went good!
4/12:started chemo with cav, due to new nodule in pancreas
5/12: scans showed minimal shrinkage. Stay on the same drugs and new scans at the end of treatments.
7/12:MRI in brain showed new small spots
8/12:radiotherapy (10 visits) in brain
9/12:ct-scans showed stable results! waiting for a brain MRI

When my dad was on Topotecan he had very little side effects (and he had EVERY side effect of every other chemo-so this was good)

I hope it works and is a successful treatment for your dad!!!

The shots will help bppst blood counts as well as blood transfusions if needed.

Be vigilent and watch for dehydration--sometimes you think they are drinking alot but dehydration can sneak up on you.

Please keep us posted --we are here for you.

Welcome back. Katie's experience sounds promising for your Dad. I understand the feelings of isolation and having friends that don't understand. I wonder if there is a Gilda's Club near you? Some one on one support would be a good thing for you! Or if not, just stay here and we'll give that to you.

I've heard the gamma knife surgery is very effective. Has he had whole brain radiation yet (WBR)? That is very effective as well.

Wishing you the best with all of this. Give Dad a special hug today.

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

Glad the waiting is over. Not familiar with that chemo but Katie's comment about side-effects sounds encourage. I've known of a number of people who have had gamma or cybe knife with great success. Sound like your Dad is on the right path. No reason not to have great hope.

Judy in KW

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

Good morning!

My father is cuurently on his second round on Hycamptin (topotecan) and he seems to be good!
I thank you all for your wishes and your helpful advice!

Judy in KW, your words "No reason not to have great hope" are really encouraging! It' s like an oasis in the desert because my father's doctor is rather discouraging after the brain metastasis. Anyway...God will do his best to save my father! I have faith!

Joppette, yes, my father has had WBR and it helped him a lot! The side effects (little loss of balance) were few! I hope that gamma knife -if needed - will be a supplementary effective tool against the desease.

KatieB, thanks for your attention on dehydration! I will keep an eye on him!

Best wishes and special thanks to all of you!

_________________
Daughter of a 55 year old man dx with SCLC
7/10:dx LCSC limited. Tumor in right lung. Cannot be operated. Chemotherapy and radiation the only cure.
6 cicles of chemotherapy etoposide/cicplatin starting from 7/10
CT scan Chest showing constant shrinkage
8-9/10 :pleural infusion and pneumonia
Spent a long time at the hospital until he recovers and then chemotherapy again.
12/10: radiation to chest,Ct scans are encouraging
2/11 : epileptic crisis lead us to hospital again. Emergent radiotherapy to brain because CT scans showed small spots and swelling.Brain metastasis
8/11: Ct scan in brain showed shrinkage of the swelling and minimum spots. CT scan also showed small mass in adrenal. Doctor suggests pet scan and probably gamma knife.
9/11: Starting chemo with Hycamptin (Topotecan)
10/11: MRI in brain showed stable
2/12:surgery for removal of the left adrenal due to growth of the adrenal tumor. Everything went good!
4/12:started chemo with cav, due to new nodule in pancreas
5/12: scans showed minimal shrinkage. Stay on the same drugs and new scans at the end of treatments.
7/12:MRI in brain showed new small spots
8/12:radiotherapy (10 visits) in brain
9/12:ct-scans showed stable results! waiting for a brain MRI

Great news! As I said in an earlier post this morning, in this journey you have to go with how you (he) feel(s). Seeming to be good is the best.

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.

Everyone I know currently who has had Gamma is doing very well!

My frineds mom in Va had hers and she is in her 80's and kicking cancers Butt every day and in every way!!

_________________
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!!

You are all so kind!

Judy in KW, I try to encourage me and my father by confirming him that he seems to be well! And it helps, I think!!

Yes, RandyW, I hope that my father's oncologist will do his best and if he suggests gamma knife, I have faith that he will do well!!

Best wishes and special thanks to all of you giving the same battle!

_________________
Daughter of a 55 year old man dx with SCLC
7/10:dx LCSC limited. Tumor in right lung. Cannot be operated. Chemotherapy and radiation the only cure.
6 cicles of chemotherapy etoposide/cicplatin starting from 7/10
CT scan Chest showing constant shrinkage
8-9/10 :pleural infusion and pneumonia
Spent a long time at the hospital until he recovers and then chemotherapy again.
12/10: radiation to chest,Ct scans are encouraging
2/11 : epileptic crisis lead us to hospital again. Emergent radiotherapy to brain because CT scans showed small spots and swelling.Brain metastasis
8/11: Ct scan in brain showed shrinkage of the swelling and minimum spots. CT scan also showed small mass in adrenal. Doctor suggests pet scan and probably gamma knife.
9/11: Starting chemo with Hycamptin (Topotecan)
10/11: MRI in brain showed stable
2/12:surgery for removal of the left adrenal due to growth of the adrenal tumor. Everything went good!
4/12:started chemo with cav, due to new nodule in pancreas
5/12: scans showed minimal shrinkage. Stay on the same drugs and new scans at the end of treatments.
7/12:MRI in brain showed new small spots
8/12:radiotherapy (10 visits) in brain
9/12:ct-scans showed stable results! waiting for a brain MRI

Hi Alchemistria,
Sorry I am a bit late in welcoming you here,typical of me I am afraid,recently retired,now finding I have less time to do things than when I was working,isnt that strange?
Sorry to hear about your Dad,I do hope all his treatments are totally effective in his cancer.I just think you might like to read my reply in this forum to Thriving,it may bring you some cheer.Looking forward to getting to know you.Byee.

_________________
Regards,
Eric Byrne

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

Hi Eric!

I am glad to see your reply! Your story is very inspiring! As well as your photo! I do hope that my father will also have the privillege to hold his grandchild in his hands! I am 28 years old, not married yet, but it's on the way.... I have faith that he will be here to enjoy it!
The chemo seems to be working well and it will do miracles, I do believe it!

_________________
Daughter of a 55 year old man dx with SCLC
7/10:dx LCSC limited. Tumor in right lung. Cannot be operated. Chemotherapy and radiation the only cure.
6 cicles of chemotherapy etoposide/cicplatin starting from 7/10
CT scan Chest showing constant shrinkage
8-9/10 :pleural infusion and pneumonia
Spent a long time at the hospital until he recovers and then chemotherapy again.
12/10: radiation to chest,Ct scans are encouraging
2/11 : epileptic crisis lead us to hospital again. Emergent radiotherapy to brain because CT scans showed small spots and swelling.Brain metastasis
8/11: Ct scan in brain showed shrinkage of the swelling and minimum spots. CT scan also showed small mass in adrenal. Doctor suggests pet scan and probably gamma knife.
9/11: Starting chemo with Hycamptin (Topotecan)
10/11: MRI in brain showed stable
2/12:surgery for removal of the left adrenal due to growth of the adrenal tumor. Everything went good!
4/12:started chemo with cav, due to new nodule in pancreas
5/12: scans showed minimal shrinkage. Stay on the same drugs and new scans at the end of treatments.
7/12:MRI in brain showed new small spots
8/12:radiotherapy (10 visits) in brain
9/12:ct-scans showed stable results! waiting for a brain MRI

Hi Alchemistria,
I am sure your Dad will be around to meet his grandchildren and with God's blessing enjoy watching them grow up.The baby I am holding is my great niece-Mia,you can meet her in the photo album forum,under Max and Mia.I would just love to be a grandfather too,I have a daughter, Jennifer -your very age -does also have a really nice steady boyfriend Chris,but Jennifer is to busy being an actress and a Lecturer in English at the college I have just retired from(you can google Jennifer's website,just type in Jennifer Byrne-she's the actress from Glasgow).Bye for now.

_________________
Regards,
Eric Byrne

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