I've been told that my sclc is back. Last summer I had the cisplatin/etopiside and radiation series of treatment to include pci. At the time they said they thought there was no living cancer in my body....guess times change.

I am trying to find what has worked for people here who had a recurrence. I am also wondering if there is anyway of getting current information about trials. For example, if a trial has been ongoing for a while is there anyway of finding out how successful it has/is been/being? Without this info I feel at a loss as to how to choose one. What guidelines have y'all used to help choose a trial????

Thank you for any help.
Jon Woodard

Jon,

So sorry to hear about your recurrence. I don't have any information on trials but you might benefit from asking Dr West in th Q&A section of Onctalk.com

He will give you the best information if he has it.

Blessings to you. I hate your news is of recurrence but hang in there, the fight isn't over yet.

_________________
~~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

__________________________________

Jon,

Somebody may post with trials and
also with their story.
Stay around and you may get many
answers

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

Jon,

I'm so sorry to hear your news. If your cancer has been gone for a year, I think sometimes they treat it again with first line chemo (perhaps a different combo than the first time). The typical standard second line is Topotecan.

Here is the National Cancer Institute web site, where you can search for trials:

http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials

Also, if you get on the web sites for the university hospitals close to your area, they typically have their own trial listings also.

Stay strong. You beat it once, you can beat it again.

_________________
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

OH Jon. I am so sorry. This sucks. I am so proud of your fighting spirit though, and there ARE people who work through a recurrence...stay strong and know we are here...someone will post with amazing news for you soon!

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]

Jon,
I saw this in another posting...dont' know if it replies, but it is worth looking at...

Picoplatin Trial Demonstrates Survival Benefit in SCLC

This was based on those who had recurred within 6 months or so...does that apply?

You can read the whole article in SCLC.

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]

Jon hi and sorry your having this terrible battle on your hand's and sadly i have no answer's. But i just recently met a woman whose Mother has SCLC and i understand a never ending optomistic out look. Anyway she was as i understand it stage 4(extensive) when sclc was found and was given a very limited time to live.I believe she had a reoccurance and even her family was getting ready for the end as she looked so terrible. Now she look's and feel's 100% better and has started to put weight on,
in fact 10 pound's.She is now alive after 2 year's since being diagnosed, so the point i'm saying is do not give up and go Check out Cindy RN's sclc history she's had 2 reoccurances....

_________________
Picture of Wife ALYCE of 44 yr's and pee wee our little baby also we have 9 children'. Our oldest son was killed in 1994 by a hit and run driver...
dxed 4-16-04 sclc stage 4 if liver involved,tumor 3.5cm...
finished rd.2 of cisplatin/vp16-3day's every 21 day's,ct scan 6-11-04...Finished third round and had Ct scan 6-11-04 will now know results 6-17-04...Well wife just heard...liver clear-spot on lung almost undetectable...Now wife start's monthly 3day treatment for 3 month's.... 7-13-04 Xray to chest every thing looked good..Febuary 05 found met's to brain now 15 round's of radiation for total of 3000 rads,follow up CT also found cancer met's to spine,leg's and skull. Started 3-07-05 Topotecan weekly and Zometa monthly..3-21-05 Chemo stopped for MRI to spine, doc not sure it is cancer. 4-01-05 call from cancer center for wife to resume treatment following monday 4-4-05 as doc see's mass on spine and to be safe he order's chemo and zometa restarted.Cat Scan 6-14-05 result's 6-16-05 Doctor notices return of Cancer to Lung in about the same place as original Tumor, treatment to be changed next monday.New chemo CPT11 and Taxol for 2 week's then off for 1 week.Having pain in upper stomach and Diarreah.Zometa still once a month.Aug 9 visit with doc on test result's all good and treatment continues.Well the beat goes on as will this never end. Latest Ct 10-31-05 show's tumor in lung and spot on liver MRI must be good as heard nothing about it. Back to CP16 and Carbo 3 day's every 3 week's.1-24-06 Doctor say's all that can be done has been done, treatment stopped and Hospice first visit 1-27-06. God hear's our prayer's but do we hear him?? GOD WILL IF WE WILL..Larry 5 heart bypasses 2000,bladder cancer since 2001 and so far under control.....GOD gained his newest ANGEL as ALYCE left to be with him 2-03-06....

Thank you all for the words of encouragement.

As it stands I plan on getting information from my oncologist (away at a conference this week), UC Davis as they have a few trials, and Sloane Kettering as they also have several ongoing trials. These are all places that I can relatively easily visit, but if anyone thinks there is another place I should look at please let me know.

Again, thank you for the kind words.
Jon

Sounds like you have a game plan. Wishing you all the best. Please Keep us posted, we can be here for you.

_________________
- 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

Hi Jon,

Although I cannot offer anything informative about sclc, I hope it helps knowing that folks can relate to all the emotions that come along with lc. You better believe I've run the gamut. So I just want to offer my support along with the hope that you continue to have a great game plan. Many sclc folks are here and surviving even after recurrence.

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'm sorry to hear that you're having to deal with it once again.
My husband's tumor has never completely gone away, but when it started to grow a tiny bit more, they put him on Taxol for the chemo medication. He has tolerated it much, much better then the other's they used for his first round.
Maybe it's something you can ask your doctor about.
It seems there are loads of combinations they can try, so here's hoping they find the perfect one to wipe out that nasty cancer once and for all....
Take care,
Nova

_________________
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.

Ask your onc about Topoteacan. It is very effective for SCLC as a 2nd line treatment.

_________________
SCLC ext with Superior Vena Cava Syndrome. Jan 03 Did etoposide/carboplatin 6 sessions. Radiation to chest and back 2x day for 3 weeks.
Brain Met Jul 03 Did Gamma Knife Aug 03.
Topoteacan Oct 03 - Feb 04.
Total hip replacement right side Jun 06
total hip replacement left side Oct 06.
Both hips decayed from steriods (Decadron) is what they say.
Have had blood clots, cellulitius infection, diverticulitus, but on the bright side have been cancer free since scans in July 04. Last pet and mri done May 07. The only thing the onc could say was your cholesterol is 240. Primary care doc says am one of the healthiest 55 yr olds he sees and then scratches his head.

It is true I was diag in Feb 2001 and had a reoccurance in Feb 2003.

Ist course was cisplatin and camptosar, it worked well. In 2003 I had carboplatin and vp-16. I opted out of the pci, I did not feel comfortable with having it done. As of now I am 4 yrs since last chemo-Good luck!
Cindy

_________________
[size=10:07600f51db]'I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me' (and He does!)

I am a 50 yo (DOB 10/13/56), wife, mom of 3, ER nurse (semi-retired).
I was 44 and diagnosed 2/2001 SCLC Extensive R Lung, mediastinal area, vessels of the heart, and L adrenal gland, Cisplatin and Camptosar (Irenotecan) x 9 mos.
Remission 1 yr.
June 2002-youngest got her drivers lis. OH NO! 1st Milestone.
Relapsed in 2/2003, tumor in L lung-6 wks radiation and chemo- carboplatin, VP-16 for 6 mos. also in Feb. 2003 I fell and broke R leg-surgically repaired.
Last chemo treatment Aug. 2003.
Sept 2003 son got married! Another milestone met!
March 2004 pericardial effusion.
Dec. 2004 pericardial effusion still present but smaller and stable
Feb. 2005-I made it--4 years!!!!( since the day I was diagnosed, YEAH!)
Remission TWO YEARS (Aug. 2005)!!!!!!!!!! This time
August 1, 2005 CT scan shows NED and MRI confirms I am still empty headed!
Nov. 2005-all scans STILL NED!!
FEB. 2006- 5 YEARS SINCE DIAGNOSIS!!!
March 2006-All scans still NED
July 2006-All scans NED
Aug. 2006-3 years no chemo-oh yeah!
Dec 2 2006 Middle daughter was married!! Another milestone!
Oct. 2006-All scans NED
Feb 2007-All still NED !!6 YEARS since orig diagnosis!!
June 2007-NED NED NED!!
June 2007 Youngest daughter turned 21!! She was 14 at my diag!
August 2007-4 years since last chemo!!
April 2008-still clean, almost 5 yrs since last chemo, Praise God!

Pic- CindyRN and KatieB at the 2007 Bash
[/size:07600f51db]

Hi Jon,

My Dad has SCLC and was diagnosed back in November 2006. His has also come back and he is now at John Hopkins in Baltimore to begin a clinical trial. He tried the CPT11 but it is not working. We are hoping from the best for this. There are always alternatives. Stay positive.

_________________
Karen Laureti

Praying for my Dad (my hero) every day.

Dad: Diagnosed Limited stage SCLC in December 2006
Did aggressive chemo and radiation to chest. PCI done in April 2007. Remission! Then the Cancer came back in June 2007. Taking Irinotecan every 3 weeks.

Jon,

Yes, please let me add how sorry I am that you're facing this again. Topotecan is the best studied of the drugs for recurrent SCLC and is very likely an option you'll hear plenty about. I've written about it in several of my posts. Here's a link to a couple of posts I've done on recurrent SCLC at the OncTalk website:

http://onctalk.com/?p=467

http://onctalk.com/?p=204

Good luck with treatment. I hope it's effective and not too rough.

-Dr. West

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