Mom got her scan results today and it's not good news. Both the tumor in her lung and the one on her liver have grown. She has done three lines of chemo so the next step is Tarceva.

I was impressed with the way mom's oncologist began helping her to deal with the cost immediately. They checked her insurance and told her what her co-pay will be (about $2,000 for the first two months and then about $200.00 for the next ten months in the year) with her Medicare part D plan. They are going to try to get her some co-pay assistance for the first couple of months especially. He brought someone in to begin the paperwork.

He also discussed the side effects with her. She will hate them, but needless to say, I'm hoping she has to deal with them because that will mean it is more likely the Tarceva is working.

I'm pretty bummed, but this is not unexpected. After seeing mom over Thanksgiving I thought that the cancer was probably on the move again. She told me that she thought so too and was not surprised by the news although she is disappointed.

Stupid cancer.

Susan

_________________
76 year-old mom diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer January 5, 2007.

15 radiation treatments to the spine and four rounds of chemo, Jan-May, 2007.

Stable disease May, 2007-May, 2008.

Bone scan May, 2008 shows new mets in the spine, pelvis and ribs.

July, 2008--finished radiation and has a Quadramet treatment.

October, 2008--Scans show mild progression. Began chemo (carbo/taxol/avistin). Will have four rounds of threatment (every 21 days) and scan in January.

01/05/2009--TWO YEAR SURVIVOR!

4/2009--STABLE! No treatment. Next scan in July

7/2009--Scan shows pleural effusion. Fluid drained and malignant. Cancer has spread to other lung and a 13 mm lesion is seen on the liver. Mom to begin Alimta on 8/3

11/2009--Alimta was hard on mom and scans showed progression.

12/2009--began Tarceva, noticed almost immediate improvement.

2/25/2010--Celebrated Mom's 80th birthday!

5/15/2010--Mom watched her oldest granddaughter graduate from college and then paritied well into the night! She's still feeling great.

6/15/2010--Mom watched her youngest granddaughter graduate from high school. Still feeling great!

8/2010-10/2010--Mom begins feeling tired and stays in bed more and more. Scans reveal that the cancer is moving rapidly throughout her body.

10/13/2010--Mom wins her battle once and for all, and passes to a place where the cancer can no longer touch her.

For a more detailed timeline see:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?p=360385#360385

I'm so sorry to hear this news. But your Mom is a trooper. "Disappointed" beats devastated by a long shot. Sounds like she'll keep on fighting. I HATE THIS DISEASE!

Judy in Key West

_________________
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.

Susan,
i am so sorry to hear the news about your Mom. My prayers are with you & Mom.
(Hugs))
BarbVH

_________________
GOD is good all the time,

Barb

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

" For in the end, it's not the years in your life, but the life in your years" Abraham Lincoln

1/5/07 Had cough for a few months, given antibiotics
1/19/07 abnormal CT
2/07 2nd round antibiotics
3/07 2nd CT shows growth changed, now highly suspicious for malignancy
3/27/07 fine needle biopsy fails to get target tissue
4/6/07 PET-CT negative for malignancy
4/07 2nd opinion at Karmanos Cancer Institute, tumor board recommends surgery to remove nodule.
5/16/07 Lobectomy RLL- NSCLC, adenocarcinoma with BAC features, Stage 1a, no further treatment
needed.
8/24/07 CT - NED
9/14/07 Dx with pleural friction rub, need NSAIDS for the inflammation.
12/17/07 CT showed 2 new small nodules, 6 & 8 mm. Enlarged lymph nodes.
2/28/08 CT & PET Scans, more nodules, SUV between 2 & 8. Report says most likely recurrence and metastases.
3/6/08 Needle biopsy; benign, no fungus or TB.
3/19/08 Bronchoscopy; benign, no cancer, tumors, infections, fungus, virus or TB. Most likely inflammation.
5/3/08 PET/CT and CT-most nodules decreased in size by 50%, diagnosis; inflammation possibly from ruptured silicone breast implants which were removed 9/05.
7/18/08 CT nodules stable from May, 2 lymph nodes slightly increased, will rescan mid-Oct
10/10/08 PET/CT and CT show lymph nodes of concern decreased in size. Still have several nodules, but they are either stable, reduced in size. There are now 2 new enlarged lymph nodes. They believe they may be part of my ongoing inflammation, will rescan in 3 months.
1/09 scans show progression of larger nodule. Biopsy 2/5/09 benign, will rescan in 3 months.
4/24/09 "scans show progression of disease". Have had horrible cough and increased SOB. Will treat with 30mg prednisone for 6 weeks, then new PET.
PET/CT 6-5-09 suspicious mass decreased in size indicating no recurrence, probably sarcoidosis or inflammation, will rescan in a few months.
9/09 All inflammtion is back. Put back on prednisone, rescan in Dec
12/09 Most inflammation gone. Start predinsone taper rescan 3/10
1/10 Seek treatment for increased pain from 5/07 thoracotomy.
3/15/10 CT shows slight increase in 2 nodules and lymph node, continue prednisone 4 week more, rescan in June
4/16/10 back on higher dose prednisone due to increased cough during taper. Will taper to inhaled steroid and have CT 6/11/10
6/17/10 CT nodules & lymph nodes stable, stay on inhaled steroid rescan 12/10
12/16/10 CT Stable, recan 6/11
2/11 Start Lyrica for post thoracotmy syndrome pain. Now haivng regular epidurals for ongoing lumbar herniated disc with bilateral leg pain

Sorry to hear this news Susan. But your Mom is still in the game and in fighting mode. I've read some good news stories on here about Tarceva.

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

I too am so sorry to hear about your Mom and also that her doctors are trying to get financial assistance for the Tarceva.

My thoughts and prayers are with you....as always.

I too hate this disease....more than I can ever even begin to say.

Bless you and your Mom Susan.

_________________
Jan 09 husband diagnosed with stage 3 adenocarcinoma.
Oct 09 passed peacefully at home after enduring a very difficult battle. I miss him dearly.

Susan, I am so sorry to learn that your mom's cancer has progressed. Hope the Tarceva will be the magic bullet for her, it is for many. As for payment, I know that many oncologist offices and cancer centers are oftentimes of great assistance. They oftentimes can GIVE patients Tarceva ,free of charge, that has been donated by patients who couldn't take it. Mike and my mom got it that way , to get them started. Not only that, but there is financial assistance available directly from the company that makes Tarceva... been so long that I forget how this works. I know there must be some information on this site about it and people here who have the information to help. Do not let her pay out the $2,000... that's robbery . Just know that I am keeping her in my prayers, as always.

Hugs,
Sue

_________________
[size=84]husband, Mike, 59 years old
**2-01 dx'd Stage 1 nsclc-9cm tumor to right lung-no lymph node involvement...
**4-30-01 pneumonectomy right lung removed. No followup chemo or radiation , but scans and xrays were done
**1-28-04 dx w/recurrent stage IV nsclc tumor on stump of where right lung had been removed , lymph node involvement, tumor adrenal gland -lft side, **02-04-04- taxol & carboplatin 3 treatments-didn't work
**02-12-04- radiation 10 to lung for bleeding
**04-2--04-taxotere had 4 treatments. shrinkage had occured in all after 3.. continuing taxotere. making him very tired ... upper body swelling ..
** 08-01-04-in hospital
latest..
**08-02-04 had stent put in .. superior vena cava.. the vein was being blocked by pressure tumor.
**08-05-04-started 10 radiation treatments,
**08-30-04- started Navelbine on 3 weeks and off 1 Scan after 5 treatments show chemo Navelbine not working -slight decrease to lung mass, but slight increase to adrenal ....
**11-01-04-starting Gemzar ... had 3 treatments... too many side effects... Ct of chest and upper abdomen done on Dec. 2nd -results some shrinkage
**12-06-04-started Alimta Dec. 6th- first treatment went well Had 2nd treatment Dec. 27th ... developed a rash and is tired, but otherwise ok Scan Feb 7th, 2005 STABLE doing good continuing Alimta April 18th scans showed stable disease (after 6 Alimta treatments), but he now has pneumonitis... no more treatments until much better.. on prednisone and oxygen..
**05-31-05 Ct scan of chest showed pneumonitis resolved and stable cancer
**06-06-05-our 35th wedding anniversary... onc confirms everything resolving and stable -reccommends break continued til August
**6-15-05 to 6-18-05 in hospital due to mental confusion ..
had MRI-member empty head club

8-3-2005-Ct scans chest , abdomen and pelvic....Waiting and praying...
**8-8-2005-Ct results were that the chest area looked improved, but the adrenal area had increased and involved some lymph nodes.
Started Tarceva 150mg 8-16-2005-8-20-2005 stopped 2 weeks due to severe rash on 9-8-2005 started back on Tarceva at 100 mg now.. stopped again on 9-19-2005
9-30-2005 scans slight progression to nodes behind adrenal..
10-10-2005-Camptosar- CPT-11 started
10-31-2005- CPT-11
refused more CPT-11 made him extremely fatigued and nauseated
Dec. 6th -CTscans chest, abdomen & pelvic. shows stable but tumor compressing the esophagus..
Dec. 19th- had stent to trachea put in
Dec. 21st- he had stent to esophagus and feeding tube put in
Dec. 22nd.. he will ill put in hospital... vomiting and also coughing and congestion in for 4 days... home for Christmas Dec. 25th... still recouperating with antibiotics etc.
Continuing cough and numerous doctor visits.
*Jan 30th-Feb 4th- hospitalized again with cough ..
Still has cough , but controlled most of the time Hasn't been able to resume chemo

**My "prince charming", best friend, husband and soul mate,, Mike passed away March 2, 2006 after being a 5 year survivor and fighting a very courageous battle**
______________________
Mom- 78 yrs old..
nsclc diag May 2nd, 2007-surgery 2sm tumors removed in wedge section... lymph nodes clear
Tarceva as adjuvant started on June 23rd..quit July2nd.. side effects numerous... am waiting now til next appt. July 13th
July 20th... Mom NED.PET clear and normal .. will go back on half 75mg Tarceva... see how that works..
Stop Tarceva 8-25 too many side effects
Oct. 22nd- Mom surgeon visit, chest xray and results .. all clear, no sign of cancer...
Feb. 18th Mom's PET Scan
March 7th Mom's PET Scan results.. NED
Sept. 22, 08 Mom PET Scan
Sept. 29, 08 Mom PET results new nodule 3/4 "...here we go again.... :-(
*Updated*- Mom surgery- Oct. 30th.. surgeon removed top part of upper right lobe. Nothing showed malignant. She had pneumonia after surgery and a 3 week hospital stay, but she is slowly regaining her strength and is currently NED..

March 3, 2009 CT scan.... results showed some little things along suture line that the doctor believed was healing.. will wait til next scan and compare.

June 2, 2009- CT Scan.. results there is an area along suture line that has increased in size and thickening.. doctor thinks could be cancer... a needle biopsy will be done..

A quick update.. the results of the needle biopsy did confirm that it was cancer...

Cyberknife was done the first week in November..

Pet scan .. Dec. 8th...
Dec. 11th -results .. cyberknife worked and the rest of the scan is clean... YAY!!! Happy Birthday (Dec. 19th.. 81st) and Merry Xmas Mom!
Dec. 2010 NED!!!
June 2, 2011.. Pet Scan results .. NED!!!
Nov 3, 2011.. CT scan results.. NED!!!
Sept. 18, 2012 .. our loving mom has passed on ..Heaven received a most precious angel.


graphic by
http://www.maryslittlelamb.com[/size]

So sorry to read this, Susan. Let's hope the Tarceva works well.

_________________
Bud

Long distance cyclist and lung cancer survivor
56 years old at time of diagnosis in 2007, now live in Crowley, Tx
Nov 2007 - Tentatively diagnosed as NSCLC stage I from CT scan
Dec 2007 - Upper left lobectomy, biopsy showed one cancerous lymph node, changing the diagnosis to stage II (squamous cell)
Feb to Apr 2008 - Three rounds of cisplatin and gemcitabine
Apr 2008 - chest x-ray, NED
May 2008 - brain mri, clear
Jul 2008 - CT scan, NED
Dec 2008 - CT scan, NED
June 2009 - CT scan, NED
Jan 2010 - CT scan, NED
July 2010 - CT scan, NED
June 2011 - CT scan, NED
May 2012 - CT scan, NED
December 2012 - CT scan, NED. I am now a 5 year survivor!

June 2009 - Wife Rose diagnosed with breast cancer
Stage III IDC
Sept 2009 - Finished 4 rounds of chemo (AC)
Nov 2009 - Surgery
March 2010 - Finished 12 weeks of weekly Taxol
August 2010 - CT scan, NED
August 2011 - Checkup, NED
August 2012 - Checkup, NED
The rest of my story is at:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=38841

My blog - uneasy-rider.com

So sorry to hear this - hopefully the Tarceva will work its magic -
I am sending prayers your way
peace, Janet

I am sorry sorry about the news of your mom. But take comfort in knowing there is another plan and the great help you are getting from her doctor.

I will pray that this works for her. Hang strong... she is strong woman and you will be right by her side.

Maryanne

_________________
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take...but by the moments that takes our breath away"
[size=75]
Husband Joel, 58 dx 10/18/04 Smoker since age 15 stopped when diagnosed
Adenocarcinoma- stage 1B
Lobectomy Left upper lobe on 12/15/04
biopsy on lymph nodes - negative NED
1/13/04 Oncologist appt.to see about preventive Chemo.
Cancelled due to chronic fatigue
1/12 fentynal patch for pain
1/14 discontinued Fentynal patch bad reaction
1/15 Blood test showed high T levels
2/1 Endoconrinologist visit diagnosed over-active thyroid
2/8/05 took Radioactive Iodine to kill thyroid
2/16/05 appetite back, fatigue leaving
2/24/05 visit with Pulmonary Doc. Breathing at 96% capacity,
Next visit 3 mos.
3/9/05 Endocrinologist visit -T levels went from 25 down to 5.
3/30 started Synthoid(thyroid med)
3/31 Oncologist. appt. CT results NED...
4/14 starting adjunctive Chemo (carbo/taxol) 4 treatments
3 weeks apart.
6/15/05 Joel finished chemo, chest X-ray clear, Next CT in August
9/01/05 1st CT since Chemo.. NED
11/17/05 CT - small nodule found 4 or 5 mil. in his good lung
1/10/06 CT - nodule Stable
7/2006 CT/ Nodule stable
10/2006 CT Nodule seem to have grown from 4 to 7 mil.
10/2006 Pet- showed some uptake
10/2006- operation- wedge section right upper lobe turned out to be cancerous 2 nodules next to each other. 2 different types of cancer. 1 squamous cell carcinoma (new primary)2- adenocarcinoma-(not sure if new primary or metastasis)
May be restaged to IIIB
11/07/2006 will start 4 rounds of taxotere. 3 weeks apart. Will take Decadron before, day of and day after. Will get a shot of Leunesta the day after. Here we go again.. Joel's attitude.... great as usual
Horrible reaction to the neulasta shots. One night(New Years eve) went to ER. Spent 3 days in hosptal.
Feb 2007 finished chemo.
March 2007 had his CT .. as expected right now all is clear.
June 2007 NED!!!
Sept 07- CT- small nodule 3.5 mm
Going to do another CT in 6 weeks.
October 07- CT done, results STABLE...YEA
Jan. 2008... STABLE!!!
April 2008 little growth but still called stable
July 17 208 nodule doubled in size to 9mm. Needs Pet Scan, tests, hopefully cyberknife...
July 29 met with his surgeon... said Cyberknife is the way to go.
August 1- Cyberknife visit... Joel is a canidate, its a go...Happy B-day Joel...
Sept 22, 2008 finshed up the last of 3 cyberknife procedures
Nov. had CT scan
Nov. 9th results of CT from Cyberknife..... Tumor completely gone... right now NED!!!
Feb. 09- Pet/CT results. . . NEd!!!
May 09 Pet/CT results. . . NED!!!
Sept. 09 Pet/CT results.....NED!!
Jan. 2010--- NED!! Pet now will be every 6 months.
June 8,2010 Pet scan on our Anniversary... hope thats a good sign..
June 17, NED!!!
Dec. 30,2010... NED!!!
June 20,2011... NED!!!
March 2012....NED!!!

pic of Joel and our daughter Nicole at walk NOV. 07

[img]http://www.freewebs.com/beansprouts2005/nik_and_dad_1LC_walk.jpg[/img]

http://www.babababies.com

I'm sorry for the not so good news but Tarceva gave my dad so much time without the harsh side effects of Chemo. Maybe it will be her lucky charm. I'm with Sue on the Tarceva cost please check with the company that makes it. They were able to help my girlfriends' mom with the cost.

_________________
7/2002 (60 yrs. old) Dad dx laryngeal cancer
8/2002 Laryngectomy and Radical Neck Dissection (only 1 lymph node involved) with follow up radiation treatments (Johns Hopkins)
Clean until 6/2004 spot on lung found by x-ray and CT scan
7/2004 Biopsy shows NSCLC (SCC)
8/2004 Successful Lobectomy of middle right lobe and slight wedge resection of upper right lobe (1 lymph node in removed lobe came back positive) (Johns Hopkins) Drs. feel that it is a new primary cancer.
9/04 started clinical trial of taxotere and cisplatin
12/04 New spot found on CT and PET (lymph node) Bronchoscopy not successful stopping clinical trial
1/05 Started 6 weeks of daily radiation and one time a week regimen (for 6 weeks) of carbo/taxol
2/17/05 Finished with rounds of treatment!
3/30/05 Great news, spot on CT has shrunk from 2.5 cm. to less than 1cm. No new spots, STABLE!
7/05 Angiogram, stent put in, doing great!
7/05 The beast is back in the other lung, 9mm spot top of lung, currently waiting to do treatment due to heart medication (Plavix), will do PET in September to confirm cancer and then make treatment decisions.
9/05 PET revealed that spot doubled in size and there is fluid in other lung. Waiting on thorocentesis and hopefully surgery.
10/05 Heart attack from stopping Plavix for lung procedures.
11/05 Fluid gone Cleared for surgery, scheduled for December 5th
12/05 After a successful lobectomy, had another heart attack while in hospital, pacemaker put in, long road to recovery. Pathology report came back with lymph node involvement, restaged to stage III.
2/06 Scans performed NO EVIDENCE OF ACTIVE DISEASE!! Started Tarceva
5/06 NED!!! Will continue on Tarceva
8/06 NED!!! Tarceva still working!
12/06 Its Back 2cm spot found in mediastinum area between the lungs, doctors believe it is a node.Off Tarceva and on to Alimta right after Christmas.
3/07 STABLE after 3 rounds of Alimta! Starting another three and then scans in May.
5/07 Its growing again slightly. Area in the medistinum between the lungs. Off of Alimta and dad has asked for a 2 month chemo break. Scans in July.
7/07 Its back and moving fast. Spot between the lungs up from 1 to 5 and 3 new nodules lighting up. They don't think chemo is a great option. Looks like we're on to a clinical trial..researching..
8/07 Clinical trial at Hopkins
9/07 After 2 rounds, Clinical trial stopped due to slight growth
9/07 Started new clinical trial on HIV drug at NCI at NIH
11/07 Scans - STABLE!! They think the clinical trial is working. Continue on trial new scans in January
1/08 Trial not working, showing slow progression of disease. Taking February off to get clean for new trial.
3/08 Can't get into the trial he wants, starting on Gemzar.
6/11/08 My courageous dad lost his battle with cancer. He never gave up. He passed away one hour after getting chemo.

*Avatar Picture - Connor wearing Cappy's hat

Prayer said that Tarceva works well for your mother Susan.

_________________
Dxed nslc stage2b,Aug.05 had right lung and 17 nodes removed which 2 had shown to be effected.August 27,05 had surgery redone again to stop bleeding. Started chemo sept.05 as a precaustioary. Have 3 month visit followups and have been ned so far and am hoping and praying to stay that way.Grade3 squamous cell type(T2,N1,Mo)tumor 10.5 cemtimeters,1 peribronchial node and 1 10R node involved

Thanks everyone. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes from all the sweet and supportive responses here and on Facebook. It's like all the other dips on the roller coaster. You have to have a day or so to let your stomach catch up and then you settle into yet another new definition of normal.

Mom is supposed to hear from her Onc's office about the Tarceva assistance today or tomorrow.

_________________
76 year-old mom diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer January 5, 2007.

15 radiation treatments to the spine and four rounds of chemo, Jan-May, 2007.

Stable disease May, 2007-May, 2008.

Bone scan May, 2008 shows new mets in the spine, pelvis and ribs.

July, 2008--finished radiation and has a Quadramet treatment.

October, 2008--Scans show mild progression. Began chemo (carbo/taxol/avistin). Will have four rounds of threatment (every 21 days) and scan in January.

01/05/2009--TWO YEAR SURVIVOR!

4/2009--STABLE! No treatment. Next scan in July

7/2009--Scan shows pleural effusion. Fluid drained and malignant. Cancer has spread to other lung and a 13 mm lesion is seen on the liver. Mom to begin Alimta on 8/3

11/2009--Alimta was hard on mom and scans showed progression.

12/2009--began Tarceva, noticed almost immediate improvement.

2/25/2010--Celebrated Mom's 80th birthday!

5/15/2010--Mom watched her oldest granddaughter graduate from college and then paritied well into the night! She's still feeling great.

6/15/2010--Mom watched her youngest granddaughter graduate from high school. Still feeling great!

8/2010-10/2010--Mom begins feeling tired and stays in bed more and more. Scans reveal that the cancer is moving rapidly throughout her body.

10/13/2010--Mom wins her battle once and for all, and passes to a place where the cancer can no longer touch her.

For a more detailed timeline see:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?p=360385#360385

Sending prayers up for your mom...

_________________
***Maternal Grandmother Ora died in 1995 from LC lived 5 years after diagnosis-refused treatment

***Maternal Grandfather John died in 2004 from LC lived 3 years after diagnosis-refused treatment

***My mother Millie diagnosed w/NSCLC(stg 2A or 2B) August 26th, 2009. Initially Mom refused treatment; finally agreed to see ONC-appointment 9/21/09

***9/23/09 Mom decided that she would fight this monster and AGREED TO HAVE SURGERY.

***Mom scheduled for PET Scan 10/2/09 and meets with the surgeon 10/5/09

***Mom's surgery scheduled for October 13th

***Surgery went well...Left Pneumonectony & radical lymphectomy...3 lymph nodes positive(pathology report indicates lymph nodes possible positive b/c of proximity to hilar tumor)

***Hospitalization...some problems encountered(fever, increased heart rate, low blood pressure)

***Mom discharged from the hospital October 20,2009 with Home Health care...Oxygen 3L per NC

***Mom back in hospital October 23, 2009, diagnosed with pneumonia and probable pericarditis(infection around the lining of the heart). She was placed on 2 strong IV antibiotics. Several test were done and she was finally discharged October 29, 2009.

***November 4, 2009-Mom home doing fairly well (I HAVE MY FINGERS CROSSED), No oxygen (SATs 98 w/o oxygen), hydrocodone for pain, duoneb & pulmicort updrafts...CHEMO expected after total recovery from surgery

***Chemo started 12/7/09 (cisplatin & taxol)

***12/14/09- 1st bone scan and Ct scan since surgery...NED is my best friend

***Mom received Mediport 12/17/09...good bye venous needlesticks

***December 2009-May 2010 Mom had 18 Chemo treatments: Taxol & Cisplatin-NEVER LOST ALL HER HAIR, NEVER EXPERIENCED NAUSEA & VOMITTING

***June 2010-SCANS---NED--- Next scans December 2010...PRAISE THE LORD.

***July 2010-Mom working part-time

PRAYING FOR STRENGTH...STRIVING TO BE LIKE CHRIST EVEN WHEN I'M FACED WITH ADVERSITY

Looking for a long period of stability (maybe even shrinkage!) from the Tarceva, Susan. The best to you and your terrific mom.

Ned

_________________
Ned is just my nickname, though it would be nice to merge it with the other meaning eventually...

Aloha means "Hello, goodbye, love, compassion, welcome, good wishes." It means belonging to others with a common humanity. It's defined better as a feeling in the heart than by words.

Dx NSCLC adenocarcinoma IIIb Sep 2006, now stage IV. Taxol+Carboplatin+Avastin 4 mo., Avastin 8 mo., Tarceva 16 mo., Alimta 12 mo. (sometimes combined with Cisplatin or Carboplatin), Navelbine since Feb 2010, 10 sessions of WBR in March 2011. See My Cancer Journey: viewtopic.php?p=351369#p351369 — UPDATED 03/05/2011.

Above left: Our golden retriever Rosie, who joined the family on 3/5/08 at the playful age of 2.

Below: Hannah, our golden companion 1994-2007.

Susan my thoughts and payers for Mom!! remember we have had so many with such good luck with tarceva as a maintenance drug. Here is another link that may help also!!!

http://www.genentechaccesssolutions.com ... /copay.jsp

Let me know if ya need anything at all!!

_________________
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!!

Susan,
lots of prayers for your mom and for you.

If you guys need help with access solutions (Tarceva Patient Assistance) Let me know. I am very close with the director over that program.

I will be praying everyday that the Tarceva will be a total success for your mom.

(((hugs)))

_________________
- 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

Thinking of you and your mom tonight. Prayers that Tarceva works.

Susan,

You and your Mom are in my thoughts and prayers for success with Tarceva.

It kept Bill stable for a time, and gave him a precious hiatus away from regular chemo.

Barbara

_________________
Bill died peacefully on March 25, 2010. He was very much loved, and will be sorely missed.

Link to "Bill's Story," and more detailed list of treatment regimens:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?t=37269

Photo: Barbara and Great Granddaughter KayMarie taken January 2010 at Rehab where Bill was gaining strength.

Susan - I am so sorry to read this. It seems your mom keeps giving her cancer the old one/two and I am hoping that she will do the same this time around. Her attitude has always been amazing. I am hoping the Tarceva is the magic bullet for her to put it on the run again!

Amen - stupid $@#@ cancer!

Hugs,

Linda

_________________
46 years old at diagnosis
Lucky mom of a 16 year old boy and 15 year old girl

Mar-May 2006-3 CXR's performed; eagle eyed radiologist caught something not quite right-F/U done
May 24, 2006-CT scan-suspicious for lung cancer
June 1, 2006-Went to Vancouver for private PET scan-SUV 1.4; ? bronchioalveolar carcinoma or carcinoid
June 5, 2006-Met with surgeon-thinks 1A-surgery soon
June 20, 2006-Left lower lobectomy via VATS
July 5, 2006-Pathology back-stage 1A, pure non-mucinous bronchioalveolar carcinoma, 1.8 cm, well differentiated
Oct 13, 2006-CXR, good
Jan 16, 2007-CXR, good
April 17, 2007-CXR, good
May 4, 2007-CT scan-good
Sept 18, 2007-CXR, good
Dec 18, 2007-CXR, good
March 18, 2008-CXR, good
May 30, 2008-CT scan-good
Oct 21, 2008-CXR, good-graduated to 6 month visits!
June 5th, 2009-CT scan-good!!!
December 3rd, 2009-CXR-good
May 27, 2010-CT scan-good-moved to once/year CT scan & visit!

4 1/2 years from surgery-so happy to be here!!!

I hope it works and she will start to see progress. I think it is safe to say that all of us HATE Lung Cancer.

A quick update. Mom got into the Tarceva patient assistance program and her first 30 days supply is being shipped to her today! She should have them tomorrow.

Now that we know they are coming, we just have to pray that they will help!

Susan

_________________
76 year-old mom diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer January 5, 2007.

15 radiation treatments to the spine and four rounds of chemo, Jan-May, 2007.

Stable disease May, 2007-May, 2008.

Bone scan May, 2008 shows new mets in the spine, pelvis and ribs.

July, 2008--finished radiation and has a Quadramet treatment.

October, 2008--Scans show mild progression. Began chemo (carbo/taxol/avistin). Will have four rounds of threatment (every 21 days) and scan in January.

01/05/2009--TWO YEAR SURVIVOR!

4/2009--STABLE! No treatment. Next scan in July

7/2009--Scan shows pleural effusion. Fluid drained and malignant. Cancer has spread to other lung and a 13 mm lesion is seen on the liver. Mom to begin Alimta on 8/3

11/2009--Alimta was hard on mom and scans showed progression.

12/2009--began Tarceva, noticed almost immediate improvement.

2/25/2010--Celebrated Mom's 80th birthday!

5/15/2010--Mom watched her oldest granddaughter graduate from college and then paritied well into the night! She's still feeling great.

6/15/2010--Mom watched her youngest granddaughter graduate from high school. Still feeling great!

8/2010-10/2010--Mom begins feeling tired and stays in bed more and more. Scans reveal that the cancer is moving rapidly throughout her body.

10/13/2010--Mom wins her battle once and for all, and passes to a place where the cancer can no longer touch her.

For a more detailed timeline see:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?p=360385#360385

Susan,
Sorry for the late response. Prayers are on the way!! Hope the tarceva kicks that cancer right in the a**!!!

Dana

_________________
Mar. '08-Routine xray found Spot tip of upper left lung.
Dr orders CAT. growth confirmed.
Sent to Pulmonolgist who orders PET.
Pet results-my spot lights up like a Christmas tree.
Can't reach spot for biopsy referred to surgeon.
Surgical Biopsy scheduled for Apr. 28th '08
Apr. '08-Surgeon found SCLC, removed upper left lobe and surronding lymph nodes.
Everything biopsied no other cancer found, declaired NED by surgeon on Apr.28th '08
ONC wants me to start adjuvant therapy.
June '08-MRI brain scan and CAT NED
Chemo cisplatin/vp16 3 days every 3 weeks 4 sessions ended Aug. '08
Partial hearing loss due to Cisplatin
Sept. '08 1st CAT after treatment NED
Dec. '08-2nd CAT after treatment NED
Apr. '09-MRI (brain) and CAT NED
Aug. '09-CAT NED
Dec. '09-CAT and MRI NED
Apr. '10-CAT and MRI NED
Oct. '10-CAT and MRI NED
Jan. '11-XRay NED
Oct. '11-CAT NED

Susan,
So glad to hear that your Mom got in the assistance program. Many prayers that it will be successful.

_________________
GOD is good all the time,

Barb

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

" For in the end, it's not the years in your life, but the life in your years" Abraham Lincoln

1/5/07 Had cough for a few months, given antibiotics
1/19/07 abnormal CT
2/07 2nd round antibiotics
3/07 2nd CT shows growth changed, now highly suspicious for malignancy
3/27/07 fine needle biopsy fails to get target tissue
4/6/07 PET-CT negative for malignancy
4/07 2nd opinion at Karmanos Cancer Institute, tumor board recommends surgery to remove nodule.
5/16/07 Lobectomy RLL- NSCLC, adenocarcinoma with BAC features, Stage 1a, no further treatment
needed.
8/24/07 CT - NED
9/14/07 Dx with pleural friction rub, need NSAIDS for the inflammation.
12/17/07 CT showed 2 new small nodules, 6 & 8 mm. Enlarged lymph nodes.
2/28/08 CT & PET Scans, more nodules, SUV between 2 & 8. Report says most likely recurrence and metastases.
3/6/08 Needle biopsy; benign, no fungus or TB.
3/19/08 Bronchoscopy; benign, no cancer, tumors, infections, fungus, virus or TB. Most likely inflammation.
5/3/08 PET/CT and CT-most nodules decreased in size by 50%, diagnosis; inflammation possibly from ruptured silicone breast implants which were removed 9/05.
7/18/08 CT nodules stable from May, 2 lymph nodes slightly increased, will rescan mid-Oct
10/10/08 PET/CT and CT show lymph nodes of concern decreased in size. Still have several nodules, but they are either stable, reduced in size. There are now 2 new enlarged lymph nodes. They believe they may be part of my ongoing inflammation, will rescan in 3 months.
1/09 scans show progression of larger nodule. Biopsy 2/5/09 benign, will rescan in 3 months.
4/24/09 "scans show progression of disease". Have had horrible cough and increased SOB. Will treat with 30mg prednisone for 6 weeks, then new PET.
PET/CT 6-5-09 suspicious mass decreased in size indicating no recurrence, probably sarcoidosis or inflammation, will rescan in a few months.
9/09 All inflammtion is back. Put back on prednisone, rescan in Dec
12/09 Most inflammation gone. Start predinsone taper rescan 3/10
1/10 Seek treatment for increased pain from 5/07 thoracotomy.
3/15/10 CT shows slight increase in 2 nodules and lymph node, continue prednisone 4 week more, rescan in June
4/16/10 back on higher dose prednisone due to increased cough during taper. Will taper to inhaled steroid and have CT 6/11/10
6/17/10 CT nodules & lymph nodes stable, stay on inhaled steroid rescan 12/10
12/16/10 CT Stable, recan 6/11
2/11 Start Lyrica for post thoracotmy syndrome pain. Now haivng regular epidurals for ongoing lumbar herniated disc with bilateral leg pain

My prayers for sure.

_________________
My mom is 45 and a lung cancer patient Stage IIIA
Dx 11-17-04, 45 yrs. old.
Chest X-Ray
CT Scan
Pet Scan
Lung Biopsy (Superior Sulcus Tumor of Right upper lobe squamous cell)
Lymph node of neck biopsied (Negative)
Chemo and Radiation started 12-20-04
First week of Chemo finished 12-28-04 has three weeks off!
Started chemo on Jan 17th will hopefully finish on Monday the 24th and finishes radiation on Tues the 25th. Praying that this works!
Surgery March 1st. Successful Tumor was all dead Doc. says NED but has had no scans.
Chemo Etoposide/Cisplatin started again Beg. of April
Doc changed last round of Chemo to Carbo/Etoposide due to hearing problems and last round was postponed because of low blood counts
May 9th, 10th, and 11th last of the chemo!
Scans scheduled for Aug. 15th Praying for NED!
Scans show NED is with us! Appt. with radiation doc 10/23 and oncologist 12/19
12/27 Mom had appt. Doc ordered bone scan is to return in 4 months
12/02/2006 Mom had appt with Oncologis in November everything is going good. Scans to be scheduled not sure when I think in three months. Mom is doing great and unfortunately still smoking =( Dr said to stay away from sick people
3/13/2007 Mom is 22 months from last treatment and doing fantastic
9/25/2008 Mom turned 49!
10/27/2008 Mom still dong well. Ned is still our very best friend and we will keep him =)

Prayers daily being said for your Mom, and for your family, Susan.

May Tarceva do the job.

Barbara

_________________
Bill died peacefully on March 25, 2010. He was very much loved, and will be sorely missed.

Link to "Bill's Story," and more detailed list of treatment regimens:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?t=37269

Photo: Barbara and Great Granddaughter KayMarie taken January 2010 at Rehab where Bill was gaining strength.

Susan,

I'm praying that the Tarceva works for your mom.

Lilly

_________________
[size=9] Lillian (43 years old)
Smoked for 27 years (Quit at diagnosis)
mom of 3 (15, 9 and 3)
Officially diagnosed 6/9/06
NSCLC Stage IIIA
Primary tumor right lower lobe and mediastinum lymph node #7 positive. Paclitaxol and Carbo plus 35 radiation treatments to chest then 10/2/06-Muscle Sparring Thoracotomy-removed lower right lobe and mediastinum lymph nodes 11/14/06-Paclitaxol/Carboplatin First of two rounds scheduled to begin,11/18/06-Serious vomiting and stomach pain, admitted to hospital. CT Scan reveals potential issue with Adrenal Gland. 11/28/06 PET Scan Scheduled Adrenal Gland lit up on PET scan, thoracic team fairly certain it is a lung cancer met. Brain MRI shows two lesions in Brain. Dec 14, 2006: GammaKnife Radiostatic Surgery to Brain performed, Agressive Chemo to begin Thursday 12/28 (Cisplatin & Gemcitibine) Administered together first week. Second and third week Gemcitibine alone. Fourth week off chemo then cycle starts again. Brain MRI results: no new lesions, previous two lesions: one completely gone the other a faint blush that is expected to be no more at next scan scheduled for March 9th. Feb. 8, 2007, PET Scan: Results Adrenal gland hotter..Feb. 20, 2007, Memorial Sloan opinion: Disease Stable, they suggest monitoring only
Mar. 9th: Brain MRI: Nothing new, Mar. 16th: CT Scan: Nothing new, Mar. 19th: PET Scan
Mar. 20th: Begin new chemo cycle Abraxane and Rapamycin phase I trial. May 2007: PET Scan shows Adrenal gland SUV lower Cycle 2 Chemo scheduled
May 21st: CT Scan shows new tiny nodule on right Pleura. Some Pleura thickening. Dr. and radiologist are not certain if infection or cancer. Getting tested for infections. May 25th PET Scan: No difference from previous PET scan. Dr.'s unclear if nodule and thickening is disease or not. Will continue treatment 6/5/07. 7/6/07 PET CT scan reveal progression. Adrenal tumor larger and new small tumor in abdomen. Officially off trial.
7/12/07 Start 150MG Tarceva. Day 10 of Tarceva, started rash..It's on my chin, scalp, around nose. Also sores in my mouth. I'm using antibiotic and steroid creams for my face and a oncologic mouth rinse for my sores. Vocal Chord Surgery scheduled for 9/4/07 after I return from Hawaii. 9/6/07 Surgery on Vocal Chord seems to be a success. Back to work today.
9/14/07 CT Scan shows progression: .8cm growth on adrenal gland tumor. Tarceva stopped, 9/25/07 began Alimta. Once every three weeks. 10/16/07 2nd Alimta treatment. 11/9/07 3rd Alimta treatment. Waiting for scans to be scheduled. 11/25/07 Panic Attack during CT Scan resulted in A-Fib of the heart. Brought to ER, then ICU, hospital total of 6 days. Taking heart meds to control heart rate. Scan shows Adrenal gland slightly bigger. Fourth Alimta cancelled. 12/22/07 met with Surgeon. Will remove Adrenal Gland and a lymph node on 1/14/08. Due to complications was in ICU and a respirator for two weeks. Also had Pneumonia and Atrial Febrillation, as well as blood pressure problems. Returned home from the hospital on Feb. 6th.

Dr. claims Adrenal gland tumor completed removed with clear margins.

3/18/08 MRI of the Brain, cervical spine and CT Scan results. No Evidence of Disease. Rescan in three months

Sep. 2009 CT Scan result: new lesion near area of right adrenal gland. Started SRS.
3-5-09 NED!!!


Lost my cousin Sal to Lymphoma on November 24, 2006. Lost my cousin Gloria to Small Cell Cancer on March 19, 2007. Lost my cousin Pippo to lung cancer in Feb. 2009]

Susan, I'm late seeing this, but I'm sorry to hear your Mama needs to move to a new treatment plan, but hoping and praying that the Tarceva is going to be the magic bullet for her. ((((hugs)))) to you and to her.

_________________
"All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well... No matter what."
--Julian of Norwich/Madeleine L'Engle

My Mom, Carol, was diagnosed with Stage IV NSCLC with several mets to the bones in November of 2004, when she was 57. Treatment included radiation to relieve the bone pain, Zometa to strengthen her bones, Cisplatin/Gemzar as a first line treatment, and Alimta as a second line treatment. Mom was referred to hospice while waiting for a Perifosine trial to begin, and she died July 19, 2005. Not a day goes by that I don't long for my mama.]

www.digtoesin.wordpress.com
www.newwaylc.blogspot.com

Glad to hear the drugs are coming Will pray they benefit.

_________________
7/2002 (60 yrs. old) Dad dx laryngeal cancer
8/2002 Laryngectomy and Radical Neck Dissection (only 1 lymph node involved) with follow up radiation treatments (Johns Hopkins)
Clean until 6/2004 spot on lung found by x-ray and CT scan
7/2004 Biopsy shows NSCLC (SCC)
8/2004 Successful Lobectomy of middle right lobe and slight wedge resection of upper right lobe (1 lymph node in removed lobe came back positive) (Johns Hopkins) Drs. feel that it is a new primary cancer.
9/04 started clinical trial of taxotere and cisplatin
12/04 New spot found on CT and PET (lymph node) Bronchoscopy not successful stopping clinical trial
1/05 Started 6 weeks of daily radiation and one time a week regimen (for 6 weeks) of carbo/taxol
2/17/05 Finished with rounds of treatment!
3/30/05 Great news, spot on CT has shrunk from 2.5 cm. to less than 1cm. No new spots, STABLE!
7/05 Angiogram, stent put in, doing great!
7/05 The beast is back in the other lung, 9mm spot top of lung, currently waiting to do treatment due to heart medication (Plavix), will do PET in September to confirm cancer and then make treatment decisions.
9/05 PET revealed that spot doubled in size and there is fluid in other lung. Waiting on thorocentesis and hopefully surgery.
10/05 Heart attack from stopping Plavix for lung procedures.
11/05 Fluid gone Cleared for surgery, scheduled for December 5th
12/05 After a successful lobectomy, had another heart attack while in hospital, pacemaker put in, long road to recovery. Pathology report came back with lymph node involvement, restaged to stage III.
2/06 Scans performed NO EVIDENCE OF ACTIVE DISEASE!! Started Tarceva
5/06 NED!!! Will continue on Tarceva
8/06 NED!!! Tarceva still working!
12/06 Its Back 2cm spot found in mediastinum area between the lungs, doctors believe it is a node.Off Tarceva and on to Alimta right after Christmas.
3/07 STABLE after 3 rounds of Alimta! Starting another three and then scans in May.
5/07 Its growing again slightly. Area in the medistinum between the lungs. Off of Alimta and dad has asked for a 2 month chemo break. Scans in July.
7/07 Its back and moving fast. Spot between the lungs up from 1 to 5 and 3 new nodules lighting up. They don't think chemo is a great option. Looks like we're on to a clinical trial..researching..
8/07 Clinical trial at Hopkins
9/07 After 2 rounds, Clinical trial stopped due to slight growth
9/07 Started new clinical trial on HIV drug at NCI at NIH
11/07 Scans - STABLE!! They think the clinical trial is working. Continue on trial new scans in January
1/08 Trial not working, showing slow progression of disease. Taking February off to get clean for new trial.
3/08 Can't get into the trial he wants, starting on Gemzar.
6/11/08 My courageous dad lost his battle with cancer. He never gave up. He passed away one hour after getting chemo.

*Avatar Picture - Connor wearing Cappy's hat

Susan, so glad your mom is getting assistance with the Tarceva. You can count on my prayers that it will do it's magic.

Hugs,
Sue

_________________
[size=84]husband, Mike, 59 years old
**2-01 dx'd Stage 1 nsclc-9cm tumor to right lung-no lymph node involvement...
**4-30-01 pneumonectomy right lung removed. No followup chemo or radiation , but scans and xrays were done
**1-28-04 dx w/recurrent stage IV nsclc tumor on stump of where right lung had been removed , lymph node involvement, tumor adrenal gland -lft side, **02-04-04- taxol & carboplatin 3 treatments-didn't work
**02-12-04- radiation 10 to lung for bleeding
**04-2--04-taxotere had 4 treatments. shrinkage had occured in all after 3.. continuing taxotere. making him very tired ... upper body swelling ..
** 08-01-04-in hospital
latest..
**08-02-04 had stent put in .. superior vena cava.. the vein was being blocked by pressure tumor.
**08-05-04-started 10 radiation treatments,
**08-30-04- started Navelbine on 3 weeks and off 1 Scan after 5 treatments show chemo Navelbine not working -slight decrease to lung mass, but slight increase to adrenal ....
**11-01-04-starting Gemzar ... had 3 treatments... too many side effects... Ct of chest and upper abdomen done on Dec. 2nd -results some shrinkage
**12-06-04-started Alimta Dec. 6th- first treatment went well Had 2nd treatment Dec. 27th ... developed a rash and is tired, but otherwise ok Scan Feb 7th, 2005 STABLE doing good continuing Alimta April 18th scans showed stable disease (after 6 Alimta treatments), but he now has pneumonitis... no more treatments until much better.. on prednisone and oxygen..
**05-31-05 Ct scan of chest showed pneumonitis resolved and stable cancer
**06-06-05-our 35th wedding anniversary... onc confirms everything resolving and stable -reccommends break continued til August
**6-15-05 to 6-18-05 in hospital due to mental confusion ..
had MRI-member empty head club

8-3-2005-Ct scans chest , abdomen and pelvic....Waiting and praying...
**8-8-2005-Ct results were that the chest area looked improved, but the adrenal area had increased and involved some lymph nodes.
Started Tarceva 150mg 8-16-2005-8-20-2005 stopped 2 weeks due to severe rash on 9-8-2005 started back on Tarceva at 100 mg now.. stopped again on 9-19-2005
9-30-2005 scans slight progression to nodes behind adrenal..
10-10-2005-Camptosar- CPT-11 started
10-31-2005- CPT-11
refused more CPT-11 made him extremely fatigued and nauseated
Dec. 6th -CTscans chest, abdomen & pelvic. shows stable but tumor compressing the esophagus..
Dec. 19th- had stent to trachea put in
Dec. 21st- he had stent to esophagus and feeding tube put in
Dec. 22nd.. he will ill put in hospital... vomiting and also coughing and congestion in for 4 days... home for Christmas Dec. 25th... still recouperating with antibiotics etc.
Continuing cough and numerous doctor visits.
*Jan 30th-Feb 4th- hospitalized again with cough ..
Still has cough , but controlled most of the time Hasn't been able to resume chemo

**My "prince charming", best friend, husband and soul mate,, Mike passed away March 2, 2006 after being a 5 year survivor and fighting a very courageous battle**
______________________
Mom- 78 yrs old..
nsclc diag May 2nd, 2007-surgery 2sm tumors removed in wedge section... lymph nodes clear
Tarceva as adjuvant started on June 23rd..quit July2nd.. side effects numerous... am waiting now til next appt. July 13th
July 20th... Mom NED.PET clear and normal .. will go back on half 75mg Tarceva... see how that works..
Stop Tarceva 8-25 too many side effects
Oct. 22nd- Mom surgeon visit, chest xray and results .. all clear, no sign of cancer...
Feb. 18th Mom's PET Scan
March 7th Mom's PET Scan results.. NED
Sept. 22, 08 Mom PET Scan
Sept. 29, 08 Mom PET results new nodule 3/4 "...here we go again.... :-(
*Updated*- Mom surgery- Oct. 30th.. surgeon removed top part of upper right lobe. Nothing showed malignant. She had pneumonia after surgery and a 3 week hospital stay, but she is slowly regaining her strength and is currently NED..

March 3, 2009 CT scan.... results showed some little things along suture line that the doctor believed was healing.. will wait til next scan and compare.

June 2, 2009- CT Scan.. results there is an area along suture line that has increased in size and thickening.. doctor thinks could be cancer... a needle biopsy will be done..

A quick update.. the results of the needle biopsy did confirm that it was cancer...

Cyberknife was done the first week in November..

Pet scan .. Dec. 8th...
Dec. 11th -results .. cyberknife worked and the rest of the scan is clean... YAY!!! Happy Birthday (Dec. 19th.. 81st) and Merry Xmas Mom!
Dec. 2010 NED!!!
June 2, 2011.. Pet Scan results .. NED!!!
Nov 3, 2011.. CT scan results.. NED!!!
Sept. 18, 2012 .. our loving mom has passed on ..Heaven received a most precious angel.


graphic by
http://www.maryslittlelamb.com[/size]

Susan, thank God for these assistance programs. If not for them some of these treatments would be out of range for most of us. Hope you've check out Ned's info for Tarceva rash remedy. Having the stuff on hand is, I think, a smart as well as reassuring thing to do. Here's hoping Tarceva does the trick.

Judy in Key West

_________________
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.

Thanks everyone!

Judy--I'm going to go look for Ned's rash remedy.

Susan

_________________
76 year-old mom diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer January 5, 2007.

15 radiation treatments to the spine and four rounds of chemo, Jan-May, 2007.

Stable disease May, 2007-May, 2008.

Bone scan May, 2008 shows new mets in the spine, pelvis and ribs.

July, 2008--finished radiation and has a Quadramet treatment.

October, 2008--Scans show mild progression. Began chemo (carbo/taxol/avistin). Will have four rounds of threatment (every 21 days) and scan in January.

01/05/2009--TWO YEAR SURVIVOR!

4/2009--STABLE! No treatment. Next scan in July

7/2009--Scan shows pleural effusion. Fluid drained and malignant. Cancer has spread to other lung and a 13 mm lesion is seen on the liver. Mom to begin Alimta on 8/3

11/2009--Alimta was hard on mom and scans showed progression.

12/2009--began Tarceva, noticed almost immediate improvement.

2/25/2010--Celebrated Mom's 80th birthday!

5/15/2010--Mom watched her oldest granddaughter graduate from college and then paritied well into the night! She's still feeling great.

6/15/2010--Mom watched her youngest granddaughter graduate from high school. Still feeling great!

8/2010-10/2010--Mom begins feeling tired and stays in bed more and more. Scans reveal that the cancer is moving rapidly throughout her body.

10/13/2010--Mom wins her battle once and for all, and passes to a place where the cancer can no longer touch her.

For a more detailed timeline see:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?p=360385#360385

Susan -

So sorry to hear this but Tarceva has done wonders for some people and I hope and pray your mom is one of them

She is a fighter and so are you - GO GET EM!!!!!

Hugs - Patti B.

_________________
My personal war against cancer:
Stage IV at diagnosis 9/29/06- told 12 months tops.......yeah, right!!!
5 rounds of radiation R hip
15 Whole brain radiation txs 7/20 - 8/7/09
8 weeks on oral Tarceva
To date, 80 IV chemo sessions and still counting
Chemos have consisted of:
Carbo/Taxol/Avastin
Avastin alone
Alimta
weekly Navalbine
weekly Gemzar, now on Gemzar every other week due to blood counts
All my veins have become inaccessible - port installed 12/30/09
Put on Alimta/Avastin as a combo
Currently on Taxotere, on 3 weeks off one

Susan,
Sorry for the late response, I haven't been on here in awhile. I'm sorry to hear about your mom, but so happy that she is getting help with the Tarceva cost. Tarceva helped me for almost a year and a half, my positive thoughts are with you and her that it will help her as well.
Anne

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"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere." ~Frank A. Clark

6/30/07 diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC adeno. with met. to spine, hip, shoulder, rib. Back pain severe. Never smoked.
36 at diagnosis with kids age 17 months, 6, and 8 (at time of dx)
7/19/07 1st chemo Cisplatin, Taxotere, Avastin
chemo every 3 weeks for 6 rounds
lung masses shrinking...more than 50% after first 2 rounds, then little by little
11/27/07 started Tarceva or Placebo (clinical trial) daily with continued Avastin every 3 weeks
1/11/08 CT stable, maybe very slight decrease in size
2/25/08 CT stable, bone scan shows healing of compression fracture in L1, bones clearing up except for spine. back pain better, neuropathy much better except for toes, but arthritis like pain in all joints.
4/7/08 CT stable, brain MRI normal (still having headaches)
8/11 CT still stable, 1 mm decrease, bone scan-slight improvement
11/3 CT stable, but original symptoms have been gradually returning
3/9/09 progression in lungs. Off Tarceva/Avastin, will start Alimta 3/13
4/23/09 Brain MRI normal, CT basically stable, 1 mm growth in smallest nodules, larger ones stable. will have 2 more Alimta then check again.
5/15/09 Alimta not working, symptoms worsening
5/27/09 start 3 weeks radiation for pain management.
7/30/09 first Gemcitabine
10/2/09 progression, PICC line put in, start Navelbine tomorrow
12/2/09 2 cycles of navelbine complete, CT shows more progression, PICC line out