Hi everyone, well, I had an MRI last week due to headaches and just found out that I have 2 small brain mets and they're recommending whole brain radiation. Things just haven't been going too well lately. I'm having a lot of pain in my chest, and also shooting down my leg (I have a feeling I also have a met in my hip). My pain's gotten so much worse lately, that I'm terrified to wait on the next chemo while I do WBR, and I'm a bit scared of the WBR. I really hate this, my kids (now 3, 9, and 10) need me here and healthy.

_________________
"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

Hang in there Anne! Thoughts and prayers for great news and a speedy recovery from this setback..

_________________
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!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

_________________
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

I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this difficult time

Heidi

_________________
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 =)

Anne,
Sorry to hear about you difficulties. Thoughts and prayers on the way!

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

Anne,
Sorry to hear your news, my prayers are with you.

_________________
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

Anne.....you're tough remember? But also know that you have many here who care and are sending prayers your way!


(((hugs))))

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

Hang in there Anne. WBR has been very successful for many, so the odds are in your favor. I will include you in my prayers.

_________________
Ginny
Please use gdecoursey@aol.com for email.

Earl born 1/28/42 - dx 9/21/02 - died 8/18/04. He was the sunshine of my life.

Anne, I am sending prayers for successful treatment. As Ginny says, many have had much success with WBR. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

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]

Sorry to read this, Anne. I'm sending positive thoughts your way for very successful treatments.

_________________
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

Anne, it must be very difficult to face these problems particularly at this time of year. I'm sending many healing thoughts your way with the hope of a speedy successful treatment.

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.

Well, Anne, that is just a fine howdy-do . Any mention on gamma knife for the two small mets? I don't know a lot, but thought for less than 4 and small, that could be an option. I'm just bummed about this and the pain down your leg. Life turns into one big crap shoot for us all and I'm sorry you're getting more of it lately than most. I'm thinking of you, Anne, and I'll hang onto the hope that this hurdle will be yet another one you jump right over.

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

Thanks for the prayers everyone. Kasey, yes, GammaKnife is an option, but my rad. onc. is suggesting wbr because there's less chance that it'll come back. I will talk to him further about it Wednesday.

_________________
"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

Hi, Anne. You can add one more set of good wishes/thoughts to your arsenal. Sounds like you're getting solid advice from your radiation onc — please let us know what you decide to do. Much Aloha,

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.

Anne,

Well pooh. I'm thinking brain mets and leg pain were NOT on your Chirstmas list this year. I'll be praying that the WBR zaps those two little mets right outta there and that you get some resolution from your pain.

Hang in there--we are here for you when you need us.

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

Anne,

I read your post with much empathy. Bill had only one, single met to the midbrain and WBR was suggested.

Of course, I am no doctor, but I would first opt for individual radiation to the two mets, but if WBR is the final choice, Bill is still here walking around and not being too incapacitated by the whole brain radiation experience.

He does experience some loss when expressing himself, but it's not a dire thing. That WBR was completed over 2 1/2 years ago. He has had no recurrence, and is still actively participating in his life with Q of L.

Of course, he cannot do all the things he used to do, with much gusto, but hey, he is 79.

Whatever you decide, my thoughts and hopes go out ot you for a resolving of the issues which concern you.

Sending you my very best, and also send my prayers,
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.

Anne I was going to suggest what Kasey said. WBR you get one shot at...if you do Gamma or cyber knife, you MAY still be able to do WBR if neccesary later, but ask the rad onc what he thinks. Good luck, we're all pulling for you.

Anne-

I know exactly how you feel - I had WBR in August. I wanted Gamma Knife but they said since the MRI from 8 months prior was totally clear, how many tiny mets may be there just too small to show up on an MRI.

I panicked before going wondering what would I be like when it was over - and I have to tell you I have been lucky - no memory loss, no nothing!! I wish the same for you.

If you ever want to talk about it, feel free to PM me.

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