Handling it better this time - maybe because I've not had time to think before - tomorrow is my annual PET scan.........so that bloody elephant is back in the center of the room. But I'm thankful to say he hasn't been there long (okay ladies what should I read into this that my test is a HE)

I've been having some heart failure issues again, with a week in hospital over New Years, so this had completely moved the scan and the elephant out of my mind. I guess there has to be a benefit somewhere in all this, hmmm, shortness of breath versus worrying about a test.........no contest

Geri

_________________
Diagnosed limited sclc Nov 2001
Clean PET scan May 2002
June 2004 Clear CT scan and brain MRI
Good for another 6 months!
Dec 2004, another clean bill of health. next check w/scans may be my last!
June 2005, another good check up, next appt in a year and then I'm finished!!!
Sept 2005, Pericardial effusion, window cut, no cancer found, thought to be viral in origin.
Back to 3 month check with oncolgist. but NED is still my best friend.
Jan 2006, everything still clean, this cancer officially cured. Next check up in a year. NED still in residence.
Jan 2007 clean bill of health again!
April 2007 dx breast cancer, surgery in May and June. Lymph node involvement
August 2007, started chemo, radiation will follow
Dec 2007 Chose no radiation, risks high for small benefit because of lc radiation. Chemo causing shortness of breath.
Jan 2008 Talc procedure done after needle aspiration doesn't work for long (2 days). Now using oxygen most of time.
Feb/Mar 2008 One month hospital stay due to congestive heart failure, low blood pressure and high heart rate. Permanant valve damage.
Mar/Aug 2008 fighting for breath and energy.
Aug 2008 started breast cancer adjunct therapy, life was miserable with side effects
Oct 2008 changed medications and life was even more miserable. This one lasted another month.
Dec 2008, feel better than in last 2 years, finally I am myself again and no bc treatments!
Jan 2009 PET shows no sign of malignancy ANYWHERE! Echocardiograms are now more regular for me than cancer screens.
I now take pills that conteract pills that conteract pills that conteract pills...............and on and on, but I'm still entertaining NED and life is good.
August 2009, CT still clear, back in 6 months for another CT. NED still lives here!
Dec 2009 More congestive heart failure looming.
Feb 2010 Heart block - code blue but eventually brought back, pace maker installed, new birthday Feb 6th - I came back!!!!
March 2010 Heart damaged beyond repair,only a couple of months left to live. Not a transplant candidate (2 cancers) so LVAD implanted. I'm still on the green side of the sod but now as the bionic woman and my future is still as long as it would have been before lc..........expiration date unknown (or long as I remember to change my batteries) !

My thoughts and prayers Geri for a great test result for you!

_________________
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!!

Geri, my prayers are with you for a great scan result.

_________________
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

Geri, I'm getting to this before the Air. I didn't know about the heart issue over the holiday if you posted it. I am so sorry. What's with us women and the holidays, did you overdo like I know my friend Loreen (had heart attack between xmas and ny) did. It's tough finding that fine line between doing what we are up to and overdoing, isn't it.

I did miss your post yesterday about the scan. You know my heart is with you as you wait (???for the results). Maybe the heart issue distracted you. Or, maybe you are feeling more confident. My scans are due in a couple of weeks and I'm usually freaky by now. I have so much crap going on, it could be attributed to distraction. Or maybe my body is telling me it is going to be good. That's my hope for you. Your body knows the results are going to be good. I'm holding onto that for you. Let us know asa you get them.

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.

Everything crossed for a great scan!

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

Just kick that da#$ elephant right in the butt and outta the room entirely. I hear ya with the anxiety. Sorry the heart issue isn't quite resolved yet also. We're just about back on track here after our little detour between Thanksgiving and New Year's, so will get in touch and get the scoop.

You know my thoughts are always with you - hoping for the best. It never really goes away, does it, even after many years. I hope to see that elephant flying overhead on his way far, far away. In the meantime, how about a Baileys or something? Medicine, you know, to ease anxiety?

Good luck friend.
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

Geri - keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!

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!!!

Geri,You just open that door and let that elephant out. I know its kind of hard squezzing him thru the door but you and him will be much happier once hes out. No reason for him to be in the house anyway because your gonna get good results! Prayer said!

_________________
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

Lots of hugs and many prayers for you today Geri.
I'm hoping everything is fine. I hate hearing about your heart issues...I am keeping you in my thoughts and saying lots of prayers for you.
(((hug)))

P.S. I've been working out a little, I think I could take that elephant.

_________________
- 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

My prayers Geri!

_________________
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 =)

Best wishes for great scans, Geri!

_________________
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

Well the scan is over and the wait begins. My onc visit is next Monday...........could be the longest week of my life or my onc (bless his heart) will do what he did last time and call me as soon as he gets them.
Of course then we go for the appt and shoot the breeze as we already know the PET results and this time I had an examination in December so there really isn't much to do..........I hope.

My diuretics had not been working properly for a while before my hospitalization. I knew I was in trouble way back before our walk but chose to ignore magnitude of the problem..........don't recomend it though, couldn't breathe and stairs always looked the size of Everest. I eventually owned up to my Cardiologist before I damaged my kidneys permenantly and he took charge.

My choice was to be out of commission New Years NOT my grandson's 1st Christmas. So when it was all over I went willingly and dropped 10lbs in 4 days! The best part of all was that while I was in the hospital several nurses confirmed that the breast chemo had caused the heart problems..........."you're not the first, we've seen this numerous times!!!"

Then, I had two cardiologists confirm it too - finally someone other than my lung onc (who is always treads where angels don't dare) - my assumptions had been verified. I was right, no more skirting around the truth.........the truth has set me free

All is well here right now, just waiting. Thanks for your support, you always know how to do it.

_________________
Diagnosed limited sclc Nov 2001
Clean PET scan May 2002
June 2004 Clear CT scan and brain MRI
Good for another 6 months!
Dec 2004, another clean bill of health. next check w/scans may be my last!
June 2005, another good check up, next appt in a year and then I'm finished!!!
Sept 2005, Pericardial effusion, window cut, no cancer found, thought to be viral in origin.
Back to 3 month check with oncolgist. but NED is still my best friend.
Jan 2006, everything still clean, this cancer officially cured. Next check up in a year. NED still in residence.
Jan 2007 clean bill of health again!
April 2007 dx breast cancer, surgery in May and June. Lymph node involvement
August 2007, started chemo, radiation will follow
Dec 2007 Chose no radiation, risks high for small benefit because of lc radiation. Chemo causing shortness of breath.
Jan 2008 Talc procedure done after needle aspiration doesn't work for long (2 days). Now using oxygen most of time.
Feb/Mar 2008 One month hospital stay due to congestive heart failure, low blood pressure and high heart rate. Permanant valve damage.
Mar/Aug 2008 fighting for breath and energy.
Aug 2008 started breast cancer adjunct therapy, life was miserable with side effects
Oct 2008 changed medications and life was even more miserable. This one lasted another month.
Dec 2008, feel better than in last 2 years, finally I am myself again and no bc treatments!
Jan 2009 PET shows no sign of malignancy ANYWHERE! Echocardiograms are now more regular for me than cancer screens.
I now take pills that conteract pills that conteract pills that conteract pills...............and on and on, but I'm still entertaining NED and life is good.
August 2009, CT still clear, back in 6 months for another CT. NED still lives here!
Dec 2009 More congestive heart failure looming.
Feb 2010 Heart block - code blue but eventually brought back, pace maker installed, new birthday Feb 6th - I came back!!!!
March 2010 Heart damaged beyond repair,only a couple of months left to live. Not a transplant candidate (2 cancers) so LVAD implanted. I'm still on the green side of the sod but now as the bionic woman and my future is still as long as it would have been before lc..........expiration date unknown (or long as I remember to change my batteries) !

Sorry I am late Geri but glad to hear you're past the scan. I hear that elephants like peanuts so next time maybe you could entice him outside with those.

John also suffered heart damage from one of his drugs. I remember reading a pamphlet in the cardiologists office and chemo was listed as one of the things that could cause heart damage.

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

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

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

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

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

Geri,

I'm hoping you're recovering from your heart problems quickly. Sorry to hear the news.

But I'm excited to hear some good results coming from your way!!!

Peace and Prayers!!

Love, Melanie

_________________
*23 years old
*Dec. 23, 2009 - Biopsy results show
Neuro-endocrine carcinoid tumour (RML). Does not respond to chemo/radiation.
*Jan. 2, 2010 - first CT
*Jan. 11, 2010 - met surgeon, RML collapsed, found questionable lymphnode RUL.
*Jan. 22, 2010 - 2nd bronchoscopy shows only middle lobe needs to come out with all lymphnodes.
*Feb. 4, 2010 - Pre-op assessment and tests
*Feb. 8, 2010 - Thoracic surgery to remove right middle lobe and all lymphnodes in lung.
*Feb. 12, 2010 - Home and recovering!
*Feb. 19, 2010 - drain tube stitches come out
*Feb. 26, 2010 - xray and follow up appointment with surgeon:

10 lymphnodes out: 0 with cancer!
Margins: cancer free!
Follow up and scan every 6 months!

Geri,
Sorry I missed this before your scan, but I'm here now and keeping you in my prayers, as always. So sorry to hear that you have been in the hospital again. Will be anxiously watching this space and praying for good scan results.

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]

Hey Geri - sorry to hear about your recent health issues...

I wanted to let you know that I am joining the vigil and waiting along beside you for the result of your scan. So just don't move too quick, you may step on my foot...

_________________
Debi
50 years old
Stage 1a-nsclc,1.3 centimeter, adenocarcinoma
Surgery June 16, 2003-upper & mid lobe removed
17 lymph nodes removed - all clear
No chemo or radiation

Geri, don't know how I missed this but please know that I will be thinking about you until you post the good results. Then we can share a vodka and dew (only for you my dear).

_________________
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.

Hi Geri,
I am late tuning in here, but please know that I join all the others in hoping your scan turns out fine and everything else straightens out for you with the heart issues.

Cindy

_________________
age 56
surgery 6/20/03, stage 1B, upper left lobectomy
started adjuvant chemo on 08/14/03
3 cycles--cisplatin/gemzar
finished chemo 11/6/03
now 9 years post-lobectomy, annual x-ray and follow-up with surgeon
follow-up with oncologist every year/bloodwork and clinical exam

2001 early stage breast cancer/surgery and radiation only, no chemo needed. Mammograms once a year,

Just passed 11 year mark for the breast cancer and 9 year mark for the lung

You are in my prayers!

Geri you know I hold you tight in my heart. Praying for good results for you.

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