Hello all.
50 yr old male smoker and navy vet. Worked as a pipe fitter on a 1942 dry dock...

Not sure what to say here except my doctor told me i have lung cancer. We thought it was heart trouble as i had preasure in my chest. Did all the stress test and even the Radio stress test and knocked it out of the park...

We then did more X rays and found one to be abnormal and then was sent to a CT. The doc ask for a CT and hold me. They did and then sent me back to the doc's office. Sat in a room and he came in and flatly said Eric you have lung cancer!

The CT tech infromed him i had lung cancer. Today i got the CT pictures and the report. The report is french to me and maybe some of you can shead some light on it.

Have not slept in 2 days wondering what this all means.
16 and 10 yr old boys and a wife of 29 yrs. Scary is an understatement. Quite my job since i traveled North America and setuping appoints was an issue. Health a family first so here i am lost in all this stuff. To many internet searches and thay only scared me more.

Here is the CT report i found in the package i got today
I ahave another appointment with a pulmonary PC on 9-9-10

CT chest wlth contrast
HISTORY; Chest pain, enlargemenL of the aortic bulb
COMPARISON: No priors.
Techni-que: Conti-guous axial images f rom the thoracic inlet through the
upper abdomen foflowing administration of IV contrast, 100 cc
Isovue-300
FTNDINGS:
There is a large rounded sofL tissue mass just superior and postertor
to the aortic arch demonstrating peripheral hyperdensity and more
central lower attenuation suggesting some central necrosis. This mass
LLLgqDU!gD =A.4 ' cm AP X 4.L cm t ransverse X 3. B cm craniocaudal dimension
and is most consistent with a primary pulmonary mallgnancy with
abutment of the adjacent aortic arch. Several smafl adjacenL
prevascular lymph nodes are noted.
Visualized thyroid is norma]. No axillary or siqnificant hilar
adenopathy.
Heart size is normal. No pericardial effusion. The lungs demonstrate
emphysematous changes most pronounced within the right apex where
l-here is a nrominent bU]lOuS dj_SeaSe. No nl errral ef friStOn. *
-Y- I/ruu!
qr e! ! L
1 cm low attenuation lesion within the left hepatic lobe was
consi-stent with a beniqn cvst. No adrena] mass.
No worrisome lvtic or bl-asti-c osseous l-esron.
IMPRESSION:
J-. Emphysema with rounded sof E tjssue ma,ss aTong the posterosuperior
margin of the aortic arch Tikely representing a primary puTmonary
maTignancy with a few adjacent sma77 prevascular Tyrrrph nodes. PET CT
can be obtained for further evaluation is indicated.
2. 1- cm 7ow attenuation Teft hepatic Tesion most consistent

How can the say i have lung cancer just from a CT don't i need a biopsy?

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

Hi Eric,
Hey,we share the same Christian name,a very warm welcome to LCSC,I know from my experience that coming on board here was the best first step one could make following a lung cancer diagnosis,I was a bit unfortunate in taking over a year to find this site,finding it sooner would have made carrying the burden of a lung cancer diagnosis so much lighter.
You are about to discover a wonderful new group of friends here,who have walked the walk,and are so capable by their experiences to provide you with listening ears that will respond to you with all the support and encouragement that you need at this most difficult time in your life.
Immeadiately following my dx,my world had come crashing down,partly due to my inconsiderate doctor,who coldly told me to take some quality time out with my wife since I had only two years left to live,information which was entirely unsolicited,(I better get a move on with this post,my two years are up in the 14th October),fortunately my oncologist is giving me 15-20 years if not a cure,think I will stick with his opinion.
Spend some time reading the survivor stories here,they are so remarkable that even the most pessimistic among us cannot fail to be lifted by them.
This site is not all about cancer,its about making new friends and sharing the joy we all share in living our daily lives.
I am sorry,I understand as much as you do in your CT scan report,but I know that pretty soon you will be benefitting from the advice provided by the many here,whose knowledge far exceeds mine.I wish you well as you proceed in your cancer journey,going through all the tests,until a treatment plan is individually devised that best meets your needs,take one day at a time,try not to worry about to-morrow,I did,and I can assure you that for all my worry, nothing materialised even close to my imaginings.Oh by the way,the lack of sleep thing? yeah I had that too,solved by a short course of sleeping pills until my nerves settled down.

_________________
Regards,
Eric Byrne

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

Hi emac,

Welcome to the best site on the web for support for a frightening (at first) disease. First off, do not let them give you an amount of time you have to live. They don't know, and they always want to do that. You will see here that most times they are absolutely wrong! Many of us were told we were going to die in X months, or X years, and we're here and alive and kicking!

As for your diagnosis, it is confusing. Here is what you need to ask the doctors. And it's likely you won't get the answers until after the biopsy. You want to know the following:

1. Is it small cell or non-small cell cancer?
2. Is it squamous or adenocardinoma. There can be other kinds of cancer too. You want to know what "kind" of cancer you have.
3. What stage is it? Stage I means it was caught very early. Stage II as well. It's likely operable and removable. Stage III and Stage IV, means it has spread beyond the chest into lymph nodes and possibly other organs.

It sounds like they suspect some malignancy (cancer) in the lymph nodes, but they won't know that until they operate. If it is operable, it is good news. Even if it's not operable, it does not mean a death sentence.

Once you have your biopsy, get the answers I listed here, and what follow up therapy they are recommending. If they recommend chemo, ask them the kind of chemo. There are lots of different chemo cocktails, and we've had experience with all of them. We'll be able to give you advice to help you with the side effects. If they recommend radiation, find out how often, and what they are targeting to radiate.

Lastly, to your question of how can they say lung cancer with out a biopsy? They can't 100% for sure say, as many here have been told they had a mass, that turned out to be scar tissue. But they can predict fairly accurately based on the shape of the tumor. Mine had tentacles coming out of it, and that usually means it's cancer.

You can handle this. We will help you. I agree with Eric, get something to calm the nerves. Ativan helped me a lot. I still keep some on hand just in case, though I don't use it anymore.

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

Hello, and welcome. It was a long time ago when I went to the Dr. thinking I had done something to myself packing and unpacking and was told instead I had lung cancer. It can be beat, read my story by clicking below. Please give us updates on how you are doing.

Donna G

_________________
NSCLC, 4 cm Pancoast tumor, diag. 12/3/97 Cisplatin and VP 16, Radiation, R upper lobectomy, more Cisplatin and VP 16. Celebrating 16 yrs of survival ! Click here and read MY STORY

http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?f47&t=9092

Hello Eric,

I don't know if taking back your job quit is possible, but going on medical leave would be a much better idea - even if you hate the job and never want to return to it. The obvious, to continue health insurance, assuming you have it through work. Also, check to see if you have any disability through your employer? Mine would have kicked in after 3 months - that would have been nice financially had I been able to qualify. And third, if it turns out you are early stage and can undergo surgery and be done with the whole thing in just a few months, having a job to return to will ease your mind.

Now, if the deed is done and done, well, first things first. A treatment plan will help calm down the fright. I do hope a biopsy is planned to make sure they know what they are dealing with. You've already gotten a preliminary finding of Emphysema - that gives a bit of extra burden on the process, and another reason to quit smoking, if you can. I know that is asking alot, and you may say, why stop? I've already got lung cancer. The studies really show you get through treatment and recovery far easier if you don't smoke. But as we all know, nicotine is a particularly addictive substance, so do what you can.

Time between diagnosis and start of treatment is very difficult. You wouldn't be the first to ask for a bit of anti-anxiety medication to get through it. You want to maintain the best health you can through treatment - that includes sleeping, maintaining your weight, and even light exercise, if you can manage.

Let us know what is planned, we can help with the load.

_________________
(photo: me in '61)
Female never smoked, 52 at diagnosis, otherwise healthy
09/08: false cardiac event = finding of 3 cm tumor upper right lobe plus two .5 cm nodes elsewhere on chest x-ray at ER
09/08: CTScan with IV contrast confirms.
10/08: Pulmonary referral for EBUS - bronchoscopy - confirms NSCLC - adenocarcinoma, with bronchoalveolar features
10/08: PetScan - further confirmation, classified T1N0MX (false negative) VATS scheduled.
11/08: full open surgery - revised to T4N2MX with positive spread to 2 lymph nodes, removed upper lobe with 3 cm tumor and partial mid lobe with (1) .5 cm tumor, 3 lymph nodes on trachea - 1 lymph node and margins negative.
5 night hospital stay.
12/08: Port-a-cath implanted
12/08: Brain MRI and hearing test - good other than minor high end loss in left ear
12/08: start (4) 21 day cycles of chemo - day 1 cisplatin and gemcitabine, day 8 gemcitabine alone, day 15 off - tolerated it pretty well - a little hair thinning and follicle inflammation, some ringing in ears and vertigo, much fatigue, and nausea. Kept my taste-buds almost intact.
02/27/09: completed 4 cycles of chemo!
03/03/09: removed port-a-cath
03/27/09: tattooed for radiation
03/30/09: start radiation (IMRT) 5x/wk for 6 weeks - fatigue, moderate esophagitis
5/08/09: completed treatment
6/22/09: NED
9/18/09: Recurrance in the liver and scattered in lungs. No symptoms. Rx Tarceva.
9/25/09: start Tarceva
11/20/09: clear lungs, shrinkage in liver.
2/24/10: still good on Tarceva
6/3/10: graduated to 6 month scan
12/9/10: new 6 cm tumor in liver
12/28/10: stop Tarceva
1/10/11: carbo/alimta/avastin
3/11/11: scan after 3 cycles 72%ish met reduction, stay the course
5/26/11: scan after 6 cycles, stable.
5/31/11: begin Avastin maintenance.
8/17/11: met growth, stop Avastin. Start Alimta.
10/25/11: met growth, stop Alimta. Wondering what to do next?
1/24/11: start hospice

Wow
Thanks for all the positive info. 9-9 is my next apointment and that is only to review the CT finding is my understanding.

Quiting smoke for sure as i am motivated big time!
Not a big smoker maybe a pack, don't drink, well did last night and finally went to sleep! Felt like hell this morning LOL...

The job is gone and really not an issue as i took the Corbra.
I am a Dot com boomer and have penny options of a publicly traded company, not a Millionare but ok for awhile...

I have unintentionally jumped on the roller coaster ride of my life. Hands high in the air seat belt on! The only time you can get hurt from a roller coaster is if you get off in the middle of the ride.

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

Then don't get off!

You may feel better in the AM if you take a Xanax or Ativan rather than the drinks! But hey, we been there, and probably done that. At least I did.

Armed with information and education will help you as you go along, and we promise to be here to help you with that!

We do a daily "Air" post too. That is where we talk about our lives, and get to know each other better. Feel free to weigh in there for day to day sharing. So today's is Saturday's Air. If it does not show up in View New Posts, check View unread posts and you'll be sure to find it. I found the daily Air posts the quickest way to get to know my new friends here.

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

Of course I couldn't find it in unread posts. You can also find the daily air by going to Board Index, and Just for Fun section.

Judy

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

Hi, emac, welcome to the club you never wanted to join!


True, they can't. Notice the CT report says "likely" or "most consistent with" a primary pulmonary malignancy. Even though the doc may have said you have lung cancer, I'll wager he put "suspected" or something similar in his notes. But be that as it may, assuming you do have lung cancer, they still need a biopsy to see what type and therefore what treatments are appropriate.

Michigan Judy gave you a good list of questions to get answered at your 9/9 appointment. When you get started on a treatment plan, things will settle down a lot. Hang in there! 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.

also we do have our own oncologist who literally bends over backwards to help us out with questions of the medical nature!

Dr West at Grace.org can probably give you a great answer as to your questions and many of us here are also over there as well. Click on link to be redirected!! registration is Free!!

http://cancergrace.org/
We can make ya laugh and cheer ya on in this fight but Dr West can educate Better than anyone here!!! HE is a Lung Cancer Oncologist!

_________________
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!!

Agreed! But the GRACE docs are starting to decline requests to interpret large verbatim sections of scan and pathology reports. Aside from the amount of time involved, and the fact that the reply would be of little interest to anyone other than the individual concerned, they say these reports can be interpreted properly only with direct access to the individual patient. The GRACE docs believe that the local docs are the ones who should be explaining such reports to their patients. But if there are one or two items in a report that are especially confusing, or it there's a question that could apply to more than one individual, they do a great job at laying out all the options and considerations.

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.

Thanks !!! Did not know that!!

_________________
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!!

Recce101

I have noted the questions from Michigan Judy.

Thats exactly what i need is info, so i can make the best of this issue...
Each of you all have helped ground me a bit.
I just need to sit tight and wait on Pulmonary Doc vist on 9-9-10

Staying off the web on this issue was the best info!
No more seaching the terms in that report as i really don't know what it is i have yet....

Thank you all for the info and insight it's priceless.

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

Welcome Eric,
Hang out here with us and get info directly from the folks who have been there...those internet searches (right now anyway without more info) is really scary.

Stick with us. We will walk beside you.

Let us know how your appointment on Thurs goes...take a list of questions to ask...take pen and paper to write down answers to what is being said by the doc...and if you can bring someone who will be your second set of ears because oftentimes we get lost on a sentence or in our emotions and tune-out everything else. If you go alone...a hand-help tape recorder works great too.

I'm sending positive thoughts for a good gameplan that will be a total success.
Keep us posted,
Hugs,
K

Welcome Eric. Seems there's nothing much I can add to what's been said but I'd reinforce the statement that things do start to settle down once the dx processes are complete and a treatment plan is in place. Be sure to follow up and let us know how things go on the 9th.

Judy in KW

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

Welcome, Eric. I'll second the suggestions to write down questions, and learn all you can at your appointment. The more you know, the better you can explore all your options.

While a biopsy is the only way to prove a tumor is lung cancer, the shape and appearance of the tumor on the CT scan can make doctors pretty certain, sometimes. My case was one of those. I ended up going to surgery without having a biopsy first.

Good luck and update us after your appointment.

_________________
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

Welcome Eric. Yup--hang out with us here. We have all been where you are. You will need a biopsy to confirm and you probably want to make sure they have tissue that can be analyzed for markers and other specifics that may suggest the appropriateness of targeted tumors.

Until you know (1) for sure that it is cancerous and it it is (2) what type and (3) what stage, then you can make yourself crazy. Ignore all the statistics--they are old and they don't apply to individuals.

Until you have more info you can talk about your fears here or vent or just come hang out. We understand.

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

Well I'm a little late to the party, and there isn't much I can add to all the great information everyone else has given you but I did want to welcome you and tell you that things will calm down once you see your Pulmonary doctor and get started on a treatment plan. My Pulmonary doctor arranged for my biopsy and set me up with an oncologist, who got everything moving.

This is a great group and never anything but total support. Please keep us posted.

Diane

_________________
3/98 Dx squamous cell NSCLC 2a at 50 yrs
4/98 Left lung removed, no chemo/rad
8/08 Persistent cough and shortness of breath, first appt. with pulmonary doc 11/4/08
11/08 X-ray and CT show tumor in right lung. PET scan confirms tumor, shows no apparent spread
12/08 CT/needle biopsy shows squamous cell NSCLC IIIB, doctors don't seem to agree if its a new cancer or recurrence - but onc believes it is a new one
12/08 Start concurrent radiation/chemo, Cisplatin/Etoposide
1/09 Chemo switched to Carbo/Taxol due to intolerance of Cisplatin
2/09 Radiation completed
3/09 Chemo completed
5/09 CT shows spot where tumor was likely/hopefully scar tissue
6/09 Begin Lucanix trial
9/09 CT scan - stable
12/07/09 CT scan - stable
3/1/10 CT scan - stable
6/1/10 CT scan - stable - begin 2nd year of trial
8/23/10 CT scan - stable
10/25/10 CT scan - stable
1/20/11 CT scan - stable
4/25/11 CT scan - stable - completed drug portion of trial, now follow-up with 3-mo scans
8/1/11 CT scan - stable
10/24/11 CT scan - stable. At my request, switching to 6 mo scans.
4/24/12 CT scan - stable.
10/30/12 CT scan - stable.
2/26/13 CT scan - stable

Avatar is with 10-mo-old grandson Ethan at Xmas

Easy
What did they do crack open your chest? surgey grr...
This club isn't too much fun and scary.

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

Eric,

It depends on where the tumor(s) are/is on how they go in. I will be honest that lung surgery is very painful. But the good news is that they really know how to use pain medication quite effectively.

I have an incision on my left shoulder blade that is about 5 inches long. My tumor was in the back part of my lung. They did not crack any bones, but they did spread them to get to the lobe. They did remove the upper left lobe which is a big lobe.

But before I even woke up from anethesia, they put an epidural in my back. I was up and walking the halls four hours after surgery! It was really quite amazing.

The only advice I can give is that you must advocate for yourself, or have someone advocate for you. Pain is not acceptable and they have ways to control it quite well. Insist on it, there is no need to suffer.

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

Like Judy said, it's usually an incision between ribs. Mine was longer, more like 10 inches. It's a tough surgery, but believe me, in this club, you jump at the chance for surgery, because when surgery is possible, it's still the best chance at a cure.

That's not to say that there aren't lots of long term survivors here who didn't have surgery, because there are. But, we're getting ahead of ourselves. You'll know more after your appointment.

_________________
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

OK are there any other question i'd want to ask?
1. Is it small cell or non-small cell cancer?
2. Is it squamous or adenocardinoma. There can be other kinds of cancer too. You want to know what "kind" of cancer you have.
3. What stage is it? Stage I means it was caught very early. Stage II as well. It's likely operable and removable. Stage III and Stage IV, means it has spread beyond the chest into lymph nodes and possibly other organs.

Nervious as hell! Pulmonary doctor today at 4pm then
7am Friday for the PET and i am sure you'll be hearing from me after that.

I have an interview on Monday 2pm for a new job... (no travel too!) Not sure how thats going to play out if i go under the knife! Talk about a juggling act.... A job would be helpful and give me something else to think about.

Thank you all for the kind words and support. I'd like to reach out and give each of ya a hug. My wife of 29yrs Susan of will be getting on the board here soon. She has been great and worry about her a bit. She comes with me to fill out the paper work LOL...

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

Good Eric, can't wait to meet your wife. There are many of us here that were caregivers, I was the lucky one to be both a caregiver and a receiver of care! Yippee!

Do understand that you are meeting with the Pulmonary doctor, not an Oncologist. The Pulmonary doctor will not prescribe any follow up therapy. He will likely test your lung function to determine if you are physically able to have whatever therapy they eventually recommend (surgery or otherwise). He may give an opinion on whether he thinks this is cancer, or not. He may refer you to a surgeon for the biopsy, and that is where you will get a lot of the answers you are seeking.

Try to stay calm. It's going to be okay.

Good luck on the job interview. You can't really determine your ability to work until you get more answers after the biopsy. But I say go for it, and deal with things as they occur rather than trying to look into the future and predict things that can't be predicted!

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

Good luck Eric. We'll be waiting for any update you have. Also, tell Susan we're looking forward to seeing her on the boards.

Judy in KW

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

Oops, I was thinking it was an appointment with the onc. Judy is right, the pulmonary doctor isn't going to be able to tell you a lot. He'll be an expert on the scan, so can take a guess about type and stage, but with no biopsy, there will be a lot he doesn't know. Keep us updated.

_________________
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

This pulmonary guy was a waste of time!
Done with all these's over paid P/C mice!! Man up and tell me something, you do this for a living don't you! Sorry, this is just a merry go round in the middle of Elementy school yard.
He can't reach the area thru my throat! Then use a knife dumb *ss dont schedule a lung test on 9-20! Didn't anwser a single question, just circle jerk repies and i paid for this!
4 months of this pain and discomfort plus no sleep...

MAybe this PET in the morning will bring out a real Doc and talk with me.

MAd as hell waiting a week for nothing, he got paid is all.

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

Sorry to hear that.
I went from ER to PCP to Pulmonary doc (they did do a EBUS) to surgeon. Along the way, there was a CTscan, a PetScan (that gave us a false negative), the performance specialist who tested for my lung capacity, and probably some I am forgetting.

It sounds like you need a biopsy one way or the other - whether they need to do so surgically or via needle. I guess my question would be how are they going to obtain that?

I was the pulmonary doc's patient until I was handed off to the surgeon (and later, the chemo oncologist.) They all worked together at the same medical facility with the same tumor board. I can't imagine doing it any other way.

Patience and patients are very similar words - for good reason.

Sorry Eric, now take a deep breath and hope things are clearer tomorrow. My dx was difficult too. My first pulmonologist couldn't dx either but he took time to go over the pics of my lungs on the computer. He showed us specifically why cutting me would not add to the picture. He also wrote a letter to MD Anderson that gained me admission for a diagnosis. He gave us our monies worth and that makes the difference.

The PET scan is expected to light up the area where cancer cells are present. It's not totally reliable either since mine indicated the level of illumination could be from other causes.

Please let us know what happens tomorrow.

_________________
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.

Sorry Eric. My pulmonologist looked at my CT scan, and then looked at me and said the unbelievable question "why did you smoke". I wanted to smack him. Instead I just looked him in the eye and said "because I was an addict. And you are fired." I fired him on the spot, the idiot.

The Pet scan will give you much more information, and help you set a plan of action. That is waht you need, a plan of action. Once you have that, you will feel more in control.

Hang in there. it's going to get better.

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

Yes, it all moves at a maddeningly slow pace in the beginning. It was a thyroid surgeon who found mine on a scan. He passed me off to a pulmonary doctor, who passed me off to a surgeon, who passed me off to an oncologist, after the biopsy at surgery found a cancerous lymph node.

The path yours takes will depend on what's found. But after a cancer diagnosis, we all want things to happen quickly, and don't take it so well when they don't. It's all much easier to bear once there's a plan. Hang in there and keep plugging away at the doctors. Some will move more quickly for someone who's pressing for it; some won't.

_________________
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

I will go watch Ryan race his BMX bike and then
Packing up the dirt bikes and go riding this weekend.

You should see Ryan ride he floats across the track... For yrs we traveled all over the US BMX racing and miss it.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=100995636601857&saved

On a dirt bike well he's not so graceful LOL....

Putting all this in a away and play with my kid.

Did the PET scan and still no info yet. Maybe another office visit so i can help pay for the Benz out front....
Doc called and really didn't offer any solid info. It appears to be localized and some limp nods light up. he wants to do a sugicial biopsy. I did ask why not just go in and take it. His response was thats up to the surgeon! he is dancing around and careful with his words!! Hate that but it is what is it on to the next guy.

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

Cool video Eric! I asked to be friends on Facebook LOL! Hey we're from the same State!

Yeah...put this all aside - you'll deal with it soon enough, and go play with your kid. Sounds like a great idea. Have a fun weekend!

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

OK they can't operate on it. they wanted to do another CT for what i do know! 9-28 2 more weeks. Hell cut into me and lets get this game going...

Feel like a hot potato getting passed around. stopping in to help make car payments.

Still don't know what type or stage!

I can say pot oil pills work on the pain... Pure oil not something made in a lab.... Thank you Canadain compassion center.

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

How frustrating for you Eric. It's hard to believe it's taking this long to analyze this. And why another CT? Didn't they do the CT and the PET already?

Glad to hear the pot oil is helping with the pain. Your doctor should be prescribing good pain medications for you as well. If you do go on Vicodin or Morphine, make sure you take a laxative. Those pain meds can cause constipation in a huge way.

Waiting to hear more, just like you.

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

Sorry it's still dragging along. My hope for you is that by the time they figure it out, you will have an oncologist who you like and trust. Given your experience to date, cinicism is totally understandable. But I know from other members' experiences here on LCSC, confidence and a good rapport with one's oncologist is really important once you start treatment. Don't settle until you find one you trust.

Keep us posted.

Judy in KW

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

Monday 9-20 i will be in Tulsa for a week with Susan. No more waiting on these local Doc's. One stop shop as they have everything on site and a schedule in place.
Step up or get out the hell out of my way as i want to win this fight!!

Thank you all for the support and prayers...

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

Good!!!!! I left you a VM today about Mayo Clinic. They were amazing to me, and such a comfort. Hope you get better answers and a good plan of action in Tulsa.

Wishing you the best.

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

OK,
This cancer place in Tulsa has got my insurance approved and they cover the flights.. Yes flights as Susan is coming with.

I finally have that warm fussy feeling something will get done.
Canceled all my other appointments with the local doc's.

Looking forward to Monday...

Love this forum!! you all are great.

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

hang tough and keep us posted !!!

_________________
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!!

What is the medical place you are going to? Just curious.

Wishing for answers and a plan for you. When I went to Mayo, they covered my husband's plane fare too. It was amazing.

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

Eric--Let us know what you find out in Tulsa. We are rooting for you and Susan!

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

First off Thanks for all the prayers and support it does help!

Back home from Tulsa OK and had that Biposy and should know the results tomarrow.
In 3 days i had another CT, PET, MRI and a CT Biopsy! This place is like an assembly line!!
I am on the fast track for sure. I'll go back on Monday and start to fight this nasty cancer!

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

O.k., you are finally moving forward. You must be so relieved. I'll be watching for the post of your results.

Judy in KW

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

Eric, good to read that you are finally getting some action! With a plan in place, you'll begin to feel more in control. Let us know the next steps.

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

Eric,

Glad to hear that things are finally moving forward. With a plan of attack in place you will feel like you are fighting!

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

Thank each of you i have learn a ton in a short time.

Time to strap in this roller coaster.
Pretty sure Treatment is starting 10-1

Hands in the air, smile on my face lets get this going!!
Not asking question just doings what they ask. I don't know if this is the right place or not!! It's all a gut call.

Cancer treatmet places are the way to go to me. One stop shop, with all the tools under one roof...

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

Eric, your post on Facebook was awesome. All stages can be beatable, but stage III is much better than IV. Do let us know the details on both the cancer, and the plan of action, so we c an help you fight the side effects.

Trust me, you will need to advocate for yourself. The doctor's are going to do what they believe is best for you, but you will want to know possible side effects and solutions to them from us, who have gone down this road before you.

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

Eric, much luck to you in Tulsa. I'll look for you on FB.

Judy in KW

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

On Monday i start treatment. 8 weeks of radiation everyday 15 min's and one day of chemo and then 4 weeks of only chemo

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

Hey Eric,

I see in your signature line the crack about smoking. Don't beat yourself up - I never smoked and still got NSCLC, advanced before it was found.

Try to maintain your weight, some light exercise, and your sense of humor.

The radiation appointments will probably take a bit more than 15 minutes, but I doubt you'll get more than a few minutes under the zapper. My experience was to expect variation - some days everything went smoothly, other days, they were backed up and I had to wait a bit - always have something to read!

Do you know what chemo you will be receiving?

Best of luck for an breeze thru treatment, and for it to its job.

E, no one deserves cancer of any kind. You saw the stats. 60percent of all LC are in non-smokers or smokers that had quit. No more punishing your self.

Now what is your chemotherapy cocktail? They should have given you a paper with exactly what they are giving you and it's side effects. Curious. Mine es
As carboplatin and taxol.

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

I agree about the signature. I started out with "former cigar smoker" in mine, but edited it out. We know that both smokers and non-smokers get lung cancer and we don't care which you are. As Katie likes to say, we are cause agnostic.

Good luck with your chemo and radiation.

_________________
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

Thanks...
Ok this is what the treatment is. I don't know if it's the right or wrong one... I only know i have to do something.

So here it is
IV Chemptherapy once a week
Agent Carboplatin (paraplatin) paclitaxel (Taxol)

Radiation: 15 min's a day 5 days
Tomo Therapy

Jump on this coaster Monday 130.

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

Okay, you gave us exactly what we needed to help you. I had both Carboplatin and Taxol too. I've read here where some folks did quite well with it. I found that on the 3rd day after chemo, I was uncomfortable enough to need Vicodin for muscle pain. But everyone is different.

Make sure you get on top of the constipation. That can be an issue. Don't let it get ahead of you. You stay on top of it.

As my treatments went, I noticed a metal taste in my mouth, which made eating unpleasant. Just eat, no matter how it tastes, as you'll tolerate the medications better, and you don't want to lose weight during chemo.

I didn't have radiation, so I'm sure some others will know what that is and can advise you.

My chemo regime was very effective, and I think it's a good one. Wishing you the best. Stay positive no matter what. It really does help one go through this.

It won't be easy, but you can do this, I have no doubt.

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

Eric - I have the same cancer and had the same treatment. I did just fine. Have been on a trial since treatment ended, but have remained stable. When it comes to cancer, stable is a great word. Eating was somewhat of an issue, but I found enough that I could eat that I gained 15 lbs! Judy is right on about the constipation - comes with the chemo I think, but you'll find lots of good advice on here. One thing I didn't do as well as I should have was drinking lots of water -- keeping hydrated is very important and will make treatment go better.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Diane

_________________
3/98 Dx squamous cell NSCLC 2a at 50 yrs
4/98 Left lung removed, no chemo/rad
8/08 Persistent cough and shortness of breath, first appt. with pulmonary doc 11/4/08
11/08 X-ray and CT show tumor in right lung. PET scan confirms tumor, shows no apparent spread
12/08 CT/needle biopsy shows squamous cell NSCLC IIIB, doctors don't seem to agree if its a new cancer or recurrence - but onc believes it is a new one
12/08 Start concurrent radiation/chemo, Cisplatin/Etoposide
1/09 Chemo switched to Carbo/Taxol due to intolerance of Cisplatin
2/09 Radiation completed
3/09 Chemo completed
5/09 CT shows spot where tumor was likely/hopefully scar tissue
6/09 Begin Lucanix trial
9/09 CT scan - stable
12/07/09 CT scan - stable
3/1/10 CT scan - stable
6/1/10 CT scan - stable - begin 2nd year of trial
8/23/10 CT scan - stable
10/25/10 CT scan - stable
1/20/11 CT scan - stable
4/25/11 CT scan - stable - completed drug portion of trial, now follow-up with 3-mo scans
8/1/11 CT scan - stable
10/24/11 CT scan - stable. At my request, switching to 6 mo scans.
4/24/12 CT scan - stable.
10/30/12 CT scan - stable.
2/26/13 CT scan - stable

Avatar is with 10-mo-old grandson Ethan at Xmas

I had carboplatin, taxol and avastin. I got increasing fatigued and nausea by the 4th, 5th, and 6th infusions. They gave me good meds but they didn't quite do it for the nausea. I had a script for phenergan but wish I'd had zofran. I asked for it with this chemo treatment and it's the bomb. No experience with radiation.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Judy in KW

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

Eric,
I just want to be added to "team Eric"... we might call ourselves.. all out here sending positive vibes and prayers for much success in your treatment. You can do this , one day at a time and we will be out here cheering you on. Your fantastic attitude will take you far.

Wishing you the very best,

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]

Thinking of you today, Eric, and hoping that all goes well with your treatments. At least you will have the satisfaction of knowing that things are getting underway to enable you to better fight this battle.
Jane

_________________
Caregiver to husband. Original diagnosis in 9/91 was kidney cancer. Kidney and adrenal removed 11/91 and we thought we had it beat. Then diagnosed 11/07 with non-resectable Stage 3A (tumor in one lung and in mediastinal nodes), later presumed to change to 4,(spots found on second lung - too small for biopsy but presumed to be spread, and also spread to remaining adrenal gland and liver.) He started chemotherapy and concurrent radiation in 01/08; Stage IV with mets throughout abdomen in Jan 09. Left us April 30th, 09. Avatar is husband and I in Fall 08.

Cancer has decimated my family: lost my Grandpa in 1964 (lung), Mom (ovarian) in 1981, FIL (lung) in 1989, cousin (colon) in 2011, brother-in-law (lung) and son-in-law's father (leukemia) in 2012.

We need to beat this foul disease.

Continuing to read and watch and pray for you during the start of this roller coaster ride,
Keep us updated and positive thoughts for you and family.
Hugs,

Hey Eric, you were on my mind this morning. Wishing you the best as you begin your treatments today. Try not to worry about it. You will be fine. If you experience nausea, or pain after two or three days be sure you have pain medication and nausea meds to help with that.

Praying for a strong spirit and positive attitude for you as you begin this journey back to health!

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

I am ding well with this chemo and radiation... THe preasure is gone and i no longer feel this tumor.


had radiation 3X and chemo once and so far so good. no side effects yet but expect to experiance some sooner or later.

Today i feel better than i have in months!

A question to you find MOds? Do i need to stat posting in a different topic area? THis one is getting long.

_________________
9-2-10 got the news from a CT scan
9-9 Pulmonary appointment
9-10 PET scan
9-12 fired all local doc's
9-20 going to Tulsa Cancer institute of america. I hope to have answers by Friday.
9-28 Diagnose none smalll Stage 3B. Stage 3 is only due to the location of the mass. Attached to left lung and maybe the to Aorta, just a nasty place...

9-29 CT for Radiation mapping
10-1 MRI negitive
10-4 Treatment starts for 8 weeks of chemo and 15 min Radiation
11-12 completed 33 radiation treatments and 6 low does chemo's.
12-23 Started 4 treatments of full dose Chemo
1-3 chemo 2 of 4
1-26 scheduled for PT and PET scans
1-17 both scans clear we stopped chemo's 3 and 4.
3-20 clean scans
6-16 clean scans
9-26 Clean
12-19 2011 1 yr clean scans...

Hi ERic, so glad to hear you are tolerating everything well so far. Good!

As far as modules go.....here's the scoop.

You will find the regulars here post daily in the days "Air". So you'll go to "View New Posts" and if someone has started it for today, the title will be "Thursdays Air". In this module we just post about daily stuff. I do write about my health issues there because it's the most visited module. You can write anything you want in there. Well, you can do that in any module, but this one is the most used one.

It is on the Board Index under Just for Fun - Off Topics.

Another one that gets a lot of use here is Test Time - Updates. If folks are undergoing treatment, or tests, they frequently write in this one what is going on. It would be very appropriate for you to post in that one about your treatments and how it's going.

Then there's the optimistic one called Lung Cancer Survivors. This is for any of us that are on this side of the dirt. We are survivors. And if you browse through that module, you can see the types of posts there.

To see all the different modules, go to Board Index. You will see there's a myriad of different topics. The ones I gave you are the ones I've seen used the most.

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

One other thing ERic. What I do each day is go to the top of the page and go to View new posts. That gives me everything that has been posted recently. I like to view them as it has allowed me to get to know the members here.

I just click on each new post and if appropriate, make a comment to them to encourage, or just say HI!

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

I had carboplatin, taxol and avastin. I got increasing fatigued and nausea by the 4th, 5th, and 6th infusions. They gave me good meds but it didn't quite do it for the nausea. I had a script for phenergan but wish I'd had zofran. I asked for it with this chemo treatment and it's the bomb. No experience with radiation. Good luck and keep us posted.

Judy in KW
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NVED. 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.

Stephanie pointed out my name and profile seem to be popping up with someone else's posts: harper36, a new member who it looks like joined on Dec 13. Anyone have a clue? This last one dated Dec 13 with my name is a copy of one I did here in Oct?????

Judy in KW

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

I saw that Judy. There's definitely something going on with the site. I've been getting notifications on posts, only to click on them and it's old messages, months old. I'm going to PM Katie on this.

Judy in MI

_________________
6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25