Ah man....went through NSCLC stage 3B with my dad nearly 5 years ago and now here we go again with my 68 y/o mom.

So a 1cm nodule in the middle right lobe was seen on the PET and chest CT (these were done for something else....she had no symptoms). On June 1st, she went in for a VATS procedure. The plan was to take out the nodule, do a frozen section while she was still in the OR and if it was positive for cancer, to take out the lobe. WELL...the initial good news was in the OR, the biopsy was negative....so they didn't take the lobe...closed her up. Today they took out her chest tube.....and the final pathology came back.

POSITIVE for darn cancer and now the lobe is still in there. The doctor says we will do "the watch and wait" doing regular CT scans...but I'm nervous. research shows improved survival rates with the lobe coming out. The surgeon doesn't disagree with me...but this would mean another surgery!,, My mom is not thrilled about another surgery and is leaning towards watch and wait.

I'm a nervous wreck and don't want her to make the wrong choice! Any thoughts?

_________________
73y/o father dx with non-operable Non-Small Cell Lung CA Stage 3a-3b(difficult to stage) in 2/03. Curently, post radiation, carboplatin/taxol, and caroplatin/gemzar. Radiation shrunk tumor, but since gemzar tumor has grown (but is still only in the lung). 2 rounds taxotere and 12/03 scans showed no spreading and a stable tumor...2 more rounds and CT 2/04 showed small shrinkage, but a little increase in pluerl and pericardial effusion...waiting and praying for 6weeks and will rescan. Still stable as of early March... Scan in late May still shows no real change...no chemo for now. Still stable in October 2004!! 2.3X2.6 tumor has grown an additional 6mm and a large pleural effusion shown on 2/05 scan. Effusion drained (1L) and cytology was negative for cancer on 2/9. Feeling great so far after draining....Scan late April 2005 shows everything still stable!
Scan September 2005- stable disease, increased plueral effusion-no treatment
CT Scan April 06- stable disease, a few other spots in the lungs present, but (per reports) are stable and have shown up on previous scans for the last year (hmm...I didn't know about that)

08/06- CT scan stabe
09/27/06-I got engaged. Dad's very happy.
end of 09/06-early 10/06- increased SOB; CT scan shows lung tumor growth and large pleural effusion. Pleurex catheter placed with some help. Pleural fluid neg for cancer cells. Pet scan, bone scan, and brain scan ordered before chemo restarts.
10/30-PET scan results bad. Cancer spreading to pleural space, bone, and liver. Soon to restart chemo

We thank God every day for every we are getting together.

Teresa,
What an awful way to find out - and how sad that you have to be welcomed back to the site. Of course, I am not by any means an expert but I can share my thoughts based on your description. (I would also suggest that you ask the same thing over at cancergrace.org where an oncologist will respond from their perspective.)
You said the nodule was only 1 cm - which to me is relatively small. Although the pathology was positive for cancer you did not indicate if the "margins" were clear. If the surgeon cut the nodule out and included in the cut sufficient lung around the tumor then I think this might be considered something like a wedge. So I would think that the wait and see would be sound advice. If they got it all after your mom has healed and is rescanned nothing will show - if they didn't then they might consider going in again and your mom will know what to expect from the Vats surgery perspective (which I had done twice - so I agree with your mom - ouch!).

You have been there as a caregiver with your dad and it sounds like you know all the right things to be aware of - and you can always ask here. I'm sure others will weigh in on your question - in the mean time - I will keep you and your mom in my thoughts and prayers.

Annette

_________________
5/5/09 Bad Cough - sent for xray
5/6/09 CAT SCAN
5/8/09 Pulmonologist - not good ordered bronch
5/14/09 Bronc 5/19/09 Breathing test & Results - NSCLC (Adenocarcinoma 3cm)
5/22/09 PET Scan - 5/27 referred to surg & onc
6/2/09-met with surg & onc. They say there are two spots. One small on left lung and one larger one on right lung 3.6 x 3.2 cm - they are pretty sure and approaching it as if it were two separate cancers staging the right at II and the left at I.
June 15 - RML removed - Pathology - margins clear and nodes clear. June 25 follow up with surgeon - doc agreed to stage I since it appears he got it all - June 30 return to work
July 7 Oncologist says Stage 1A - we don't recommend chemo for this stage
Aug 17 - surgery - again took ULL and some nodes -
Sep 8 to onc - Both sides IA - no chemo just watch closely
Dec 15, 2009 - CT Results - NED
March 10th, 2010 - CT Scan - Results - NED
June 15th, 2010 - XRay - Results - NED
Sep 15th 2010 CT Scan - Results - NED
Dec 2010 XRay Only - Results - NED
Dec 2010 MRI - Results - Clear
March 2011 - CT Scan - NED
June 2011 - XRay Only - NED
Sept 2011 - Scan & Vampires - Scared to death!!!!

Hi Teresa,

Lung cancer stinks! I hate this disease. But I understand where you are coming from. How absolutely frustrating that they were already in there, and could have taken the lobe and didn't. Urg!

Lung surgery is incredibly painful, so I don't blame her for not wanting another one. At the same time, it is always best if they can remove the lobe completely. My cancer is back in a new lobe, a new cancer. If it grows (3 month wait), he recommends immediate removal of the lobe. While I dread another surgery, I'm comforted by the knowledge that it is gone, and can't come back.

I like what Annette recommended too. Cancergrace is a good place to get an opinion too.

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

Our partnership woth GRACE, Dr jack west answers questions for us here.

You no loner have to leave this website. Just go to the ask the expert forum here and click on the link to ask the expert.

I hope they can help answer your questions.

Keep posting here and keep us updated.

Looking forward to your updates.

_________________
- Katie Brown, Co-Founder and Director of LCSC-

15 yr cancer survivor.

"Any of us who have experienced the cancer journey- and survived it-
have an obligation to make the path clearer and aid those that come after us."
- Lance Armstrong

In memory of Jessee Dewey, SCLC
December 29, 1938 - September 6, 2003
Lisa Dewey- Jan. 22, 2007
my parents are together in heaven


facebook www.facebook.com/lungevity

Wow-that really stinks-recovering from surgery only to find out the biopsy was positive. I understand your anxiety about waiting to see and monitoring with scans, etc. That's a tough call, I would check with Dr. West.

Also need to consider your mom's recovery and getting strength back after this surgery. Could be a while before she's ready for another procedure.

I hope everything works out ok for her!

Cindy

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

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

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

Oh Teresa, I'm so sorry about this. I'm hoping your Mom's situation follows Annette's scenario.

Thanks Katie, for letting us know we can access the oncologists on Cancergrace with questions. Very convenient especially for newcomers.

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.

Thanks for all the tips. It was a wedge resection and although the margins were clear, they were on the smaller side. Also, not all the nodes were sampled...the few that were were negative, but nothing was taken from the hilar region (a popular place for adenocarcinoma to "hang out" and "hide from scans).

We will be going to see a popular surgeon at University of Chicago (Dr Mark Ferguson) as well as one at University of WIsconsin-Madison (AND following up with her original surgeon) ALL this week....hopefully with all of their knowledge and experience, we can make a decision.

My mom is doing great. QUite honestly, she was back to herself right when she got d/c'd from the hospital (a 3 night stay). She had a brain MRI because of the adenocarcinoma diagnosis and the risk of spreading...results are pending. She feels great, a little "sore", but full of energy and life. She has come around to the fact that additional surgery may be needed and does want the cancer out....but still is hopeful she won't need it.

Thanks again for your support and input!!!



I am also going to post on the cancergrace.org.

_________________
73y/o father dx with non-operable Non-Small Cell Lung CA Stage 3a-3b(difficult to stage) in 2/03. Curently, post radiation, carboplatin/taxol, and caroplatin/gemzar. Radiation shrunk tumor, but since gemzar tumor has grown (but is still only in the lung). 2 rounds taxotere and 12/03 scans showed no spreading and a stable tumor...2 more rounds and CT 2/04 showed small shrinkage, but a little increase in pluerl and pericardial effusion...waiting and praying for 6weeks and will rescan. Still stable as of early March... Scan in late May still shows no real change...no chemo for now. Still stable in October 2004!! 2.3X2.6 tumor has grown an additional 6mm and a large pleural effusion shown on 2/05 scan. Effusion drained (1L) and cytology was negative for cancer on 2/9. Feeling great so far after draining....Scan late April 2005 shows everything still stable!
Scan September 2005- stable disease, increased plueral effusion-no treatment
CT Scan April 06- stable disease, a few other spots in the lungs present, but (per reports) are stable and have shown up on previous scans for the last year (hmm...I didn't know about that)

08/06- CT scan stabe
09/27/06-I got engaged. Dad's very happy.
end of 09/06-early 10/06- increased SOB; CT scan shows lung tumor growth and large pleural effusion. Pleurex catheter placed with some help. Pleural fluid neg for cancer cells. Pet scan, bone scan, and brain scan ordered before chemo restarts.
10/30-PET scan results bad. Cancer spreading to pleural space, bone, and liver. Soon to restart chemo

We thank God every day for every we are getting together.

So glad to hear Mom's back in fighting mode. Can't keep us old broads down lol. Sounds like plenty of imput to make an informed decision.

Keep us post on how things progress for her.

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.

Teresa,
Was just reading this and it sounds like since the original post that you guys have everything covered. With all those opinions, I hope that you will feel confident in the decision. I will keep your mom in my prayers.
Hugs,
Sue

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cyberknife was done the first week in November..

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


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

What could cause a cervical biopsy to look normal when it's not? I had a cervical biopsy done in February. I got it done because my pap smear indicated precancerous cells. When I got the biopsy done, it came back looking fine, but the doctors weren't convinced since the pap was so irregular. I'm going to get another one done next week.
__________________________
market samurai ~ marketsamurai ~ marketsamurai.com

Hi wahleena,
I'm afraid you've wandered onto a lung cancer support community, so we might not be very helpful in answering your medical question. I think you are doing a smart thing to get a second opinion, whether or not an additional biopsy is needed.

Sometimes a biopsy just doesn't happen to get cancer cells - they might not be everywhere, just in a limited area. This happens and a false negative report ensues. I don't know much about cervical cancer, but I imagine this could be the case here as well. However, if the pap smear showed precancerous cells - isn't it also possible there is no actual cancer developed? I've had precancerous skin biopsies and nothing more was required at those sites. I think asking the doctor for clarification is appropriate. Best of luck to you. I hope it is nothing!

_________________
(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

HI wahleena
TS is right- this is a lung cancer support forum.

However, I happen to be a 16 year cervical cancer survivor so I can help in anyway I can. my email address is kbrown@Lungevity.org

as far as the biopsy- definitely do it again. It could be they need a bigger sample but I wouldn't be satified unless a conization or LEEP procedure ensured all displaysia was removed and that was tested.

Good luck.

_________________
- Katie Brown, Co-Founder and Director of LCSC-

15 yr cancer survivor.

"Any of us who have experienced the cancer journey- and survived it-
have an obligation to make the path clearer and aid those that come after us."
- Lance Armstrong

In memory of Jessee Dewey, SCLC
December 29, 1938 - September 6, 2003
Lisa Dewey- Jan. 22, 2007
my parents are together in heaven


facebook www.facebook.com/lungevity

This can be a very disheartening experience. I thank you all for sharing your stories.

_________________
http://avandia-sideeffects.com