Alimta, nope.

Results from last week's scan. You think in advance of the options and yet, when the news is delivered, you're never prepared. I thought, I can get bad news - "the tumor is shrinking and we want you to stay on Alimta" - with all the bad days associated it with it, OR I get worse news - "progression, no more Alimta, but you can try Taxotere" - and see if it does anything more than make my hair fall out, maybe make me sick, and prolong the duration of life by a few months.

The news is of the worse kind. The tumor in the liver has increased, and the lung nodules are increasing in number and size (they didn't bother to count or list the sizes). Liver tumor is now 7.0 x 8.5 x 8.6 cm and it is replacing almost the entire right lobe. Significantly, taxotere is cleared through the liver so waiting runs the risk of not being able to use this drug. But other than yesterday's crazy bug, I've felt better in the last 4 days than I've felt the entire time on Alimta. Talk about dissonance!

My oncologist is going to send the last liver biopsy (from last December, the one that keeps growing, and began while on Tarceva) out to test for ALK, just in case. I'm going to take a little break from treatment, maybe get out of town. My inclination three years ago was to run away; it is again.

I'd also like to report it is a sunny autumn day in Seattle. From the clinic we went to the park and walked the 2.4 mile loop, saw a great blue heron and some flashy flickers, and then went to lunch at Katsu Burger where some chicken nuggets with tonkatsu sauce, fries seasoned with nori, and a very good chocolate shake were sampled.

_________________
(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

Steph, I obviously hate this news. I understand the context in which you shared this though. I get it. Had too many cancer experiences to not get it.

Seeing blue heron, flashy flickers and some chicken nuggets with tonkatsu sauce, fries seasoned with nori, and a very good chocolate shake sampled,
sounds really good.

Hugs and love being sent to you.

MI 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

Oh Stephanie...I don't have words to express how I feel about you, and this news, and your strength and amazing character.

I'm going to imagine your beautiful sunny day in Seattle, picture your sweet smile and send prayers and hopes for you that the ALK come back positive and Crizotinib is what works.

I hope you keep having good-feeling days and that you get answers and a game plan soon

(((hugs)))

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

15 yr cancer survivor.

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

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


facebook www.facebook.com/lungevity

I am so sorry about this latest report. I just can't help continuing to trust in your strength and resilience. Go out of town. Run away. I know you'll sample more beauty and good food where ever you go. We'll be here to support you when you get back ready to dive into the next treatment.

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 hate this news for you too. I know I haven't been around here very long, but I understand. That running away for a while sounds good. Enjoy the beauty and get back in the fight when you're ready.

Run for a while, eat, drink and be merry.

But Stephanie, even though I only know you through this site, I think this is just another chapter and the book is far from over.

Stay the course.

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

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

Hi Stephanie,
Its evening here (8.00pm) I read your post earlier this morning,I have yet to come up with something usful to say to you,other than I am so sorry to read about your feedback.I really hope that the biopsy comes back ALK positive.I was reading in team inspire about a new drug thats being developed for treating advanced lung cancer,apparently its showing brill results.Its being manufactured by Transgene and currently called TG4010 there's an additional bit added MVA-MUC1-1LZ.Maybe you can google this,read a bit more about it? In the meantime I am going to google flashy flickers,tonkatsu sauce and nori,the education I get here is just amazing.

_________________
Regards,
Eric Byrne

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

Thanks Eric,

TG4010 - the proposed clinical trial appears to be for use in first line chemo. I've jumped that shark. It's something they hope will help make other chemo drugs more effective, kind of like Avastin. But immunology based. It's a IIb/III trial, so that is hopeful.

Flickers are birds - the underside of their wings are red, so when they fly, they look very flashy.
Tonkatsu is a Japanese sauce for panko fried meats mainly. Panko is a crumb coating.
Nori is seaweed! This was just small dried flakes, leaving a slight fishy/salty flavor of the sea.

I am sooo sorry for this news. I am hoping and praying the ALK is positive. In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful area you live in, the great food, and the autumn sun.

_________________
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

Sorry to read this news, hope your ALK results come back positive. Hope you can take some time for yourself and enjoy some Seattle weather.

_________________
Sara in Kansas
31 years old at diagnosis-never smoker, former runner

Treated for pneumonia Feb. 2010 due to prolonged cough, sent for CT scan 4/10, abnormal, 4cm mass on right lung. Pulmonologist 4/29/10, CT guided biopsy 5/10-negative for cancer, bronchoscopy 5/10-negative for cancer. Numerous blood tests later, referred to Cardiothoracic surgeon 7/10. 7/23/10-lower right thoracotomy with lobectomy-diagnosed Stage IV NCSLC, Adenocarcinoma. 9/1/10 Started Tarceva, Avastin. 4/20/11-Tarceva and Avastin stopped, pericardial effusion. 5/12/11-surgery for pericardial window, left lung collapsed during surgery, "extra" chest tube put in. 5/24/11start Taxel, Carboplatin. 8/2/11 End Taxel, Carboplatin, on a break until CT scan end of Dec shows progression. Jan 2012 clinical trial at KU Med. April 2012, progression showed with new spots on liver, left lower lung, right breast, and cancer in cervix. New treatment of Alimta and Herceptin starting 4/17/12.

So sorry to read this, Stephanie. Here's hoping the ALK is positive.

_________________
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

Here's my post on Grace from yesterday. It has led to some interesting discussion.

As expected, no ALK translocation. So no Xalkori.

New oncologist is youthful, appeared to be up to date with my case, and personable. Discussed current issues, offered compazine (prochlorperazine) for the eating issues since I described it more as nausea than reflux. Happens prior to eating. I guess it can help if it is anxiety as much as anything biological. As always, I hate the idea of it and the potential for side effects. We'll see.

We discussed Taxotere (Docetaxel) without great enthusiasm on my part. Also, touched on Navelbine (Vinorelbine). And then, "palliative care or a consult with the hospice team". You all know I've been inclined to stop chemo now for some time. I feel better off it that on it. But siting there and trying to make this decision? This just isn't something anyone should have to do.

I can schedule another visit with her in two months, talk to social workers, or schedule chemo. All we did do was go get lunch. Fried calamari and chips! I don't know why crunchy fried foods appeal to me right now - that hasn't been my history. Full belly, sunshine has burned through the morning fog. What to do, what to do?

Stephanie,
I am so sorry that you are faced with all of this-I know you will do the right thing for you My thoughts are with you through this--
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

Stephanie, I know how tough this is for you. I'm thinking I'm on my way to the max time I've gotten on other chemo. Been thinking of asking for the ALK test myself.

You know everyone is different but Stan just said yesterday that I've done as well on Taxotere than any other chemo. Alimta is a close second. It just took me too long to get the bowel thing with it resolved. Only really difficult side-effect with Taxotere is the hair and I'm reconcilling with that now. I'm thin but not bare-head thin and wear a hat when I'm out. The wind does not help. Shows how really thin I am.

You'll make a decision or no decision. Whatever feels right for you. I know if I ever get off chemo again, it will be hard to go back on. I remember those terrific 6 mos off chemo after a remission. But if my cancer was still active...well, I don't know.

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.

Steph, I get it too. Hard decisions need to be made. My Mom decided that chemo was not an option. She had WBR for brain mets and that was it. Many of my friends took the chemo options to the limit. It's a personal decision. One that takes a personal inventory.

If I can help in any way, do email me. My heart goes out to you. My prayers envelop you. Sending a hug and a prayer.

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 you're faced with this, Stephanie. Watch the prochlorperazine. All the while the hospital was thinking it was IV morphine making me sick, dizzy, and out of it after my surgery, it turned out to be the prochlorperazine.

_________________
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

Stephanie, I can't even begin to understand how you can make a decision like this. Whatever you do, I am sure will be right for you and your decision should only be based on what you feel is the best choice for you.

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

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

I am keeping you so close in my thoughts and prayers....I can't know what making a decision like this is like...but whatever you do - if you do it for you, it will be the right decision.

I wish I were closer....

Many gentle hugs,
K

_________________
- 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

Stephanie - I am sorry that you are having to make this decision. Quality of life means different things to different people, and I believe what it means to us changes even as we go through this journey. I know that whatever decision you make will be the right one for you.

Keeping you in my thoughts.

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

Stephanie--It was such an honor to see you at the Seattle walk and now you're having to make this awful decision. Just know I'm another one praying for you and supporting you right now.

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

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

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