Are we making the correct choice??

joeline12
joeline12 Member Posts: 53
My dad just finish this 2nd line treatment, had a scan that show progression on his main tumor. Was told to see the radiation doc to radiate the tumor but today the radi doc say don need to radiation because my dad is not pain yet n no sign of discomfort plus a person can only radiate one time in the lung. Why wants to radiate if there no pain. So we ask to go home wait and see... No more chemotherapy no radiation for now and tumour will continue to grow. Isn't that dangerous? Next scan in early scan 2013.

Comments

  • dennycee
    dennycee Member Posts: 857 Member
    Get a second opinion ASAP.
    Get a second opinion ASAP. What type of cancer is it? Have you investigated the Lucanix shot for compassionate use or trials? Much like you, I would want to be doing something to kick it.
  • joeline12
    joeline12 Member Posts: 53
    dennycee said:

    Get a second opinion ASAP.
    Get a second opinion ASAP. What type of cancer is it? Have you investigated the Lucanix shot for compassionate use or trials? Much like you, I would want to be doing something to kick it.

    dad history..
    My dad was diagnose in year 2005 with Nasopharyngeal Cancer, went thru aggressive treatment chemo and radiation, was in remission until 2011. Found out that the cancer was back and were in his lung and liver.
    Again when thru chemo from May-Oct 2011, follow scan show stable. In Apr 2012, scan show progression again. So doc ask to go back chemo with the same cocktail. Gem and carbo. First scan show little shrinkage, next scan show mild progression and 3rd scan show no improvement and tumour still growing. SO the oncologist suggested he should go for radiation for this particular tumour which is growing, other part are stable but yesterday radiologist suggested to keep this treatment until he has pain because human lung is very fragile, the side effect of the radiation will not benefit him since now he is enjoying his life without pain now and also lung can only radiate once. You will not be able to do that again. So it’s like keeping the best for the last view. I think that my dad cancer are squamous cell carcinoma. I can only pray for slow grow and less pain for him now or maybe I should treat it like a chemo break for him since he already when thru 2 cycle (each cycle last for 6 month). I don’t think there any clinical trial for this kind of cancer because I have chk with doctor, a few of my close friend say I should treat this as a blessing for now, this is also let his body recover and go for more fight in future. Btw I am from Singapore
  • dennycee
    dennycee Member Posts: 857 Member
    joeline12 said:

    dad history..
    My dad was diagnose in year 2005 with Nasopharyngeal Cancer, went thru aggressive treatment chemo and radiation, was in remission until 2011. Found out that the cancer was back and were in his lung and liver.
    Again when thru chemo from May-Oct 2011, follow scan show stable. In Apr 2012, scan show progression again. So doc ask to go back chemo with the same cocktail. Gem and carbo. First scan show little shrinkage, next scan show mild progression and 3rd scan show no improvement and tumour still growing. SO the oncologist suggested he should go for radiation for this particular tumour which is growing, other part are stable but yesterday radiologist suggested to keep this treatment until he has pain because human lung is very fragile, the side effect of the radiation will not benefit him since now he is enjoying his life without pain now and also lung can only radiate once. You will not be able to do that again. So it’s like keeping the best for the last view. I think that my dad cancer are squamous cell carcinoma. I can only pray for slow grow and less pain for him now or maybe I should treat it like a chemo break for him since he already when thru 2 cycle (each cycle last for 6 month). I don’t think there any clinical trial for this kind of cancer because I have chk with doctor, a few of my close friend say I should treat this as a blessing for now, this is also let his body recover and go for more fight in future. Btw I am from Singapore

    Third line treatment.
    Honestly, I know nothing about cancers of nasopharyngeal origin. Perhaps the oncologists who monitor the cancergrace.org website would have suggestions. The National Institutes of Health work with hospitals around the world on clinical trials. There may be something closer to home. Best wishes to you and your father.

    http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/international
  • sailman100
    sailman100 Member Posts: 4
    Second Opinion Needed ASAP + check out a web site
    Hi Joeline:

    YES IT'S DANGEROUS!!! I don't want ever to play doctor but as a well informed cancer patient (Non Small Cell Lung Cancer - Left Lung - Stage 4 ), I can share with you that early on with multiple tumors cooking and after chemo was not working, I was basically sent to Hospice to die. Thanks to friends and family I found 'Rational Therapeutics' www.rationaltherapeutics.com , and Dr. Nagourney who basically by testing my tumor cells against multiple drugs - identified the one that would kill the tumor. My battle has been long and has had set backs but I always get a second and sometimes a third opinion. I also do research on line to be able to understand how the cancer works and to learn particularly from other patients...what works.

    So, please get a second opinion on this and also visit the Rational Therapeutics web site. If you call ou will find that their staff is really fantastic and can offer all sorts of helpful guidance to you. There is HOPE!

    I'll keep you in my prayers. Luv Rick

    FB - Sailman100
    Twitter - Rick_Survivor