Stage 4 Lung Cancer

24

Comments

  • Lisaann63
    Lisaann63 Member Posts: 12
    KHTM said:

    Hi Lisa- Glad to hear that your husbands scans went well. My scans were also good. I got the results yesterday and I can relax again for the next 3 months until the next scans. I had 3 spots in my liver, which were completely gone!! The other spots in my left lung had gotten somewhat smaller. I'm okay with stable for sure. My head and bone scan were still clear.:) How is your husband doing with treament? Tell him to hang in there. I didn't have great response after my first 3 treatments, but had tremendous response after 6 so, it's worth it. Have you talked to his Dr. about Tarceva?
    Anyway, Thank you for checking on me. Keep us all updated as well.We are certainly praying for you. KHTM

    Hi KHTM--
    We saw the radiation oncologist today-the radiation that was done to his brain gave great results, the tumor in his brain has shrunk by 80%-dr wants to do more(sterotactic radiosurgery) to make sure he has completely killed the tumor.
    Glad to hear all is well with you!! You sound very upbeat and I know that's important. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    What is Tarceva? No one has mentioned that at all. He had his 3rd chemo and then he'll have another ct scan after the 4th treatment. He is doing a good job of hangin' in there!
    Let me know how you are doing!
    Lisa
  • kimbil
    kimbil Member Posts: 12
    Lisaann63 said:

    Darlene,
    I am so so very sorry to hear of your loss.. My prayers are with you and your family. I wanted to share some good news, my husband had an MRI to the brain and the tumor has shrunk by 80%-he had 10 focal point radiation treatments in late Dec/early January. The doctor wants to do some stereotactic radiosurgery on it to be sure he can kill it completely. He seems to be very confident that he can get rid of that, so we'll see.
    In the meantime, I will pray for you and for your mother and hope that she does as well with her treatments as my husband has done with his. I am just amazed at what medical technology can do.
    You take care and please continue to let me know how you and your daughter and your mom are doing.
    God Bless
    Lisa

    Lisa,

    Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I can use many right now. I am happy to hear that your husband's progress is positive. What is stereostatic radiosurgury? My mother has tumors in her brain also. She had about 15 radiation treatments to the brain prior to the lung ones. She starts chemo on 3/11 for 4 hours and again on 3/21 for two hours finally. I don't know why the doctors are waiting so long. They have been postponing the chemo now for 2 or 3 weeks. They never tell us anything either. They have not done any scans/MRIs to even see if the radiation is working. I will let you know how she makes out with the chemo.

    My daughter and I are doing as well as expected with the loss of our beloved husband/father.

    God Bless you and your family also.

    Darlene
  • Lisaann63
    Lisaann63 Member Posts: 12
    kimbil said:

    Lisa,

    Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I can use many right now. I am happy to hear that your husband's progress is positive. What is stereostatic radiosurgury? My mother has tumors in her brain also. She had about 15 radiation treatments to the brain prior to the lung ones. She starts chemo on 3/11 for 4 hours and again on 3/21 for two hours finally. I don't know why the doctors are waiting so long. They have been postponing the chemo now for 2 or 3 weeks. They never tell us anything either. They have not done any scans/MRIs to even see if the radiation is working. I will let you know how she makes out with the chemo.

    My daughter and I are doing as well as expected with the loss of our beloved husband/father.

    God Bless you and your family also.

    Darlene

    The stereotactic radiosurgery is when they take the radiation and they hit the tumor with it and only the tumor. It is a really fine laser and I think they do it under a CT Scan and they watch the tumor as they do this because the tumor moves and they can position the radiation to hit only the tumor, so not any of the good tissue will get touched and then he can keep having the radiation..the dr is so confident that he will get rid of this tumor, he makes me nervous because he makes it sound so simple, but he said he's done it enough times to see the outcome he said my husband is on course just as he expected..so we'll see.
    Sometimes they wait to do chemo to make sure the patient is feeling strong enough.
    I hope that you and your daughter are doing well, this month will be one year since I lost my dad..he went in the hospital for heart surgery and never came home...it was a long horrible death for him. Sometimes I look at my kids and could cry, because they may grow up without their dad...but I try not to think about that.
    Have you been to any support groups? It may help you and your daughter to be with other people who have suffered the same loss...it's comforting to know there are others in your shoes..
    Please let me know how your mom makes out with the chemo...tell her to drink plenty of fluid..the ensure has been a lifesaver for my husband, he's always been a terrible eater to begin with..so at least this is giving him some nutrition and calories.
    Hang in there, take care of yourself and I'm here if you need to talk!!
    Lisa
  • kimbil
    kimbil Member Posts: 12
    Lisaann63 said:

    The stereotactic radiosurgery is when they take the radiation and they hit the tumor with it and only the tumor. It is a really fine laser and I think they do it under a CT Scan and they watch the tumor as they do this because the tumor moves and they can position the radiation to hit only the tumor, so not any of the good tissue will get touched and then he can keep having the radiation..the dr is so confident that he will get rid of this tumor, he makes me nervous because he makes it sound so simple, but he said he's done it enough times to see the outcome he said my husband is on course just as he expected..so we'll see.
    Sometimes they wait to do chemo to make sure the patient is feeling strong enough.
    I hope that you and your daughter are doing well, this month will be one year since I lost my dad..he went in the hospital for heart surgery and never came home...it was a long horrible death for him. Sometimes I look at my kids and could cry, because they may grow up without their dad...but I try not to think about that.
    Have you been to any support groups? It may help you and your daughter to be with other people who have suffered the same loss...it's comforting to know there are others in your shoes..
    Please let me know how your mom makes out with the chemo...tell her to drink plenty of fluid..the ensure has been a lifesaver for my husband, he's always been a terrible eater to begin with..so at least this is giving him some nutrition and calories.
    Hang in there, take care of yourself and I'm here if you need to talk!!
    Lisa

    Sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad last year. My husband and I were discussing the week before his passing about what we were going to do about my mother's care. I never in a million years thought that he would pass before her. I have been out of work for three weeks trying to take care of my daughter, mother, and personal matters. I am going back to work this week to keep my mind occupied. I signed my daughter up for softball to keep her busy which starts soon. I will let you know this week how my mother makes out with chemo. She lost about five pounds and the doctor wants her to start eating ice cream, ensure, and drink lots of fluid. Her throat has been bothering her since completing radiation yesterday. I have not joined any support groups but I might soon. I hope you, your husband, and children are doing well too. Take care also. I will definitely keep in touch.
  • KHTM
    KHTM Member Posts: 6
    Lisaann63 said:

    Hi KHTM--
    We saw the radiation oncologist today-the radiation that was done to his brain gave great results, the tumor in his brain has shrunk by 80%-dr wants to do more(sterotactic radiosurgery) to make sure he has completely killed the tumor.
    Glad to hear all is well with you!! You sound very upbeat and I know that's important. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    What is Tarceva? No one has mentioned that at all. He had his 3rd chemo and then he'll have another ct scan after the 4th treatment. He is doing a good job of hangin' in there!
    Let me know how you are doing!
    Lisa

    Hi Lisa-

    Sorry, to just get back with you. I haven't been on in awhile. I am soooo happy to hear about the great news for your husband! I'm sure it's the first of many more good reports. :)

    Tarceva is a fairly new Rx for nsclc. It is usually used after your first line of treatment has failed. In which my case it did. I take it everday and I feel it has been a miracle in a bottle. The only bad side effects that I have experienced is a rash on my face, neck, and scalp. I've also had very dry skin, but nothing like the carbo/taxol I was on before. I have been on it since August with stable results, and hope to be on it for a long time. You can google Tarceva, and read a little more about it, but it sounds like your husband is doing great with his current treatment.:)I'm so happy for you and will continue to pray for you!!
  • cmw74
    cmw74 Member Posts: 1
    hi my husband also has stage 4 non small cell lung cancer he just had his first round of chemo. he takes carboplatin, and vinblastine we get the carb thru iv bag and the vin through a push. he is doing well tired but he still has his hair lol it is in his lung, chest neck and stomach lymp. the chemo seemed to shrink the one in his neck it stuck out pretty big, now it is a lot smaller thats good, we go to the dr on wed the 19 to find out about the next round of chemo.
  • kimbil
    kimbil Member Posts: 12
    Lisaann63 said:

    Hi Darlene,
    We had a cat scan done today for the chest but don't have results back yet. And we have an MRI scan scheduled for next week. HOw is your mom doing with the radiation? Do you know when she will be starting chemo and do you know what kind?
    HOpe alll is well! Lisa

    Hi Lisa,

    My mother started chemo Tuesday. Believe it or not but she has not been nauseous or had any bad side effects yet, just some bone pain. She is scheduled for her second round on April 8th. The doctors still have not done any scans though to see if it is working. I will let you know the results. How is your husband doing? Let me know.

    Have a nice Easter!
    Darlene
  • Diane03
    Diane03 Member Posts: 42
    I was diagnosied with stage 4 this past May. I just completed 2 weeks of radiation and my first chemo. The radiation had to be done to try and give me some relief because the breathing was difficult. The tumor is wrapped around my pulmonary artery. I now have some relief and will continue on the same course of chemo as your husband. Doing both in conjunction with eachother really knocks you out. My esophogus is burned so it's difficult to swallow which makes it more difficult to keep eating nutrients.
    I'm glad the radiation is over for now. I'm pulling for your husband and hope he bounces back from the chemo before his next bout!
  • junes daughter
    junes daughter Member Posts: 2
    Lisaann63 said:

    Hi KHTM--
    We saw the radiation oncologist today-the radiation that was done to his brain gave great results, the tumor in his brain has shrunk by 80%-dr wants to do more(sterotactic radiosurgery) to make sure he has completely killed the tumor.
    Glad to hear all is well with you!! You sound very upbeat and I know that's important. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    What is Tarceva? No one has mentioned that at all. He had his 3rd chemo and then he'll have another ct scan after the 4th treatment. He is doing a good job of hangin' in there!
    Let me know how you are doing!
    Lisa

    Information on Stereotactic Radiosurgery
    Hi Lisa-
    My mother has has Stage IV Colon Cancer that has spread to her lungs. She is currently finishing up her 2nd round of chemotherapy, and is thinking about radiosurgery to eliminate the masses in her lungs (that although decreased in size from chemo, are still present).

    Can you tell me a little more about where the radiosurgery was performed? We have contacts at Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson and the Methodist Hospital (Houston), however as we have learned moving through this process, it is better to hear from real people and their experiences with their doctors and hospital staff.

    Much Thanks.
  • marybear
    marybear Member Posts: 64
    KHTM said:

    Hi Lisa-

    Sorry, to just get back with you. I haven't been on in awhile. I am soooo happy to hear about the great news for your husband! I'm sure it's the first of many more good reports. :)

    Tarceva is a fairly new Rx for nsclc. It is usually used after your first line of treatment has failed. In which my case it did. I take it everday and I feel it has been a miracle in a bottle. The only bad side effects that I have experienced is a rash on my face, neck, and scalp. I've also had very dry skin, but nothing like the carbo/taxol I was on before. I have been on it since August with stable results, and hope to be on it for a long time. You can google Tarceva, and read a little more about it, but it sounds like your husband is doing great with his current treatment.:)I'm so happy for you and will continue to pray for you!!

    stage4 lung cancer and tarceva
    hi khtm i am mary a cargiver to husband diagnosed in june 08 stage 4 no surgery nsclc his tumor in right lung spread to lymph nodes and left lung now did cat scan on sept 23, started tarceva on sept 20 he is now getting a red nose with litle pimples on it dont know if that is ar rash or not will see oncologist on friday dont know if i should renew prescription very costly $4500.00 per 30 days in donut whole know asked oncologist if you dont get rash is it working she said different studies proved differnt results he is terminal getting weaker glad the tarceva worked for you how long you been on it from august last year good for you he did carbo/taxol one treatment on august 18 one week later ended up in hospital with 103 fever and low white count of 0.44 almost died they gave him 4 shots in 4 days of nuevesta to bring his white count up but now he cant walk i think he got neurapthy from the chemo that is permanent cant walk no more his legs and feet feel really heavy he is 75 yrs old will try tarceva for one more month hoping to do catscan in end of nov to see if it helped if not will stop it thank you for you posts please keep in touch Mary
  • ellengoo
    ellengoo Member Posts: 1
    Lisaann63 said:

    Hi Darlene,
    We saw the medical oncologist today to discuss the results of the cat scan. After 2 chemo treatments and 3 bracheatherapy treatments(radiation in the airway), the tumor has shrunk a little. The dr. was pleased to see that. But she said they probably won't do radiation to the lung. She said they can only do that once, so they have to choose the time carefully. I thought that was rather strange. My husband goes for an MRI for the brain tomorrow, he received 10 focal point radiation treatments to that tumor back in Dec and early January. Then we'll see the radiation oncologist next week to discuss those results...So much..
    In the meantime, today was chemo treatment 3-my husband has been doing well..she wants to do a total of 6 and then give him a break..
    How is your mom doing? Has she started chemo yet? Please let me know how things are going and how you are doing.
    Take care
    Lisa

    brain & lung cancer
    hi Lisa my husband was diagnosed with lung and Brain cancer in June of 08. We did 11 treatments of radiation to the brain and just finished 4 treatments of chemo with carboplatin and taxol. We are also using an alternative doctor in Manhattan who is with sloan. We did an Mri and pet scan 2 weeks ago. The doctors were pleased that nothing had spread. He didn't have any shrinkage. Your husbands results are wonderful. I will talk to my doctor about the sterotatic radioation surgery. Its really is nice to have people to chat with. this is my first time using a chat room. Thanks for the information. If any one wants to chat with me I would love to here from you ellen
  • MadelynJoe
    MadelynJoe Member Posts: 96
    marybear said:

    stage4 lung cancer and tarceva
    hi khtm i am mary a cargiver to husband diagnosed in june 08 stage 4 no surgery nsclc his tumor in right lung spread to lymph nodes and left lung now did cat scan on sept 23, started tarceva on sept 20 he is now getting a red nose with litle pimples on it dont know if that is ar rash or not will see oncologist on friday dont know if i should renew prescription very costly $4500.00 per 30 days in donut whole know asked oncologist if you dont get rash is it working she said different studies proved differnt results he is terminal getting weaker glad the tarceva worked for you how long you been on it from august last year good for you he did carbo/taxol one treatment on august 18 one week later ended up in hospital with 103 fever and low white count of 0.44 almost died they gave him 4 shots in 4 days of nuevesta to bring his white count up but now he cant walk i think he got neurapthy from the chemo that is permanent cant walk no more his legs and feet feel really heavy he is 75 yrs old will try tarceva for one more month hoping to do catscan in end of nov to see if it helped if not will stop it thank you for you posts please keep in touch Mary

    Tarceva
    Dear Mary Bear:

    Regarding the cost of Tarceva for your husband, many drug companies will supply chemo drugs to patients who cannot afford the cost of drugs. Check with your husband's oncologist or the social worker in the oncologist's office for help in finding out about these programs.

    Best regards,

    Madelyn
  • marybear
    marybear Member Posts: 64
    thanks madeline joe
    we have prescpiton coverage for this drug cost me $25.oo per month last month cost me $400.oo now it is covered we will start the 3 month on november 21 will due cat scan of chest hopefully end of month just did cat scan of brain nothing there thank god but he is having trouble breathing so i suspect the lunds are getting worse thank you for your response please keep in contact god bless Mary
  • pherbolario
    pherbolario Member Posts: 3
    Lisaann63 said:

    The stereotactic radiosurgery is when they take the radiation and they hit the tumor with it and only the tumor. It is a really fine laser and I think they do it under a CT Scan and they watch the tumor as they do this because the tumor moves and they can position the radiation to hit only the tumor, so not any of the good tissue will get touched and then he can keep having the radiation..the dr is so confident that he will get rid of this tumor, he makes me nervous because he makes it sound so simple, but he said he's done it enough times to see the outcome he said my husband is on course just as he expected..so we'll see.
    Sometimes they wait to do chemo to make sure the patient is feeling strong enough.
    I hope that you and your daughter are doing well, this month will be one year since I lost my dad..he went in the hospital for heart surgery and never came home...it was a long horrible death for him. Sometimes I look at my kids and could cry, because they may grow up without their dad...but I try not to think about that.
    Have you been to any support groups? It may help you and your daughter to be with other people who have suffered the same loss...it's comforting to know there are others in your shoes..
    Please let me know how your mom makes out with the chemo...tell her to drink plenty of fluid..the ensure has been a lifesaver for my husband, he's always been a terrible eater to begin with..so at least this is giving him some nutrition and calories.
    Hang in there, take care of yourself and I'm here if you need to talk!!
    Lisa

    newbie
    Hi,Im new with this. My dad was diagnosed stage 3b with lung cancer early october. Since operation is not an option, the dr adviced for chemo. He had his first last week. Today, we were asked to go back for a check-up. Since I was not around, my mom went with my dad. A new treatment was administered...which was not explained to them. Do you know how the normal procedure is?
  • blondie1
    blondie1 Member Posts: 4

    newbie
    Hi,Im new with this. My dad was diagnosed stage 3b with lung cancer early october. Since operation is not an option, the dr adviced for chemo. He had his first last week. Today, we were asked to go back for a check-up. Since I was not around, my mom went with my dad. A new treatment was administered...which was not explained to them. Do you know how the normal procedure is?

    newbie
    Hi. I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastic lung cancer (lymph node involvement) in June of 2006. Mine was also inoperable. When treated with chemo I went in every three weeks for an IV treatment, with blood work done before each treatment. This went on for 8 months. It's possible the treatment left his blood in a bad way and he was given treatments to counter the effects of the chemo. It's possible he was treated with radiation therapy. You and your Mom need to be very proactive by asking many questions and getting as much information as possible about treatments and side effects. Take a pad of paper with you and write down the answers. They should have given you a bunch of brochures describing treatments and side effects. If not I would certainly speak up and possibly look for another doctor. They should be explaining everything they do. Also ask about his being treated with Avastin. This drug actually attaches to the cancer cells and starves the cells by not letting them get any blood. They shrivel up and die. I wish your Dad much luck. Two and a half years later they find no sign of cancer in my body. There is always the possibility that one little cell is hiding and will pop up later, but for now all is good. The treatment is like hell, and sometimes he may wish he were already dead. But there can be a rainbow at the end of the storm. And I guess that's what it's all about!!
  • real
    real Member Posts: 1
    Stage 4 lung cancer
    Hello Lisaann 63
    My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell cancer in May of 08. I saw you post and wanted to know how your husband is doing? I too would like to know what to expect. He is doing well now. He had radiation on his brain and it showed it was all gone, but then last month another spot showed up on his last MRI. He had chemo and on his last visit in Feb. the doctor said it had not grown or gone away. We are waiting 2 months and do another MRI and CT Scan. He doesn't look sick just tired.
    Any words you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,
    REAL
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  • chloes
    chloes Member Posts: 1

    Hi Lisa.
    I'm a seven year survivor of NSCLC, 3B. My personal web page is found here, under "Grateful Survivor".
    My tumor was approximately 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm x 7 cm, and located in the upper lobe of my right lung. I was diagnosed in May of '01, at age 67, as incurable/inoperable. I received three 3-day chemo treatments of Cisplatin and Etopiside, at three week intervals. At the same time, I received 55 consecutive daily radiation treatments, five days a week, with weekends off.
    By October, '01, my tumor had been shrunk by 75%, and it was removed surgically. Post-op, I received ten more radiation treatments, and twelve weekly chemo treatments of Carboplatin and Taxol.
    By April, '02 I was able to travel to Las Vegas (I live in MA) for some well-earned partying!
    I've been cancer free since. My whole experience lasted ten months. At the time, it seemed like a hundred years! My point is that cancer can be beaten,- not easily, but it's possible.
    The pre-op chemo treatments were very aggressive, and were harder to take as time passed. The radiation did some (mostly) temporary damage, but I'm here today, - alive and kicking!
    You and your husband must keep a positive attitude, and do what it takes.
    As a caregiver, you must take care of yourself, also. Try to arrange for someone to give you a break, now and then.
    If I can be of help, e-mail me through this website.
    My prayers and best wishes to you and your husband.
    Ernie

    nsclc
    hi my dad has hust been dianoised with nsclc stage 3b and my whole world was shattered untill i read your story , im new to this and havnt got a clue what to say or do i was just wondering if you could tell me a little about chemo treatment has is starting a clinical trial next week with carboplatine and gemcitabin and he is so worried and has been very tearfull and i want to share your thoughts and storie to him to give him some hope , kind regards michelle
  • 123red
    123red Member Posts: 3
    blondie1 said:

    newbie
    Hi. I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastic lung cancer (lymph node involvement) in June of 2006. Mine was also inoperable. When treated with chemo I went in every three weeks for an IV treatment, with blood work done before each treatment. This went on for 8 months. It's possible the treatment left his blood in a bad way and he was given treatments to counter the effects of the chemo. It's possible he was treated with radiation therapy. You and your Mom need to be very proactive by asking many questions and getting as much information as possible about treatments and side effects. Take a pad of paper with you and write down the answers. They should have given you a bunch of brochures describing treatments and side effects. If not I would certainly speak up and possibly look for another doctor. They should be explaining everything they do. Also ask about his being treated with Avastin. This drug actually attaches to the cancer cells and starves the cells by not letting them get any blood. They shrivel up and die. I wish your Dad much luck. Two and a half years later they find no sign of cancer in my body. There is always the possibility that one little cell is hiding and will pop up later, but for now all is good. The treatment is like hell, and sometimes he may wish he were already dead. But there can be a rainbow at the end of the storm. And I guess that's what it's all about!!

    this is all new to us
    hi my wife of 45 years, the LOVE of my life started chemo yesterday 10/16/09 for stage 4 metastic cancer.she is getting taxol/carboplatin. all of this started in july . she had an accident and in the ER they found a high white count. this lead to tests that showed three enlarged lymph nodes. they are saying that it is probily 90 % lung cancer 10 % overian. no matter questions I ask ,I still dont understand this. my wife was a very healthy 65 never on meds works hard and always has a great outlook. Im just plain scared.
    thanks for your ear - - - RED
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