Scan Results

spicysashimi

As some of you know, I have stage IV NSCLC. I've been through 3 treatments, 2 for lung cancer, not counting the one I got today. Great news. I went for a PET scan Friday. Here are the results.

Overall regression of cancer between 20% and 50%. More specifically, a small tumor on my collarbone is "resolved." The large tumor in my left lung is smaller by about a third and is "caveing in on itself." The other small spots in my lungs don't light up on the PET and are suspected to be dead. My lymph nodes used to light up at 10 and now they light up at 2, indicating more regression. My back and right hip (bone mets) are, unbelievably, regressing, both in terms of size and lighting up. Of course, no new spots, spleen clear, liver clear, urinary tract clear, etc.

Got some more poison today. I got this cancer on the run. I hope this may be encouraging news for some of you --- have faith.

aaron

Susan_Xu

Great New indeed. I am happy for you. I am so depressed the past few days because all doctors told me that all we did and are doing for my dad is to extend his survival time. No curable at all. I hope my dad will have the same result in his next checkup. If you have time, I would like to hear more about your treatment and advice.

spicysashimi

Susan_Xu said:

Great New indeed. I am happy for you. I am so depressed the past few days because all doctors told me that all we did and are doing for my dad is to extend his survival time. No curable at all. I hope my dad will have the same result in his next checkup. If you have time, I would like to hear more about your treatment and advice.

Keep your spirits up. Chemotherapy kills cancer. Try not to dwell on the curable/survival time thing. Just try to not think too far ahead and look for small improvements. Build off of them. My treatment is Cisplatin, Docetaxel and Avastin. I also stopped eating meat except for fish and I take Coriolus PSP and Astragalus as supplements.

I'm thinking of your dad.

aaron

itrustgod

aaron, Im SO SO SO happy for you!!!! I'm glad to hear about the good results... hopefully my mom's case would be the same as well. She just started her treatment with Tarceva a few days ago, so it would still be a while before we hear of anything... anyway, i just wanted to tell you that i was really excited to hear about your good news, and that you're having a better outlook on it! Take care, you're in my prayers.

kaitek

Hi aaron,

Congratulations on the good news. It does get antsy with the test results but I've found if you keep a good record of all your symptoms and improvements, you can get a good feel of your progress. And that may help temper the fear of the unknown that comes from the PET/CT scans.

I really do think in your favor is not only your youth but the use of 3 drugs to destroy the cancer. Good to hear you're taking Astragalus. I've heard nothing but good things about it, and read Dr. Andrew Weil (a well-known naturopath) endorse that herb in conjunction with cancer treatments (but of course, everyone should consult his or her own oncologist).

Continued good luck!!

kaitek

Susan_Xu said:

Great New indeed. I am happy for you. I am so depressed the past few days because all doctors told me that all we did and are doing for my dad is to extend his survival time. No curable at all. I hope my dad will have the same result in his next checkup. If you have time, I would like to hear more about your treatment and advice.

Hi Susan_Xu,

I'm sorry to hear your father hasn't progressed as well as you had hoped. If I may see the glass as half-full, it seems to me that metasis to the bone isn't as bad as metasis to the organs. I don't know.

Can't the doctors apply radiation to his spine? You really shouldn't just accept a doctor's prognosis and decisions if you're not happy with them. Go get a second opinion. Find a cancer center in China with a good reputation and that of cutting edge research.

Right now, there is a promising cancer treatment called "proton therapy" that pinpoints radiation to the tumors and minimizes damage to healthy tissues and cells. I would suggest for you to ask about that. Find a center that offers it.

Whatever you do, don't give up!! I've come across research that soy products may be good for male lung cancer patients. Perhaps, your dad could add tofu to his diet. Definitely get him to eat broccoli and daikon (two vegetables with the highest concentration of the cancer-killing agents) as often as possible. I think you should get astragalus to him as well. Don't be passive in relying only on conventional medicine. Do what you can to increase the odds your dad can beat this cancer. You must remind yourself your dad can do it.

Don't let the word of "incurable" depress or discourage you. Many survivors heard the same damned thing.

Help your dad FIGHT his cancer with the best treatments you can get your hands on.

Good luck to you!!

reinstones1

How wonderful for you! I'm glad you got such good results. Stay happy and positive.

cancer062306

Congratulations!! Hopefully your next Pet Scan will show NO CANCER AT ALL!! What kind of Chemo are you taking? Where are you being treated? I also have Stage IV NSCLC but my Chemo didn't work and the cancer has spread so now they are trying a new Chemo I will know if it works when I go back on the 17th of November. Your news is so encouraging! Thank you for sharing.
Sherrie

spicysashimi

cancer062306 said:

Congratulations!! Hopefully your next Pet Scan will show NO CANCER AT ALL!! What kind of Chemo are you taking? Where are you being treated? I also have Stage IV NSCLC but my Chemo didn't work and the cancer has spread so now they are trying a new Chemo I will know if it works when I go back on the 17th of November. Your news is so encouraging! Thank you for sharing.
Sherrie

Hi Sherrie,

Let's talk. Send me an email through this site. I am on Cisplatin, Docetaxel and Avastin. I am being treated at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. I have no idea what will work best for you. Make sure you get on Avastin. And keep your spirits up. It will respond to treatment.

Be strong,
aaron