Looking for input on chemo after stereotactic radiotherapy for lung met

MMMT- SURVIVOR
MMMT- SURVIVOR Member Posts: 5
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

Just finished my 3rd and final stereotactic radiation treatment for lung met measuring about 1 cm.  There is one other, smaller nodule measuring in the mm's.  The larger nodule took about a year to develop.  Have appt on Wednesday with oncologist who will likely recommend chemo again - my 3rd time.  The radiologist gave me food for thought.  He suggested he would save the chemo (big guns) for later, if needed, and could radiate the smaller nodule when it grew larger.  His feeling is that quality of life is very important.  Of course he said he would defer to whatever the onc decided since he (the radiologist) treats very few endometrial patients and I've been seeing the onc for the last 5 years.  Makes me wonder though if a wait and see approach might make sense at this time.  My second chemo experience was after my surgery (my wedge resections) so I understand that cells would have been floating around.  My gut tells me I should question why I need to rush into chemo and take down my immune system again, especially with the holidays coming up.  I have had carbo/taxol twice now and still have some rogue cells so it's not likely the chemo will be a cure.  If anything, I fear it might be something more toxic.  Would appreciate any thoughts, suggestions, ammunition, whatever.  I've been reading this board for years although I  rarely post but have great respect for the knowledge and opinions of everyone here.  Let me echo the comments of others that I find it difficult to come here after losing Linda, Jan and Roberta.  

 

Mary Ann

Comments

  • AWK
    AWK Member Posts: 364 Member
    #2
    Hi! I am in my fourth treatment regime in 2 1/2 years

    I was dx with Stage IIIC UPSC in April 2014  other opinions having me at IVB based on a difference of opinions about the furthest met  found in my original surgery.  I progressed through frontline Carbo/tAxol, then Doxil, then Avastin and am now in a clinical trial.  I am considered Platinum resistant.  I also had radiation and brachytherapy.  One thing for me is th other types of treatments were easier to tolerate and I worked through them.  I am on a leave  and did take a leave during frontline.  

    i always ask myself how far is too far and how much is too much.  I can't answer with certainty but I do know that with each type of treatment I had periods of progression free survival which strung together to get me to this point.  I will always be in treatment of some form, my doctors have told me our goal is attaining  chronic and stable disease for me and if they can - NED.  I have five mets all spread out and inoperable.  I am very lucky that my team thinks outside the box and we are all on the same page around PFS. M

    i hope that helps.  I live fairly fully, ride my horse and go easy on myself when I need to.  You can have a full and amazing life in treatment but one has to be open to what that looks like.  Ask any questions and I will keep you in my prayers.

    sending hugs.  Anne

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,488 Member
    #3
    Mary Ann, to me, it sounds

    Mary Ann, to me, it sounds like you have a good grasp of the situation.  Listening to your words, I think you have the plan and aren't afraid to tell the docs what you are thinking and WHY.  I think your radiologist has an interesting approach you can suggest to the onc and chemo toxicity is always something to worry about as well.

    When you said "my gut tells me I should question why..." it says a lot.  I have learned a lot from the ladies who have recurrences or who are living with this.  If I end up having to face this again, I will face it differently because of these ladies.  

    My mother always told us to ask, "what's the worst they are going to say?  No?"  

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