Lung Cancer

pohkb
pohkb Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
Thanks Loulou for your prompt info. It is comforting to hear from you as
I also have stage IV lung cancer with met. in my spine.I had chemo for almost a year and also had radiation on my left lung in combination a chemo drug. Things have improved quite alot.

Did anyone ever hear of a scan called positron emission tomography (PET). I was told that a standard CT scan or MRI cannot distinguish the scar tissue from the tumor and PET would be able to do that.
Appreciate if anyone can tell me your experience or knowledge on PET.

Thanks

Comments

  • yakimom
    yakimom Member Posts: 4
    #2
    I have just discovered this site, and am glad to join with so many pro-active lung cancer patients! My story is 19 years long (breast and lung) and I will start a clinical trial for lung this next week. My latest cancer (recurrence) was confirmed via PET Scan at the U of Washington in March. I had suspicious areas in both lungs. Had a needle biopsy to confirm new NSCLC and then had PET Scan to determine if other was scar or recurrence. The recurrence lit up just like the proven NSCLC. The PET Scan was an invaluable tool, and my insurance did pick up the cost -- had to get it pre-approved, however. I'm overjoyed to be a part of this clnical trial. I'm very hopeful!
  • loulou
    loulou Member Posts: 65 Member
    #3
    yakimom said:

    I have just discovered this site, and am glad to join with so many pro-active lung cancer patients! My story is 19 years long (breast and lung) and I will start a clinical trial for lung this next week. My latest cancer (recurrence) was confirmed via PET Scan at the U of Washington in March. I had suspicious areas in both lungs. Had a needle biopsy to confirm new NSCLC and then had PET Scan to determine if other was scar or recurrence. The recurrence lit up just like the proven NSCLC. The PET Scan was an invaluable tool, and my insurance did pick up the cost -- had to get it pre-approved, however. I'm overjoyed to be a part of this clnical trial. I'm very hopeful!

    Hi yakimom, great to hear from you. I am also new to this site, and am glad to have found it. I was wondering what the clinical trial all involves, as far what kind of treatments etc. How big was the tumor they found? It sounds like your in good spirits. Great! loulou
  • yakimom
    yakimom Member Posts: 4
    #4
    loulou said:

    Hi yakimom, great to hear from you. I am also new to this site, and am glad to have found it. I was wondering what the clinical trial all involves, as far what kind of treatments etc. How big was the tumor they found? It sounds like your in good spirits. Great! loulou

    Hi, loulou! Thanks for your response!
    I'm into day #2 after my first treatment for the trial. Feeling a bit "draggy" but no nausea or headache, etc. Love those pre-meds! This trial consists of Carboplatin, Paclitaxel and Iressa (or its placebo). It is a 3-armed randomized trial, so we don't know exactly what I am getting, except for the Carbo and Taxel, which all participants receive. You can find more info about the trial by searching the CancerNet Clinical trails search page -- it is lung cancer trial #108. I am the first participant at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle -- pretty exciting! There are currently a little over 100 participants internationally, with a goal of just slightly over 1000.

    My tumor (actually my 4th lung tumor) is approx. 20mm -- last measured by CT on 9/29. There are also 2 pulmonary nodules each measuring approx. 10mm. The larger one is being labeled a recurrence. Last April I have a tumor (primary) removed from my left lung -- have recovered from that wedge resection. Because of lung surgeries in 1982 and 1993, and the possiblity of needing to remove my entire right lung now, I am hoping and praying that this trial will be the long-term answer to a complicated story. All lung cancers have been bronchoalveolar. At least I am consistent! Oh,yes, important to note is that I am a non-smoker and in very good health except for CA!

    Would love to hear your story if you care to share! Take care of yourself, OK?
  • loulou
    loulou Member Posts: 65 Member
    #5
    yakimom said:

    Hi, loulou! Thanks for your response!
    I'm into day #2 after my first treatment for the trial. Feeling a bit "draggy" but no nausea or headache, etc. Love those pre-meds! This trial consists of Carboplatin, Paclitaxel and Iressa (or its placebo). It is a 3-armed randomized trial, so we don't know exactly what I am getting, except for the Carbo and Taxel, which all participants receive. You can find more info about the trial by searching the CancerNet Clinical trails search page -- it is lung cancer trial #108. I am the first participant at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle -- pretty exciting! There are currently a little over 100 participants internationally, with a goal of just slightly over 1000.

    My tumor (actually my 4th lung tumor) is approx. 20mm -- last measured by CT on 9/29. There are also 2 pulmonary nodules each measuring approx. 10mm. The larger one is being labeled a recurrence. Last April I have a tumor (primary) removed from my left lung -- have recovered from that wedge resection. Because of lung surgeries in 1982 and 1993, and the possiblity of needing to remove my entire right lung now, I am hoping and praying that this trial will be the long-term answer to a complicated story. All lung cancers have been bronchoalveolar. At least I am consistent! Oh,yes, important to note is that I am a non-smoker and in very good health except for CA!

    Would love to hear your story if you care to share! Take care of yourself, OK?

    Hi yakimom: I am really glad to hear that treatments are going good. I felt lucky when I went through chemo, I didnt have many side effects at all. I was wondering, when tumors are small, are they easier to treat than large tumors? Will you also be having radiation along with chemo? Sounds like you have been going through this kind of stuff for quite awhile. Maybe this will be the last time. loulou

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