Lung Cancer IIIB

dmcgarry
dmcgarry Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
My father was recently diagnosed with stage IIIB lung cancer. After 2 months of biopsy mishaps (punctured blood vessel and collapssed lung)and numerous visits with surgeons etc., he finally visited the oncologist who prescribed chemotherapy every 3 weeks of paraplatin and alimta.

I'm looking for some suggestions and insight on whether this is the best course of treatment and if there are other options to pursue. My father is 76 and has other health issues including heart and cardiovascular disease, so the doctors have ruled out radiation.

Thank you very much in advance for your support.

Comments

  • stayingcalm
    stayingcalm Member Posts: 650 Member
    #2
    Paraplatin by any other name...
    ...is yet a Carboplatin. Ok, no more Shakespeare ;) Paraplatin and Carboplatin are the same drug - one is the trade name and the other is the generic. Carboplatin and Alimta are supposed to be a very good and effective combo without being too harsh or having bad side effects. I would say his oncologist is on the ball, here!
    My best to your father and to you,
    stayingcalm
  • Dapsterd
    Dapsterd Member Posts: 291
    #3
    stage IIIB
    I was dx in June 2nd, 2010 for large orange size tumor in upper right lobe and 4-5 central lymphnodes between lungs, this makes it IIIB. Iam 47 yrs old, treatment may be diff for older men/women. I have mild emphasema, but they are not worried about this at this time.
    I am in-operable, which is pretty standard once cancer has left the lungs and gone elswhere. They may operate on a large tumor pressing on organs due to discomfort, but not for the purpose of curing the cancer.

    I have completed 35 rounds of radiation to my front and back, simultaneously of chemo for which I go every tuesday for 4 hrs for carbo and taxol.

    I have 4 weeks of 1st-line treatment remaining. Total about 22 weeks of chemo.

    Because Onc was ok with main tumor reduction, but not ok with stable lymph node (meaning they did not increase or decrease, they are unresponsive to treatment thus far.)
    He beefed up the carbo by 20% because chemo side effects for me are not too bad.

    My latest plan is to finish 4 more chemos, get full ct/pet thigh to head, then get 2nd opinion if I do not like what I see or hear. This time I am going to one cancer reputable hospital for which I live 6 miles from.
    Currently I have 4 doctors at 4 locations, I did not realize this when all this went down, but many hospital docs have separate offices for treatments and I really wonder if they review with a "tumor board". The relationship with the doctors/hosipitals/and their private practice is still confusing !!
    I want all my docs treat me on hospital staff location from now on.
    Also---Stayingcalm has tons of experience (this is not a good thing !! lol)
    Lets keep talking...>Dave

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