I just had my first post treatment CT for Stage 3A NSCLC yesterday. Today I called the nurse coordinator for the results and she said the report showed that the 3 lymph nodes involved were not showing any signs of cancer. The lesion in the lung, originally 1.6x 1.4cm is now 1.2x1.1cm. This was not exactly the news I was praying for, but at least it was better than the original CT. I had a restaging CT after the first 2 treatments and there had been shrinkage in all tumors. It's odd to me that the largest area of cancer, in the para-aortic lymph node (2.9x 2 cm) had resolved while the one in the lung had not. I know these weren't huge tumors compared to many, but still, after 4 chemo drugs concurrent with 37 radiation treatments, I was praying for all to be gone. I'm trying to figure out what my options are now, I supposed to start the Stimuvax trial in a few weeks, but now I am wondering about more chemo. I'm recovering slowly so that might be a reason I wouldn't be a candidate for chemo right now. The nurse assured me they would monitor me and if there were any growth, they would take me off the trial and try something else. Mine was considered inoperable and I guess I'm still not a surgical candidate. Any input or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Love and prayers for all. Jane
Already a member? Sign in
Welcome to Inspire!
What - Inspire is a place where you can connect with people who share your health concerns and find information and advice in groups sponsored by organizations you know and trust.
Why - As a member you can use Inspire to let friends and family know how you're doing, contact others who share your health concerns, receive personalized updates and information about participating in surveys and clinical trials, and more.
How - Joining Inspire is completely free and usually takes less than a minute. Join now!
Doing 3/4ths of the Happy Dance!
- By janiegirl
- Posted July 8, 2008 at 11:41 pm · 8 replies
- In Non-small cell lung cancer - Stage III
- Shared with the public
- Edited July 9, 2008 at 12:35 am
8 replies
- Oldest first
- Newest first
- By gonehiking
- Posted July 9, 2008 at 7:32 am
- Report post
Hi Jane,
Although it may not be exactly the news you were hoping for, it sounds pretty good regardless -- so here's a big "YAY!"
Will the latest results still allow you to do the Stimuvax trial? If they are going to be monitoring you closely, then it might be worth going ahead with it.
As for more chemo, I imagine you were hoping for a break from it. How about looking around for a possible "back-up trial" to consider? Maybe there's something new available -- I think some of the new trials are for drugs to be used after Tarceva doesn't work, etc... Anyhow, it seems as though things are fairly stable and that should give you time to make the best choice possible.
take care,
bev
- By erinroro
- Posted July 9, 2008 at 8:08 am
- Report post
Janie,
I'll do a Happy Dance for you anyway - 75% of your cancer is GONE!!!! And that part that is left is smaller! You are headed in the right direction, it just may take a bit longer to get there that you had hoped. So maybe I will just do the Happy Dance in 3/4 time!
Maybe you could spend the next few weeks thinking about something OTHER than the beast.... hard, but I think it can be done. See some funny movies, redecorate a room in your house, start reading a good series of books (if you are interested in that idea, email me - I know a zillion of good fun books), something that is fun, not too tiring (you need to build up your strength), and will keep your mind off of other things. I know that it is easier said than done.... but it won't be done if it isn't attempted.
Good Luck! I will be praying for you!
Erin
- By SusanL1
- Posted July 9, 2008 at 9:54 am
- Report post
Hi Janie:
Congratulations. I think that is great - it may not all be gone but you are headed in the right direction! That's worth celebrating.
Susan
- By spirit1125
- Posted July 9, 2008 at 10:06 am
- Report post
Hello Janie,
Shrinking tumors are a reason to celebrate....congratulations!!! Mary
- By pambolek
- Posted July 9, 2008 at 10:20 am
- Report post
Not exactly what you wanted, but good news.
Pam
- By robinwd
- Posted July 9, 2008 at 11:13 am
- Report post
Congrats, Jane. Just remember that chemo and radiation effects continue to do their work even after treatment is over!
- By summeron2001
- Posted July 9, 2008 at 12:09 pm
- Report post
Jane - Reduction sounds great to me - keep up the good work. I know you will make the right decision as to what to do next. Thinking of you.
Sylvia
- By lorbethm
- Posted July 9, 2008 at 2:19 pm
- Report post
It sounds like they are shrinking, which is GREAT news!!! Take the time to celebrate that news...even though it wasn't exactly what you were wanting. ;)
Congratulations and many blessings on you as you decide your next steps of treatment. :) My prayers are with you.
Hugs!
Lorie
Add to the discussion