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SarahB
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Hi! Two months ago my father was diagnosed with lung cancer which had spread a lot and had started affecting liver. He has started chemo straight away because he had no time to lose.

Between the first and the second chemo session we had a check-up at the oncologist and he said that he couldn't detect anything abnormal from outside and asked for a chest x ray. Thank God the xray showed a drastic shrinkage.

Today, just prior to third session, he had another x ray which also showed improvement. However, although there was still a small shrinkage, the oncologist said that tumors are becoming more transparent.

Can anyone explain further please?

6 replies

jgaynor711

I don't know what he means by "transparent." You might want to ask your doctor what he means. But do you know what type or stage of Lung Cancer? Also, is he really only having x-rays to check the progress of his tumor growth, or is it CT scans?

amymaura

Hi Sarah,

I don't know what it means to be more "transparent" either. Has he had CT scans or PET scans to monitor?

Amy

Dana

Sarah,

I just want to second what Amy said. Has he had CT scans or PET scans? I think those would be more effective for judging his progress.

God bless you & your father!
Dana

andmegab

sometimes its hard to get used to all the language the docs use.

i would think any time they use the word shrinkage, it would be a good thing. dont ever be afraid to ask the doc questions, they know this is a hard thing to deal with and that there is a whole bunch of new terms to have to deal with.

keep up with the positive attitude, and we will keep in your corner.

god bless ya all
deb

SarahB

Thanks for your support.

Doctor is going to do a CT after the 4th chemo session. So far he is monitoring with chest xray and if I had to show you the xrays done after the 1st session you would be left impressed with the progress attained.

I asked my GP about the fact I mentioned about tumors becoming more transparent. He said that they are lower in density and have more oxygene.

Thanks.
SarahB

Jolene

Smart girl! Always ask the doctor to explain their terminology. They sometimes talk above our heads and that can lead to great confusion and fear. I pray that your dad will continue to do well. Make sure to get a paper copy of all his x-ray reports, lab reports, etc. Ask lots of questions and make sure someone always goes with your dad for any visits. Two pairs of ears are always better than one. Take a notebook to write questions down, what the doctor says and then you can reflect back to the notebook if you are questioning things. May God give your dad great strength to fight this new battle. HOPE and COURAGE! Jolene

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