I was diagnosed with Nsclc of the squamous type in October 2008. My Pulmonologist referred me to an oncologist that he believed to be one of the best in the area. She started a Chemo round of Carbo, Gemzar, and Avastin. 3 weeks later I saw my lung doctor again and he asked if I had radiation, and I said no. He said he felt like i needed radiation as a tumor was blocking my airway and felt that a round of radiation would help relieve that. So I promptly made appointments with 2 other doctors who agreed with my lung doctor. I feel like I should have had the radiation as the first line of treatment. but the first doctor wanted 3 rounds of radiation every 3 weeks, before even considering radiation. so I am still hooked up to oxygen 24/7 cough a lot, I have extreme shortness of breath when I try to do things and I feel betrayed because this could have been fixed a month ago. Also the 2nd doctor told me I should not be on Avastin as it is not for nsclc squamous cell type and can cause severe bleeding and hemorraging. . It is used mainly on non-squamous cell. Avastin's website also states that it is for non-squamous cell cancer..
So my advice is to educate yourself, find out what you have, what type, what stage and ask about where it is what lymph nodes are involved, etc. If you have had a pet scan , the nodes are numbered as to the extent they may have cancer present. Ask about this, my highest is 19 which is a high presence of cancer but the rest are smaller and not certain. I have learned so much since changing oncologists, and with my daughter doing research we can now go to the Doctor prepared. visit the National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/CANCERTOPICS/PDQ/TREATMENT/NON-SMALL-CELL-LUNG/PATIEN T
There is a lot of valuable info we all need to know.
Good luck to all and God Speed
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Type of Cancer and chemo drugs used
- By alisdavis
- Posted December 1, 2008 at 11:06 am · 5 replies
- In Non-small cell lung cancer - Stage III
- Shared with the public
5 replies
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- By southernfriedmom
- Posted December 1, 2008 at 1:52 pm
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Hello-
I am new to this site and lung cancer also. My dad has just recently been diagnosed with stage 3a squamous NSCLC. I am a RN but in cardiology. A lot of my oncology knowlege is dated, a few of the drugs I am familiar with and my basic knowlege is spot on. But yes in this case education is the key. This a difficult subject, to say the least and for some one not (and those who are) in the medical field it is very confusing. I'm sorry that you are going through this and I hope for the best for everyone with this diagnosis. I too have found some terrific web sites. for example, cancer.org (the am. cancer society), medlineplus.gov (NIH), chemoangels.net (support for chemo patients). I hope everything is going well now. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Have a very happy holiday season. You will find that this is a terrific site!!!!
- By alisdavis
- Posted December 1, 2008 at 4:32 pm
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Thanks Southern Fried, I am sorry about your Dad.. I feel that choice of Doctor is very important. and knowing what I know now, I would not have committed to the first Doctor I saw. thanks for the websites, I will check them all out, and I already know this site is terrific...It's people like you that make it terrific. Thanks so much..!!
- By southernfriedmom
- Posted December 1, 2008 at 8:37 pm
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You are welcome. I hope everything goes well for you. I have learned never accept no/ this is how it's done here. I am soooo glad that there are sites like this. This whole thing has really been a blow to our family and this site is one of the only things keeping me strong for my dad. And I firmly believe there is strength in numbers. Keep me posted.
- By Hedgeklu
- Posted December 1, 2008 at 9:48 pm
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My dad was just prescribed the same two drugs today - Carbo and Gemzar. The doc said he wants to get 2 rounds of those in before starting radiation, because with radiation he has to drastically change the doses of the chemo drugs due to reaction. He'll do Day 1 with both chemo drugs, then Day 8 with just Gemzar. After two cycles, he'll get another PET and then start radiation.
The good news about these two drugs is supposed to be less nausea and vomiting and minimal to no hair loss. Although dad was looking forward to losing the hair.
His diagnosis is Stage IIIA Non small cell lung cancer.
We're pleased with his doctor and his aggressiveness in everything. He had dad scheduled for tests on weekends where techs had to be called in and he had an MRI on the Friday after Thanksgiving. His port goes in next Tuesday and chemo starts the next week.
I wish you well in your journey! Stay strong.
Heather
- By alisdavis
- Posted December 2, 2008 at 11:44 am
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Thank you, Heather, my best to your Dad. If you haven't already, find out what type of cancer (squamous, non-squamous etc.) anytime they start a new chemo drug, so you will know if the drugs are compatible with that type.... I did the Carbo and Gemzar had very little side effects. Took the emend (for nausea) day before. day of, and day after.
I am so proud of you for being there for your Dad..I dont know what I would do without my kids..
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