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Mally, Right! Anxious time to next scan. Remember, lung cancer is persistent so keep your game face on. The 6 month scan interval is a good sign but it is just a sign. Most important is to be doing something you enjoy while surfing your NED. You got the promise of treatment -- extra life. Now have fun! Stay the course. Tom

I'm on a 90 day scan cycle. Super Doc says when I go 2 years without a recurrence, he'll move me to the 6 month cycle.

Thank you! He doesn't sleep flat. He is going to the pulmonologist Wednesday. I just hope the doctor gives him some hope that these symptoms will improve. My father is used to being "busy" and now it takes a rest break to put on his socks. He is so discouraged. If he could just breathe a little better...it would make all the difference. He started using his nebulizer and inhaler today.

Hi, Steff, I am sorry that you and your family are going through this again. Tom is a great example of a long term survivor who has lived through recurrences. Please keep us posted on your mom's surgery and biopsy. Once we have more information, we can connect you to others with a similar diagnosis. We have many resources for patients/survivors and caregivers, so please let me know if you'd like to learn more about our support program. We are here for you. With gratitude, Lauren -- Digital Community Manager LUNGevity Foundation

Ive recently had ct scans done and no sign of cancer which im totally thrilled about but im scheduled for my next scan in 6 months time but just wondering if you all wait 6 months for your next recurrence scan after getting the all clear ? Sent from my SM-N920I using Tapatalk

I totally understand how you feel. Once you get a cancer diagnosis of any kind it changes you. I am so happy to know you are doing so well and caught it early which is so important for our survival.

So, my father has completed this last phase of treatment. He had a CT and has some fluid and lung damage due to the radiation. Lots of lung damage. His next CT is in September with contrast. He is going to see his pulmonologist to see about a plan for the lung damage.

Kaly, Your brother's report is not a good one. But, Squamous cell does respond to chemo. If it didn't, I wouldn't be here. With the extent of metastatic disease, it is hard to see how radiation could be used except to moderate pain as palliative care. And, Squamous cell does not respond to targeted therapy. This treatment is only available for a percentage of those with adenocarcinoma NSC lung cancer. But, there have been recent advances in immunotherapy for Squamous cell folks. Ensure your brother asks about immunotherapy at his next doctor consult. Stay the course. Tom

Vicky, How about that! Great report. I'm using a phone to respond. Helping my daughter with her brain radiation so I'm struggling with this small keyboard. But the forum format on my phone starts with one's first post. I therefore took time to read yours. Interesting, indeed. So you are on the NED road and what does one do with the gift of NED? Stay the course. Tom

Happy to hear the positive news, Vicky! Way to be an overachiever!!! I hope that this positive news will help you and your husband to look forward to the future. Best wishes!

Mally, my last scans we're 6 months apart however the most recent scan showed a new area of concern so I am back to every 3 months for now. I had been NED for 26 months on a targeted therapy drug, that is the reason my doc extended the time between scans. I think maybe 6 months might have been a little too far apart. I am only speaking from my own experience and I know insurance dictates the number and frequency of scans allowed.

Hi all...It's June 21, and I have an update. My oncologist took scans of my brain an lungs. The cancer tumor on my diapham has shrunk for 12 centimeters ti about 1 centimeter./ All but one of the lesions has disappeared from my brain and the radiation oncologist says my progress is further ahead for the amount of time I have been in treatment...he called me an overachiever. I have 2 more chemo treatments and will be able to see what the doctor wants to to do. Thanks for your continued support. Vicky Hey everyone, Thanks for all the support. I go for CT scans on my head and lungs on June 1st to see what, if any, good the radiation and chemo has done. I got the markers back and do not qualify for Keytruda. They require 50 in the PD-L1 and mine came back with a 4! Figures! Anyway. the doctor is still pretty positive. I just need some good news from the doctor like some damn procedure has worked.Thanks for listening all...hopefully I will get some good news soon. Vicky

Kaly, I'm sorry that your brother's results were not what you had hoped. I pray that his oncologist can suggest additional treatment options.

Hello Raymond. Welcome here. We share a diagnosis and I had pre chemo and radiation to shrink my tumor and allow a pneumonectomy of my right lung. Sounds like you are aware of the need to be your own advocate when dealing with complex medicine and lung cancer is very complex. Your PCP's involvement is a plus. Mine was invaluable in setting up my treatment team and "nudging" them into action. Make sure your doctors know you are coughing up blood. Stay the course. Tom

Hey! Mally's got a NED scan! Celebration time, do the dance. So your are on the 6 month scan program. Good for you. I can recall every other month scan frequencies. Still, that is future stuff. Celebrate now. Stay the course. Tom

Steff, I am a fourth time cancer survivor. I had 4 recurrences after reaching a state of no evidence of disease (NED). So here is the hope I offer, if I can live so can your mother. Lung cancer is persistent. At some level, recurrences should be expected. Take some time to get acquainted with this site. Most of us were not "one and done" survivors. But we are here. Let us know the type of lung cancer your mom has (for example non small cell Squamous cell lung cancer). Those with a similar type can chime in and tell you of their experience. Stay the course. Tom

Julie, You said it best! Stay the course. Tom

Thinking of you today, hope all goes well/went well. I look forward to seeing a "selfie" of you finishing the 1/2 marathon!

A treatment plan gives peace and a place to focus, at least in my mind. Good luck as you start your treatment!

Welcome Raymond! It's good that you went to Sloan Kettering when you weren't satisfied with the answers you were getting. Cancer does mean a lot of reevaluation. Hang in there! Bridget