Wendy

Hi Deb, I had the exact same treatment. I did have 2 cycles of the chemo regime instead of just one. I am a 5 yr 2 month survivor initially diagnosed at stage iiia. I did have extensive lymph node involvement initially when I had surgery to remove my left lung. I was pretty healthy during the chemo/radiation treatments. My worst side effect was being very tired, but then again, I had my left lung removed right before I started the chemo. No nausea but a little neuropathy in my hands/feet. My blood counts stayed pretty stable until the last dose of cisplatin and I needed a blood transfusion. The transfusion perked me up the next day. Unfortunately for me, my cancer re-occured but I have heard many lung cancer survivors - long term survivors (13 yrs, 9 years, 8 yrs etc) have fabulous results with the cisplatin/etopiside/radiation cocktail. 1 last tip to make sure that your mom drinks lots of water before, during and after chemo to keep her kidneys flushed and prevent dehydration. I have my fingers crossed that the cocktail works great. Wendy

Awesome news Kasey and Fred - Time for a celebration for sure! Wendy

Thanks for the inspiration and hope Rich. Cheers to many more anniversaries ahead. Wendy

I am so sorry, Wendy

Marci, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Wendy

TS, I had my port taken out immediately after I finished my first line chemo treatment. I regretted taking it out every time I went to have scans or blood draws because my vains were just shot. Unfortunately for me, I did have to start more iv treatments and I had the port put back in. Wendy

My deepest sympathy to you and yours. Wendy

Great news Muriel!! Wendy

Sending you a cyber hug and thoughts today. I wish we all had the answer for you, unfortunately no one knows how each journey will end on earth. I pray that the pain subsides soon and that better days are ahead. Wendy

Keeneshaa, You can hang out with us anytime! Wendy

More prayers being sent, Wendy

Welcome Kneesaa, I am a 5 year survivor that was initially diagnosed at stage IIIa. For the last 3 years after progression to my bone, I was restaged at stage IV. My treatment for the last 3 years was with Avastin and Tarceva. The good news is that these drugs have worked miracles for me and many others - and your hair will grow back! I have my fingers crossed that they work for you too, Wendy

Hi Barb, I just wanted to add that I have been on Tarceva for 3 years and have had the dose dropped and increased depending on my current side effects. I usually varied from 100 mg to 150 mg. I have had great results even with the doses being bounced around. Wendy

Carole you are in my thoughts and prayers. Wendy

Hi Pamee and Welcome! Wendy

Welcome! Wendy

Tina, This is horrible news. I have my fingers crossed that your mom recovers quickly. Thinking of you both, Wendy

Hi Jenn, I too am sending you and your family prayers. I wanted to add also that I have had mouth irritation and dryness with tarceva. There are several products out there that miight help. Oasis and Biotene brands of mouth wash for dry mouth work good and Biotene has a toothpaste that works too. Keep us posted, Wendy

Welcome! Sorry to hear about your sister/friend. I hope you will be able to find some great advise and information from this site. Wendy

Congratulations on the weight loss and moms good health. I especially love that you don't know when your moms next doc appointment is - cancer is starting to disappear from the daily memory box Cheers to continued good news, Wendy

Awesome news!! A celebration is definetly in order. Wendy

Woo Hoo I just love to hear survivor success stories. Cheer to many more anniversaries ahead. Wendy

Great picture Jean. Its great to put a face with a name. Cheers, Wendy

Hello and Welcome, I am a 5 year survivor of adenocarcinoma and I can remember when I was 1st diagnosed officially, like it was yesterday. I never thought I would be able to mentally deal with the cancer diagnosis, non the less have the courage to face the upcoming physical challenges it brought. Flash forward 5 years and I have had a lung removed, a paralyzed vocal cord, 6 different chemo/tumor drugs, radiation to my chest, spine, pelvis and skull. I am still here and enjoying life! I found alot of hope from this site by reading other survivor stories and I encourage you to read the stories in the My story section. I would also recommend that you don't read all the statistics on lung cancer, they are very outdated. Good luck as you begin your journey and keep us posted on your treatment. You can be a survivor too!! Wendy

If anyone can do it, it would be you - Good luck, Wendy