MaryTD777

Rain,
First idea: try and relax, emphasis on the try! Believe me, I know.  The CT discovery is disconcerting but the tumors are very small.  The watch and wait thing might be appropriate because your reported symptoms (cough, fever) might actually be the cause of your tumors. 
Second idea: to ease your mind, ask your pulmonologist about a biopsy. He or she might be reluctant because the tumors are very small. Needle biopsy would be difficult. So, ask about a PET scan. Again, the size makes results interpretation challenging and doctors wouldn't know what kind of cancer but you might have a result. 
A three month delay in treatment is not unusual. I once had 4 months of inconclusive scans that finally resolved as my second reoccurrence. The "yes", "no", "maybe" was maddening but although cancer grows fast, the delay in treatment did not affect outcomes. 
Let us know how tomorrow's session goes. 
Stay the course. 
Tom

Leia,
OK - so let's review the bidding.  MD Anderson as treatment center: world class place.  Radiation worked.  Blood clots discovered before they could cause serious damage. Fragmin works.  First line chemotherapy of Taxol and Carboplatin worked for me.  Your brother is getting a more effective pairing that was unavailable at the time I underwent chemo.  It should work. Zometa to harden bones is typical as is Neulasta to boost WBC and likely Procrit for RBC.  The Neulasta injection is painful as is resultant bone pain in the long bones.  But all three of these treatments work.  So, I'm bidding "small slam" (Bridge Card Game analogy).  I'm also suggesting one or several Denny's Grand Slams after each infusion because steroids administered before chemo drugs will make him extremely hungry.  
Chart the onset of side-effects (day - date & time after infusion) because they will occur with the same frequency after each infusion.  After the first infusion and knowing the side-effect cycle, consult with the chemo nurse about starting side-effect mitigating medication about an hour before the onset of each effect.  This worked for me. 
Keep us posted and stay the course.
Tom

Thanks for the update.  Sounds like the doctors are being really aggressive with his cancer.
It is tough but it takes being tough to kill this disease.  Glad he has his family to stand by him.
Donna G
 

Sue,
I also am glad you are seeing a doctor.  Am hoping for good results.
Stay the course.
Tom

Hi, Sue,
I am glad that you are going to a doctor! Please keep us posted!
Lauren
--
Digital Community Manager
LUNGevity Foundation

Seeing pulmonologist today


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

There's no way for anyone but a Dr. to know if you should be concerned. What's ok for you could be bad for another and vice versa.

Fingers crossed!! I hope it was nothing.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Adam,
Ensure you consult with your oncologist on your diet before undergoing chemotherapy.  GI side-effects are common and certain elements of a diet may enhance that side-effect.
Stay the course.
Tom

Thank you all for your responses, I really appreciate it.
I fear it will be diagnosed as extensive, but i am starting to feel relatively positive anyway.
I have really tried to cry it out over the last few days, and I think that has helped me move on to feeling better and taking all available positive actions that I can.
I have made major diet changes already and I am continuing to research diets. I am interested in others opinions on diet. I am also trying to start chemo asap.
No doubt I have rough days ahead and more tears to come, but Im not taking it lying down and I believe by getting all available treatment and then following a very strict diet I have a good chance of being around for a while yet.
Thanks again for your responses and links, I will probably have more questions in time.
Adam

Mally,
That's right.  I remember now.  Perhaps the adjuvant label refers to the proximity of your surgery.  That is what we sometimes call "dust-up" chemo after surgery.  If so, let's hope it clears the lymph nodes.
Stay the course.
Tom

I was told they took 20 nodes out and 7 had cancer cells in them so made me think about just how many nodes are in there

Sent from my SM-N920I using Tapatalk

Mally,
Get ready for my precise answer to your questions on the number of lymph nodes in our lungs -- a lot!
Here is a picture I grabbed on line.  I gave up trying to count them.  Moreover, the scope of the questions introduces complexity.  Is it just the lungs, thoracic cavity, chest, the answer kind of depends on what one considers the lung.
More importantly, why are you asking?
Stay the course.
Tom
 

Now i can see it better ...well done 

Its good to hear that i may not lose my hair at least that would be something positive in this journey 

Mary,
Oh la' la'.  You got that picture insert thing down pat!
Stay the course.
Tom

OK, I got on my laptop and I'm seeing the same photo I just changed too. Unfortunately i am seeing that my 3 year old 4 mile long profile thing is on every post I make. I better look thru how to tweek that stuff again. Obviously its been a while since i have done much with it. 
Take care!
OOH! I tried to attach it to this post & see what happens  

Adam,
Extended stage disease (ED) small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is no picnic.  Since you are newly diagnosed, you may want to read into your disease.  Start here to learn about current treatment options.  Moreover, the emerging field of immunotherapy is displaying success against ED SCLC.  Here is information about immunotherapy treatments. 
You'll likely start treatment with concurrent radiation and chemotherapy.  This treatment can be very effective in arresting your disease.  Here is some insight I wrote a while back that may help you prepare for your treatment.  In particular, Steps 5 through 10 are applicable to your situation.  It is important to manage expectations.  I know two fundamental things about lung cancer.  Treatment often works yielding extended life; lung cancer is a persistant disease.  Prepare for both.  Live your extended life and recognize that any form of lung cancer is rarely a "one and done" situation.  I had 4 recurrences after treatment yielded a no evidence of disease or NED state.   
In light of persistence, you may want to ask your doctor about the availability of immunotherapy treatments in New Zealand.  
This is a good place for your questions and you are most welcome.
Stay the course.
Tom

Hello Adam
Glad you found us.  I can imagine this is a very upsetting diagnosis. I know I was very upset when I learned I had lung cancer.
 From what you have said I believe your is contained within your lungs ?  That would be good.  What is the plan of care set up?
Have they set it up?
My friend Janet I met over 15 yrs ago and she is doing well.  She had SCLC , had radiation and chemo. I pray you respond to treatment as she did especially
where you are so young.  Glad to hear you are planning to quit smoking.  You could use the money you save to have a great vacation.
How you feel emotionally and spiritually also affect your physical health.  So find support, times to relax. Let us help you with your friends and family.
Feel free to ask questions and get support.  Please update us on how you are doing.
Donna G

OK, I got on my laptop and I'm seeing the same photo I just changed too. Unfortunately i am seeing that my 3 year old 4 mile long profile thing is on every post I make. I better look thru how to tweek that stuff again. Obviously its been a while since i have done much with it. 
Take care!
OOH! I tried to attach it to this post & see what happens  

I cant see the photo mary ....what do I do to see it ?

Mally,
Good morning.  I did not lose my hair during chemo.  The PA at the oncology clinic said I had a 50/50 shot of losing it, but the oncologist said that I likely wouldn't lose it.  I have a friend who took cisplatin for a different type of cancer and he lost his hair.  The PA told me to be gentle with my hair - don't wash it every day, try to minimize use of hair dryers and curling irons, etc.  I hope this helps.

Duh!! I am on tap talk or something... the phone app. I don't know if it changes in the regular lungevity program. Grrr. Let me know if that's the issue & I will find my way back to the regular site.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

It should be my profile picture. I was holding a napkin behind my head as if it were a backdrop.
My old profile pic was a giant close up with a goofy smile. If it didn't work in don't know any other way to show a picture on here....



Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

It sounds like we should rename this conversation Giloftrif!! [emoji5]

I am so glad it sounds like this medicine is THE thing y'all needed!! Good luck & God bless!!

Take care,
Mary

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

The photo was easy to change!

Sorry it's so crumby. My pal took it with her phone in 2011, before camera phones were as good as real cameras!! LOL

Its dated 6/4 so I got mad at clumps falling out at around the 4-6 week mark. It was falling out before then, but got bad then.
?

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk