[Paranoia (just whining, no responses needed :) ) 9/14 update]

Hi Andrea,

I understand your fears as well, because I live them myself. Thanks to DADSTIMEON I discovered a local hospital that was offering two-for-one CT lung screenings. My brother and I took advantage of this offer. Due to our family history (mother & grandmother) he was allowed to have the test performed even though he wasn't yet 40. If you haven’t done so, mention your family history if/when you try to schedule a screening appointment. It might make a difference.

Christine

[Brain Scan?]

Kate,

My advice is to insist on a MRI – even if just to get a baseline image of the brain.

My understanding is that stereotactic radiosurgery is recommended for tumors 3 cm or smaller, thereby making early detection crucial.

Upon diagnosis in Sep 04, (primary NSCLC & primary renal cell carcinoma) my mother was given an MRI as a part of the initial “work-up”. She did not receive another brain scan until approximately 6 months after WBR – after I requested it.

I asked her oncologist why he did not order a brain scan every three months to go along with the chest scans. His reply was that it was not standard practice. Apparently “standard practice” is to wait until symptoms appear.

Well, symptoms appeared. My mother had another brain MRI taken on 2/1 and was on the operating table 2/9 having a craniotomy to remove a tumor almost 4 cm big (which we learned was from the kidney cancer).

Good luck to you.

Christine

[I've made another birthday!]

A belated Happy Birthday TAnn! I hope you enjoyed YOUR day!

[Any help is appreciated Please respond]

Hi Calintay. My mom too was recently diagnosed, so I understand what you're feeling. This is a great place to be if you're looking for information and support. I'm unfamiliar with electromagnetic field treatment, however there is a fair chance someone else here does. I wish you the best.

[New to LCSC]

Hello Mercer. Welcome. Thank you for sharing your story. You have a wonderful attitude and that makes all the difference in the world.

[diagnosed sclc limited stage yesterday]

Hello Wanda and welcome. This is the place to be if you are looking for support, compassion, care and encouragement. Although I am sorry you have to be here at all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Christine

[Finally, Hello]

First, thank you all! What a warm welcome.

My twin brothers and I believe that a second opinion is in order; however it may take some convincing for my parents to agree.

My father just finished chemo and radiation for recurrent esophageal cancer and he handled it extremely well (in fact, he and my mother started their radiation treatment on the same day!). For that reason he has all the faith in the world that their oncologist knows what he’s doing – and I’m sure he does. But the phrase “difference of opinion” exists for a reason. I believe there may be an oncologist out there who views my mother’s treatment options in an entirely different way.

It’s funny, I feel as though I already know everyone here. I guess, in a way I do. Again, thank you for the encouraging words. They really do help. And please know my prayers are with you all also.

[Finally, Hello]

Hello everyone!

I've been lurking around this site for a couple of months now but just couldn't bring myself to post. Before I tell my mother's story I wish to thank everyone who participates on this board. Without knowing it, over the past months everyone has provided me with comfort and hope.

My mother, an otherwise healthy 61 year old former smoker, was diagnosed with NSCLC, stage IV in mid-September, 2004. In addition, she was also diagnosed with primary kidney cancer (a tumor was caught on the chest CT scan). Since then she has completed 14 rounds of WBR for 2 brain mets (the only mets). Between the WBR and chest radiation she was hospitalized for a pulmonary embolism.

She had the first of 33 rounds of chest radiation while in the hospital for the PE. She was unable to start chemo at this time because the port-a-cath was not in place yet. She began chemo the following week. She was given Cisplatin on Monday, followed by VP-16 on Tues. and Wed. Her oncologist gave her Cisplatin the following Monday and then decided that she wouldn't tolerate additional chemo. About 1-1/2 weeks later my mother was admitted to the hospital with a fever of just under 102. Her white blood cell count was very low. She was given 2 units of blood and was eventually diagnosed with Cytomegalovirus (CMV Virus). She began taking Valcyte and is much better now.

Originally the treatment plan was to give her another round of chemo during the last week of radiation. Now her oncologist is saying no more chemo.... ever. He believes since she had a bad reaction the first time, she couldn't tolerate additional rounds. If not chemo, what then? Isn't there a milder form of chemo that she might be able to tolerate?

I apologize for a very long first post. Thank you all.