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Hi Jerry, Why can't you get Opdivo immunotherapy? There are no required genetic markers required for that therapy and it has a lot of good results. I think you need a second opinion. Regards, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hello Barb, I'm so sorry you are having to go through all of this. Cancer truly is a beast of a disease and it is cruel to everyone it hits, even caregivers. We all feel the need to "burst out" now and then and you definitely have the right to. This is all very stressful and can be difficult to comprehend. You might want to ask at your husbands place of treatment if they know of any support groups close by. It can really help to have someone to talk to who understands what you're going through. We are always here to offer a sympathetic ear and advice and even a virtual hug. I pray you find some peace and comfort and your husband finds healing. Stay in touch, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hi Stephanie So far the only side effects I've had have been some fatigue and some constipation. It is a much kinder treatment than chemotherapy. I pray things go well for your father. Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hi BobbieA, I was born and raised in SE Michigan, but I love the UP. I'm in Ohio now, and I love it here too. I'm a "young 56", with 3 kids and 7 grandkids (yes, really. 7)! I also have stage 4 nsclc, which was a recurrence from a stage 3b. I'm not giving up though. I'm going to fight this with all I've got! I wish you the best! Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hi Stephanie I have just started on Keytruda. So far my only side effect has been fatigue. I nap pretty much every day. I have stage 4 NSCLC with mets to my kidney, pelvis, spine, some lymph nodes and 2 nodules in my lung. I was tested and I have a high PDL-1 expression so I'm hopeful the Keytruda will work great. Best wishes to your mom! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hi Stephanie I was first diagnosed with stage 3b NSCLC squamous cell in May of 2014. My first treatment was Cisplatin along with Etoposide. The main side effect from the Cisplatin I experienced was fatigue, and neuropathy in my hands and feet. I was given steroids before each treatment to stop the nausea, and had some prescription meds at home, though I didn't use them that often. I did develop Type 2 diabetes during treatment due to the steroids which raise blood sugar levels. I also developed cataracts (I was only 55) in both eyes and have had cataract surgery on both eyes). The neuropathy is still hanging around, though that may be due to the fact that I had more chemo (Carboplatin and Taxel) after my cancer came back after remission. I am currently stage 4 metastatic with mets to my spine and pelvis, and my kidney, some lymph nodes, and two nodules in my lung again. I was on Opdivo when I had to change oncologists due to insurance. My next Dr ordered gene testing and it turned out I did have an abnormal EGFR mutation (along with a whole bunch of other strange mutations), so I was put on Tarceva. I didn't tolerate it and it didn't work and I looked for a new doctor. My new oncologist ordered PDL testing and it showed a very strong expression so this Friday I will be starting Keytruda. I really hope it works well. I hope what ever treatment your dad gets will be very successful! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hi Tom, we certainly have both been through a lot. You give me hope though. I'm going to be starting Keytruda at the end of the month. I really hope it works well for me. Happy Holidays! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hi Lauren, thank you so much for the warm welcome and all the helpful information! I look forward to exploring everything and meeting new people! Happy Holidays to you and yours! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hi skmcornett, the met to the kidney was found during a routine chest CT. The scan went a little further south than usual and caught the top of my kidneys, and there was a spot. The Dr thought maybe it was a kidney cancer and ordered a PET to check for any other spots. That's when the pelvic bone met was found, along with the 2 nodules in the lung and the couple lymph nodes. The spine met wasnt found until just recently. My last oncologist missed it. I had a biopsy on both the pelvic met and the kidney met. It was my original lung cancer come back to bother me again. It's so great to hear you have clear CT's! I really hope that continues for you! I wish a happy holiday season to you and yours! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hi Just Chel, it's so great to hear you are NED! I hope your good news continues! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

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Hello. My name is Michelle and I am new to this forum. I am a 3 1/2 year survivor of non-small cell squamous cell lung cancer, and 1 year since recurrence at stage 4 with mets to my pelvic bone, spine, kidney, a couple lymph nodes, and 2 nodules in my lung again. I've been through chemo twice, radiation, surgery, Opdivo, Tarceva, and now getting ready to start Keytruda. I take each day as it comes, thankful for another sunrise. I've lost my hair twice, (as well as my eyebrows and eyelashes), but I didn't let it get me down. I just learned how to crochet hats and waited for it to grow back! The side effects have been rough, and they have taken a lot out of me but with the help of a couple great caregivers (my husband and my son, and my puppy), I have managed. I look forward to reading and sharing with others on the forum! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hello Randii, I've read through your posts and I'm so happy to see that things are going better and your friend was able to get the help he needed! I wish the very best for both of you and hope your friend continues to improve.

Hello Julie, I was also diagnosed with stage IV metastatic lung cancer. Mine is Squamous cell. It's a recurrent cancer that spread from the original site of my left lung. After failed chemo therapy (due to worsening neuropathy), and failed Opdivo, I was put on Tarceva. (I received gene testing as a result of switching to a different oncologist and it was determined that I had the EGFR+ mutation even though I had squamous cell cancer which is the reason I was put on Tarceva.) After 5 days I started getting the rash that usually accompanies the drug. My rash became severe so I'm currently off the drug until it heals and then I will start again on a lower dose. I'm really hoping the Tarceva works well. I'm also getting an Xgevia shot to help my pelvic bone regenerate (I have a pelvic bone tumor). How is the Tarceva working for you? I wish you the very best and hope your treatments work well for you.

I was first diagnosed with stage IIIA NSCLC Squamous in May of 2014. I had one tumor in my left lung that was growing in to my main bronchus and was very close to my heart. That made the tumor inoperable. I had radiation and chemotherapy at the same time and the tumor was no longer visible by December of 2014. In March of 2015, a small new tumor was found in my right lung and it was removed by a VATS wedge resection surgery. I was declared in remission in May of 2015. In November of that year, a mass was seen at the top of my right kidney during a CT scan of my chest. Further scans were done and it was determined that I had tumors on my right kidney, the lymph node near the kidney, my right pelvis bone, and my left lung again. A biopsy of the pelvic bone tumor showed the same type of cancer as my original tumor and I was declared state IV metastatic. After another go round of chemotherapy treatments and a week of radiation on the pelvic bone (to alleviate pain), the lingering neuropathy from my original go around with chemo was worsened and became grade 3. I was switched to Opdivo. After 8 treatments, the cancer still showed progression so gene testing was done and it was discovered that I had the EGFR+ mutation. I was switched to Tarceva. After 5 days of treatment, I developed a very severe rash that covered my scalp, ears, face, neck, shoulders, back, and stomach. It also started down my arms. (I had not been out in the sun at all once I started the drug) I'm currently off of the Tarceva until the rash heals and then I will go back on it at a lower dose. Hopefully it will work well and I can stop looking for the next treatment. (This is all in the About Me section of my profile)