Donna G

O what sad news for us and her family. I am sure she is well and happy now. My prayers are offered for her family during this most difficult time. Donna G

Joanie I am so happy for you. Let's do a HAPPY, HAPPY DANCE ! Donna G

Happy Birthday ! and many more! Donna G

Hi Meridith. I believe you can get small cell cancer in most all of the mucous type membranes in the body as the esophagus, stomach, colon, cervix etc. As with the lung it seems to be the least common type in those areas too. What is interesting is Cervical they believe is caused by a virus. They are pushing a vacine to prevent it they feel should be given to teenagers. I wonder if small cell lung etc could also have been caused by a virus. Wishing you the best. Donna G

Personally I belong to a lung cancer support group and have friends that are over 5 yrs with no chemo. So it has got to be your decision. Sure wish our researcher had that blood test ready and available so we would know who was at high risk. See below. Wishing you the best. Donna G I Detection of occult micrometastases in non-small cell lung carcinoma by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Salerno CT, Frizelle S, Niehans GA, Ho SB, Jakkula M, Kratzke RA, Maddaus MA. Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis V.A. Medical Center, USA. BACKGROUND: The 5-year survival rate following surgical resection of Stage I or Stage II non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is 30% to 50%, probably because of undetected occult micrometastases (OMs) at the time of surgery. Other investigators have detected OMs in bone marrow and histologically negative lymph nodes from patients with NSCLC using immunohistochemical staining to cytokeratins and cell surface glycoproteins. STUDY OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate an assay based on the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of OMs in NSCLC. PATIENTS: Twenty-eight patients with benign or malignant thoracic pathology. Samples of primary tumors and lymph nodes were collected at the time of surgical resection or mediastinoscopic lymph-node biopsy. RESULTS: Using RT-PCR to detect messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts for MUC1 (a cell surface glycoprotein present in lung tissue but absent from normal lymph nodes), OMs were identified in 33 of 88 lymph nodes determined to be free of tumor by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Eleven of 11 control mediastinal lymph nodes from patients without malignancy failed to express detectable MUC1 transcripts. Dilutional experiments demonstrate that the assay can detect one MUC1-positive NSCLC cell in 1x10(7) MUC1-negative cells. A comparison of our RT-PCR assay to immunohistochemistry specific for the MUC1 glycoprotein suggests that RT-PCR may be more sensitive than immunohistochemistry for the detection of NSCLC OMs. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that RT-PCR for MUC1 mRNA can detect the presence of MUC1 mRNA in histologically negative lymph nodes from patients with NSCLC. The prognostic significance of these findings is currently unknown. II Post-Surgery Chemo Raises Lung Cancer Survival Two-drug combo offers hope for those with early-stage disease. By Serena Gordon HealthDay Reporter E-mail this article Subscribe to news WEDNESDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- In one of the first real advances in lung cancer treatment in years, researchers report that chemotherapy after surgery to remove early-stage lung cancer can boost patient survival. The study found the combination of two drugs, vinorelbine and cisplatin, initiated soon after surgery to remove non-small-cell lung cancer tumors, increased five-year survival rates by 15 percent and overall survival rates by 31 percent. The findings were first presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting last year, and have quickly become the standard of care for people with early-stage lung cancer. The full study now appears in the June 23 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. "Surgery is not the primary and only care any longer," explained study author Dr. Timothy Winton, an associate professor of surgery and division director of thoracic surgery at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. "A short course of chemotherapy led to significant improvements in survival and recurrence-free survival. This is extremely good news for lung cancer patients and is a major advance," he added. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer, causing more deaths than breast, prostate and colon cancer combined, according to the American Lung Association. More than 160,000 Americans will die of lung cancer this year, and 172,000 will be diagnosed with the disease. In the past, the only treatment option for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer -- the most common form of lung malignancy -- was surgical removal of the tumor. According to an accompanying editorial in the same issue of the journal, five-year survival rates after surgery alone range between 23 percent and 67 percent. The problem with surgery alone is that it can leave traces of malignancy behind. Those hidden cancer cells can then travel and grow in other sites, such as the brain, where they become even more deadly. Past studies on post-surgery chemotherapy had shown little or no benefit, or the benefit was so small that it didn't outweigh the risks of chemotherapy. But, according to editorial author Dr. Katherine Pisters, of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, many of those studies were small and were done with older, less active drugs. Also, she said, diagnostic imaging wasn't as precise as it is today, so many cases in those older studies may not have been properly staged. To try to correct for those limitations, Winton and his colleagues focused on people diagnosed with early Stage IB or Stage II lung cancer. They also began the chemotherapy regimen within six weeks of surgical tumor removal. "We wanted to have a significant impact on microscopic, undetectable disease," Winton said. The study included 482 patients. A total of 242 underwent four cycles of chemotherapy with vinorelbine and cisplatin over a 16-week period, while the remaining 240 patients had no additional treatment after the surgery. The chemotherapy combination was generally well-tolerated, according to Winton, though two deaths were associated with the medications. The most common side effect, experienced by 88 percent of the treated group -- was neutropenia. Neutropenia is a decrease in the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection. Other side effects included fatigue, nausea, vomiting and constipation. Overall survival was increased 31 percent for the treated group, the researches report. Those treated lived an average of 94 months vs. 73 months for the surgery-alone group. No one in the surgery-alone group achieved relapse-free survival, while those in the treated group averaged nearly 47 months without a relapse. Five-year survival rates were also up for those who received chemotherapy: 69 percent compared to 54 percent for the surgery alone group, according to the study. "Up until now, chemotherapy after surgery was controversial," said Pisters, who noted that several additional studies have since confirmed this study's results. "This is the most encouraging news in lung cancer treatment in a long time." This encouraging news comes on the heels of last week's disappointing news about the targeted lung cancer drug Iressa. That medication initially looked promising but, according to the FDA, it produced a response in just one in 10 patients. That suggests Iressa may only be effective for a select group of patients with a specific genetic mutation. Winton said the vinorelbine/cisplatin combination doesn't appear to be that selective and should benefit a wide range of patients. However, he did add that researchers are creating a "biologic tumor bank" to determine whether patients with certain genetic markers benefit more or less from the treatment. The bottom line, however, is that "we've never had anything in the lung cancer setting with this much benefit," said Pisters. "If you have surgery for lung cancer, you need to find out if you're a candidate for chemotherapy." She recommended that these patients discuss the findings with their physician. More information To learn more about lung cancer, visit LungCancer.org. (SOURCES: Timothy Winton, M.D., associate professor, surgery, and division director, thoracic surgery, University of Alberta and University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada; Katherine Pisters, M.D., associate professor, department of thoracic, head and neck medical oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; June 23, 2005, New England Journal of Medicine) Copyright © 2005 ScoutNews LLC. All rights reserved.

Here is one article. Read down it says the overall survival rate of Stage I is " 50- 70 %. A new program to help patients and their families deal with lung cancer, the most common cancer killer in the U.S., and other cancers of the chest has been developed at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield. The new Thoracic Oncology Program at SIU, or TOPS, brings lung cancer specialists into a weekly clinic setting at the SIU Cancer Institute. The program, which started seeing patients this fall, is designed so several specialists evaluate patients with possible or confirmed cancers on the same day and then develop a consensus treatment plan for each individual. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Cancers of the chest include those in the lungs, esophagus, thymus gland and pleura, which is a membrane in the chest. "This SIU clinic brings together specialists from several disciplines focused on treating various thoracic cancers, including lung cancer, in order to provide the best outcome possible for our patients in central and southern Illinois," said Dr. Stephen R. Hazelrigg, professor of cardiothoracic surgery and medical director for TOPS. "We also have support services for patients and families such as a regular support group meeting, nutrition counseling and smoking cessation programs." Other team members represent medical oncology, radiation oncology, pulmonary medicine, diagnostic radiology, pathology, nursing and social services. Diagnostic radiology, pathology and radiation therapy services are being provided by community physicians. The team can provide first or second opinions to new patients as well as evaluate in-patients at Memorial Medical Center or St. John's Hospital in Springfield. The mortality rate for lung cancer is greater than the three most common cancers combined -- breast, colorectal and prostate. Approximately 171,900 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, while more than 430 patients with lung cancer die each day. The overall five-year survival for lung cancer is only 12-14 percent. Annually, lung cancer kills more men than prostate cancer and more women than breast cancer. Nearly 90 percent of lung cancers are caused by smoking and secondhand smoke. Increased risk also can come from exposure to carcinogens such as radon and asbestos. "Smokers can reduce their chance of developing lung cancer if they stop the habit, says Dr. Akshay Sood, an SIU assistant professor of pulmonary medicine and member of TOPS. "An additional benefit from smoking cessation is the reduction of coronary artery disease and emphysema." There are few early warning signs for lung cancer, though many patients have no symptoms when they are diagnosed with lung cancer. Symptoms can include a persistent cough, coughing blood, shortness of breath or wheezing, and recurrent bouts of pneumonia. Early detection is critical. Testing patients at high risk for developing lung cancer means tumors can be found while small and more easily treated. The five-year survival rate for the earliest possible lung cancer, stage 1 disease, treated surgically is 50-70 percent. "We are working to bring advanced technology quickly into the evaluation of patients in order to assure they are started in the right direction, with appropriate diagnosis steps and treatment recommendations," explains Dr. Manuel Valdivieso, director of the SIU Cancer Institute and TOPS member. "We want to realize more success for our patients by the judicious incorporation of different treatment disciplines, including access to national cooperative group clinical trials." Hazelrigg also says the TOPS team is working to include compassionate and patient-centered care, which includes various related services. These include advice about nutrition, special exercise programs, coping help as well as treatment for possible depression, and home and hospice care. The support group for lung cancer patients and their families meets the third Tuesday of each month and usually features a guest speaker. More information about the support group is available by calling the SIU Cancer Institute administrative offices at 217-545-6818 weekdays. The Thoracic Oncology Program at SIU is based at the SIU Cancer Institute, which is located in the Baylis Building (first floor), 747 N. Rutledge St., Springfield. To contact the TOPS program about new or follow-up patients appointment or to request information, call 217-545-7422 weekdays. - 30 -

It has been recommended for several years now to have Chemo with Stage I disease. The incidence I believe in around 50 % of it showing up within a year if you don't. There is a doctor here in Minnesota who has been working for several years on a blood test to find "micro-metastasis" . If he is successful perhaps we would have a test that could accurately predict who these people are that need chemo but for now you are playing a huge game of chance. Best wishes with your dicision. Donna G

Lisa did the doctor mention the option of a Trans-Esophagial biopsy? They put a tube down your throat to do it. If you can't get at that mediastinal node from the outside maybe they can from the inside. Donna G

Looks different. Can the chat room be used when there's no chat moderator? When I typed in a name to log on it is invivible, is it suppose to be? When you get there do you have to pick a color or something? I could not type anything in as we could before to try it out. Sorry I am so computer illiterate. Takes me time to adapt to the changes. Donna G

Rick ---katie--you are the best. Please know that we appreciate all your hard work keeping this site going. Donna G

Welcome Lisa. When are you going to have the biopsy? Keep us posted. Donna G

Yippee! We're back together again! Donna G

Mark I hope all goes well today, waiting to hear. Donna G

Woops, this is late. First my husband and I presure washed the house early because the temp was going up into the 90's, record breaking! At noon, as my husband is a vet and member of the American Legion he went to this ceremony in Apple Valley. http://www.thisweek-online.com/2006/May ... vices.html I watched the military channel on cable, a story of Vets of Vietnam going back there recently. My husband is a Vet of that time, 2 tours over there. Later we watched the channel that had military movies all day, last one we saw ended at 10:30. We had the air conditioning on all day, May 29 in Minnesota, unbelievable! Donna G

Glad to hear your Dad got antidepressents! Most of us need them and it really helps with coping. Keep us posted. Donna G

Welcome. Many people have nodules and only follow up for changes (as they grew or more) will tell the doctor if they need to be biopsied. Wishing you well. Donna G

Hi Laurel, welcome. Hope we can help. Donna G

Is the pain in your leg worse if you walk or step? I always worry about blood clots especially with lung cancer. Hope you are doing better. Donna G

Prayers going up. Donna G

Welcome. I am a Pancoast Tumor survivor. When I was diagnosed the normal protocol was daily radiation and chemo for 6 weeks, re scan if shrunk and away from the blood vessels and nerves in that area, then surgery , then more chemo (see below). I am a little confused with your post. First I can not imagine doing Vats for a tumor way up in the apex of your lung, must have been a very talented doctor. Second, if the tumor was removed first, what are they aiming the radiation at? I do want to say I am an 8 plus year survivor and have no evidence of disease. Wishing you also to be friends with NED. Donna G

Welcome. BAC is not a common type of lung cancer. We have one young women in our local support group who had a little girl when she was diagnosed. She was able to have surgery. A couple of years after she got pregnant and had our little miracle Henry. So far she is doing well. Donna G

Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to Katie. Happy Birthday to you. And many more! What kind of cake are we having? Donna G

1. Life is too important to be taken seriously. (Oscar Wilde) 2. We rarely succeed at anything unless we have fun doing it. (Rev. John Naus) 3. You grow up the day you have your first real laugh at yourself. (Ethel Barrymore) 4. There is nothing funnier than the unintended humor of reality. (Steve Allen) 5. Laughter is an act of faith, a declaration of belief in a God who can be trusted...the outer sacrament of God's life within us. (Tom Mullen, RobertKress) 6. Laughter is internal jogging...the jest medicine. (Norman Cousins, Joel Goodman) 7. When it comes to humor, the 'eyes' have it...the next best thing to solving a problem is seeing humor in it. (Joel Goodman,Frank Clark) 8. He who laughs, lasts! (Joel Goodman) 9. Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. (Victor Borge) 10. We are all here for a spell, get all the good laughs you can. (Will Rogers) And one more for good measure.... The ability to laugh at life is right at the top, with love and communication, in the hierarchy of our needs. Humor has much to do with pain: it exaggerates the anxieties and absurdities we feel, so that we gain distance and through laughter, relief. (Sara Davidson)

She is Canadian? Here in the twin cities we see her every evening! They run her on an anti-smoking spot on the TV and she decribes how she was told she had a smokers tumor and "I never smoked a day in my life" she says. I am sorry she got cancer, but I hate the commercial because I feel it continues the blame game rather than helping the 160,000 new people a year who are suffering. Donna G

WElcome. You can stay as long as you let us all come to Ireland and visit you! ( Kidding of course usless you'll have us) Hope we can be of help to you. Donna G