D iane

Wishing you the best Tom.  It's so much in the beginning, you feel like your head might explode!!!  
I do hope once you get a few answers you are looking for, rule out any brain mets, and get underway, you will feel a whole lot better.  That combo is going to send any cancer cells into oblivion!  
My husband has extensive disease and his combo is working.  He is thankfully feeling better this morning!  I will still search for a way to better understand the process of treatment and the after effects.  For him, at least, there is a battle going on in his belly.  Trusting that it's the meds ridding him of the disease.  
 

Thank you, Tom.   I've been reading about your recent diagnosis, surgery, and getting set up with a treatment plan.  I don't think you will be given this immunotherapy drug?  I am hopeful that the chemo/radiation yields very good results for you and can keep away from the immuno stuff until much later...……..if at all.   

Hi.  Was just updating my signature for those who are following.  Cycle #5 is complete.  He gets a Neulasta shot today, so I suspect things will start to go a little downhill tonight.  
Haven't heard from just me in awhile, as well as a few others with small cell.  Hope they are doing OK.
Happy Valentines!  I made our surf and turf dinner this past Sunday when he was well.  It was delicious!
 

Hi.  Was just updating my signature for those who are following.  Cycle #5 is complete.  He gets a Neulasta shot today, so I suspect things will start to go a little downhill tonight.  
Haven't heard from just me in awhile, as well as a few others with small cell.  Hope they are doing OK.
Happy Valentines!  I made our surf and turf dinner this past Sunday when he was well.  It was delicious!
 

Saw the oncologist this morning.   We received his clarification on the L3 and chest nodes as being new.  He said they are new in relation to prior CT (Sept. 30) but NOT in comparison to the PET/CT he had in November just as treatment began.  And, he sees slight improvement in those areas.   It's obvious he is responding to treatment so we are scheduled for another cycle to begin on Monday.  He said scan again in a couple of months.  We asked what the follow up on the pancreas was, and he replied---scans are the follow up.  At this point I have to take a minute and yes be reminded there is no cure for this disease.  Radiation will only be given as a palliative treatment.  So, that's where we are.  Continue treatment until future scans show progression, or when my husband says he's had enough.  They may throw some other things at him, but I'm staying the course even though I know where it ends.

Thank you Lou
Tom, We have already had a consult with an RO back in November.  Same RO I had in 2018. Excellent DR.    He deferred treatment back to MO and said maybe see you later.  Thanks for the thought, I will be asking/reading about SBRT.  

Hi,
He's hanging in there.  The day after treatment is when things start going down hill for him.  Neulasta shot and joint pain (even though he's taking Claritin).  Then, the abdominal pains started.  He's also getting a few mouth sores and is rinsing everyday.  I feel it's the chemo drugs affecting his intestines.  It' not a constant pain, but hurts to go and gas pains/cramps are pretty bad.  He is still eating well and he seems to be making OK choices with bland food and taking the over the counter meds to keep things moving. 
He had CT scans of chest, abdomen, and pelvis done yesterday so if there's an issue with diverticulitis, an abscess or something,  we'll know.  For a day or two there, I was getting ready to call and worried they would tell me to take him to the ER.  BUT---  Happy to say that yesterday, once rid of the barium and contrast and stress of doing scans, he is feeling better.  This morning he is feeling better and went out to do some work.
So now we're just waiting for the results.  See what this cancer is doing-we're hoping it's gone!!!  He has a appt. with the Dr. next week.  Just trying to go on as normal life until then.

We saw both the nurse prac. and the MO today. His platelet count was a little low on Tues, so they did another draw today and it has recovered to normal level.  So, he's all set up for 4th cycle starting Monday.  Being told he will probably do a good 6 total treatments.  They gave me the CT scan orders today and he is scheduled for the 30th.  This is the scary part.  Waiting, wondering, and having to undergo such strong medicine and it's side effects.  Dr. said he is tolerating it well and told him to keep up the good work.
I know it's probably too much to expect a full remission, but wouldn't that be great?  Trying not to have too high of expectations but praying the fire inside is knocked down to a slow smolder. 
I'll be back later with results.  Take care.

We saw both the nurse prac. and the MO today. His platelet count was a little low on Tues, so they did another draw today and it has recovered to normal level.  So, he's all set up for 4th cycle starting Monday.  Being told he will probably do a good 6 total treatments.  They gave me the CT scan orders today and he is scheduled for the 30th.  This is the scary part.  Waiting, wondering, and having to undergo such strong medicine and it's side effects.  Dr. said he is tolerating it well and told him to keep up the good work.
I know it's probably too much to expect a full remission, but wouldn't that be great?  Trying not to have too high of expectations but praying the fire inside is knocked down to a slow smolder. 
I'll be back later with results.  Take care.

So sorry just me.   We went to our primary Dr. Friday for flu shots, husband also got the pneumonia vaccine.  I asked, how did we go from pneumonia showing on a scan (August 2019) to SCLC in a little over 8 weeks? Scary indeed!!!!!  Is this how fast it's growing and spreading?
May I ask how old your husband is?  Mine is 60.  I feel horrible for our children (33 and 26) this is way too young for them to lose a parent.  I am being as positive as I can.  I feel there's no use for all doom and gloom right now.  Let's get him in the chemo chair and see how these 3 cycles go.  He will be getting Tecentriq, Carboplatin, and etoposide.  All three on the 1st day and the etoposide for 2 days, then 2 weeks off.  We see the MO (medical oncologist) again on Thurs and hope to get started next Monday.  We also have PET scan and brain MRI scheduled.  I will be crushed if he has brain mets already, but I'll worry about that when the time comes.  His physical condition has also changed. Most noticeably is weight loss, constipation, and he is having pain.
My very best wishes to you.

Hi.  Just dropping by to wish everyone a Happy Holiday!!!  Under a week away for the Big Man!  We aren't planning much.  
I am happy to report that husband's 2nd cycle was uneventful.  Once again, though, the joint pain from the Neulasta shot knocks him down for a day at least.   I had a cold and was nervous he would get it but he did not.  So far so good.  He does have abdominal pain off an on which is a pain to figure out.  Is it cancer?  constipation?  something else?  At least today it is very mild and he is actually out working.
Next up is the 26th going for labs and a check up.  If all is well 3rd cycle will start on the 30th.
 

Hi.  Just dropping by to wish everyone a Happy Holiday!!!  Under a week away for the Big Man!  We aren't planning much.  
I am happy to report that husband's 2nd cycle was uneventful.  Once again, though, the joint pain from the Neulasta shot knocks him down for a day at least.   I had a cold and was nervous he would get it but he did not.  So far so good.  He does have abdominal pain off an on which is a pain to figure out.  Is it cancer?  constipation?  something else?  At least today it is very mild and he is actually out working.
Next up is the 26th going for labs and a check up.  If all is well 3rd cycle will start on the 30th.
 

Good morning.  We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday weekend with friends and family.  
Husband is doing pretty well.  He is eating good and he/we have figured out his abdominal pain is more from constipation than disease.  Once we took care of that he is feeling much better.  He has gained a couple of pounds back!  The heartburn has also resolved.
Yesterday he had a port placed which went well. He also had an oncology appt. His labs are better than last week so 2nd cycle is scheduled to begin Monday.
Some more good news.  No evidence of metastatic disease was found via brain MRI he had on Tuesday!!  👍
Here's hoping all goes well with this round.  There's still going to be some trial and error involved, I just hope since we both understand a little more, it will help us stay ahead of any side effects.

Good morning.  We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday weekend with friends and family.  
Husband is doing pretty well.  He is eating good and he/we have figured out his abdominal pain is more from constipation than disease.  Once we took care of that he is feeling much better.  He has gained a couple of pounds back!  The heartburn has also resolved.
Yesterday he had a port placed which went well. He also had an oncology appt. His labs are better than last week so 2nd cycle is scheduled to begin Monday.
Some more good news.  No evidence of metastatic disease was found via brain MRI he had on Tuesday!!  👍
Here's hoping all goes well with this round.  There's still going to be some trial and error involved, I just hope since we both understand a little more, it will help us stay ahead of any side effects.

Good morning.  We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday weekend with friends and family.  
Husband is doing pretty well.  He is eating good and he/we have figured out his abdominal pain is more from constipation than disease.  Once we took care of that he is feeling much better.  He has gained a couple of pounds back!  The heartburn has also resolved.
Yesterday he had a port placed which went well. He also had an oncology appt. His labs are better than last week so 2nd cycle is scheduled to begin Monday.
Some more good news.  No evidence of metastatic disease was found via brain MRI he had on Tuesday!!  👍
Here's hoping all goes well with this round.  There's still going to be some trial and error involved, I just hope since we both understand a little more, it will help us stay ahead of any side effects.

Good morning.  We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday weekend with friends and family.  
Husband is doing pretty well.  He is eating good and he/we have figured out his abdominal pain is more from constipation than disease.  Once we took care of that he is feeling much better.  He has gained a couple of pounds back!  The heartburn has also resolved.
Yesterday he had a port placed which went well. He also had an oncology appt. His labs are better than last week so 2nd cycle is scheduled to begin Monday.
Some more good news.  No evidence of metastatic disease was found via brain MRI he had on Tuesday!!  👍
Here's hoping all goes well with this round.  There's still going to be some trial and error involved, I just hope since we both understand a little more, it will help us stay ahead of any side effects.

Morning.  Just dropping by to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!
The Neulasta effect only lasted into the next day, by the 2nd night it was a bit better.  We continued the Claritin thru Sunday night.  He is doing well, he is eating!!!!!  He's not complaining about his bowels so much now, and although he still deals with the heartburn, I have Pepcid and I also asked the NP if he can have baking soda and she said yes.  That provides instant relief, however, he hasn't tried it yet.
We are seeing a surgeon this afternoon to set up port placement.  Labs tomorrow and that's it until next week.  Thanks for letting me jot all this down.  I am worried about the cumulative effects of treatment, but I am encouraged he did really,  really well with #1. Hope it continues and labs look good!!
 
Enjoy

There has been no mention of genetic markers.  I asked the pulm. about receptors and if that's how they treat this cancer on Day 1 since I saw nothing of the sort on the pathology report from biopsy.  They just threw the stain on the samples and said Yep, small cell.    He asked what I did, like did I have a medical back round.  As with anyone diagnosed with any type of cancer, you want to know all there is to know about it.  You're always looking for an answer as to why your body's cells start going stupid!  You're always looking for a way to out smart it from coming back or controlling metastatic disease.
At this time, I am just grateful they are treating him and still holding out hope that this treatment will work for a period of time.  I won't hit the floor until: 1-He either gets too sick from these treatments, or 2- He makes it thru but the scans show bad results.
The Neulasta shot has kicked his butt.  He's very achy and sleepy.  He is taking Claritin, advil, Tylenol.  I've been keeping bottled water around.  It seems he will drink it since it's right in front of him whether in the living room or bedroom.  I even put one in his van should he venture out.  My daughter took a sick day today and is at home with him.   What a great help!  I trust she will get some nourishment into him today.
We thought we would have a quiet week next week, but after Dr. visit yesterday , he was instructed to have labs done on Wed. and he is going to have a port put in.  Consult with surgeon is on Tues.  We are on schedule to have that done before next cycle.  
Thank you.  🙂

There has been no mention of genetic markers.  I asked the pulm. about receptors and if that's how they treat this cancer on Day 1 since I saw nothing of the sort on the pathology report from biopsy.  They just threw the stain on the samples and said Yep, small cell.    He asked what I did, like did I have a medical back round.  As with anyone diagnosed with any type of cancer, you want to know all there is to know about it.  You're always looking for an answer as to why your body's cells start going stupid!  You're always looking for a way to out smart it from coming back or controlling metastatic disease.
At this time, I am just grateful they are treating him and still holding out hope that this treatment will work for a period of time.  I won't hit the floor until: 1-He either gets too sick from these treatments, or 2- He makes it thru but the scans show bad results.
The Neulasta shot has kicked his butt.  He's very achy and sleepy.  He is taking Claritin, advil, Tylenol.  I've been keeping bottled water around.  It seems he will drink it since it's right in front of him whether in the living room or bedroom.  I even put one in his van should he venture out.  My daughter took a sick day today and is at home with him.   What a great help!  I trust she will get some nourishment into him today.
We thought we would have a quiet week next week, but after Dr. visit yesterday , he was instructed to have labs done on Wed. and he is going to have a port put in.  Consult with surgeon is on Tues.  We are on schedule to have that done before next cycle.  
Thank you.  🙂

Well he did pretty good with 1st cycle of chemo. He got sick the 2nd day. 2x's.   He did better yesterday, now he's done for 2 weeks.   This morning  he is complaining of heartburn. He is burping a lot.  We see the Dr. later today. 
The PET results are back and of course there's more metastases showing up.  Lung uptake value was 11.3. Almost every single lymph node in his chest and abdomen (SUV 8.1) Adrenal glands 8.3, kidney 8.1.  There is skeletal involvement. C-1, L5, left side 4th rib, and a shoulder bone I don't know how to spell. Shall I go on?  Good God.  Little discouraged yet still hopeful we can knock it back some for awhile.  Anyone else with this much disease and made it through treatment with responsive results? 
I hope the Dr. breaks it to him gently.  We are looking forward to some time off after today!!!
 

OK.  Going tomorrow for the PET scan.  Chemo is set for Monday morning.  He also has his brain MRI Monday afternoon.  I am hopeful we will make that appt. in time and hubby should feel alright, maybe just tired which will be a good thing----he can take a nap during the test.   In the hospital they gave him Ativan before his abdominal MRI.  He'll do fine.
I'm scared to death I'm going to do something wrong with meds and remedies to get him through chemo as side effect free as possible.  My daughter and I have decided to start a journal and have him participate. He is the patient after all !!  LOL   This way,  if he doesn't verbally communicate to either one of us what's going on, perhaps he can write it down and we can take it from there.
I'm sure I'll be back.

Thanks Tom.  Easier said then done.  I'm basically flying by the seat of my pants here.  I've got the knowledge in my head but to ask and try to help him is something else.  I went and got him a laxative last night.  Not sure if it helped yet.  He describes the pain as nausea and wanting to vomit.  I'm sure he will let the Doc know on Thurs. how he's feeling. If not, I certainly will.
He is also obsessing over his diet with the upcoming PET on Friday.  I will give him plenty of protein and veggies.  They ask you to restrict  sugar a few days preceding the test. (As you already know)  Afterwards,  I will do my best to get the big gun calories into him before treatment starts.  

Thank you both for the info and your kind words.   Hubby is doing pretty good.  We had a radiation consult this morning.  Going back to oncologist Thurs. where he will also get his chemo class and will get a schedule (or whatever they do?) then.   We finally have a firm PET scan date, and have a MRI of brain set as well.  PET scan was rescheduled due to equipment failure.------I just don't get this!!!  Cancer is an epidemic and I realize all these machines are very expensive but geez!  I really don't mind traveling to the next nearest location. I wonder if it's like this in the City?  We are with Penn Medicine. (Abramson Cancer Ctr.) They have expanded out here to the burbs and even Lancaster.  Same thing goes on with radiation.  Closet place to go is the hospital.  (West Chester)  Lots of hurry up and wait, but we're rolling...…………….
Happy to get  baseline scans and 1st line chemo treatment going before Thanksgiving.  It is encouraging to hear a nurse or Dr. say that this cancer usually responds well to the chemo--so I am really hopeful for a good response, and I do pray for some longevity.  I guess I should move onto the SCLC forum and not post any updates here?
  Will read your Scanziety and treatment history.  Wow, 16 yrs is absolutely awesome!!!!!!
I am coming up on 2 yrs since diagnosed w/ stage 2B breast cancer.  I'm doing great but get a little anxious around scan and mammo time.  Also have fears of it one day returning once I'm done with hormone therapy.  Everyday I feel good, is a good day.   Thank you again, Di