LindaMRG
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Posts posted by LindaMRG
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Its great to have a new plan. Thank you for sharing with us, the information is good for all of us. Cant wait to find a post in GOOD NEWS from you!!!
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Im so sorry for what you are going through. The procedure you explained sounds like brachytherapy. Im not sure though, but I had researched something like that. I know how much you love your mother, it sounds like how I feel about my wonderful father. Just sending you a (((((((((((HUG))))))))))))))))
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I hope some of the others answer your question about brain mets, because there are things that are done besides just chemo. There is gamma knife and other things but Im not knowledgeable about any of them. I would go to the top of this page where it says search and put in "brain mets" or "gamma knife" and find out what the "experts" have to say. I dont know if these treatments are for her but its worth a try. Also, my father will be having IMRT next week,(see link below) its a form of radiation that just targets the tumor so surrounding tissue is not affected, not sure if its done in the brain, but might be worth asking about or stereotactic radiosurgery (I think this is similar to IMRT, but not sure). My father is not a great chemo candidate as he had two bouts with lymphoma and a stem cell transplant so I am always looking for other options. Keep us posted.
Radiation Therapy
Arnold M. Markoe, M.D., Sc.D., is professor and chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Miami School of Medicine.
• Call Dr. Markoe at (305) 243-4319
• More information
Frequently Asked Questions:
Arnold M. Markoe, M.D.
Dr. Markoe has practiced IMRT (modulated radiation therapy) for four years.
What is IMRT?
Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a revolutionary type of external beam treatment that is able to conform radiation to the size, shape and location of a tumor.
How is IMRT different from other kinds of radiation treatment?
Although IMRT uses X-rays from linear accelerators just like other types of radiation treatment, it tries to treat non-uniformly so the target(s) get high doses and normal tissues are spared.
How does this impact me?
If normal tissues get less of a dose, the chances of side effects for the same dose to the cancer goes down. If the side effects are less, this means you can give the cancer more dose, which may lead to better control.
What cancers can be treated by IMRT?
Theoretically, all cancer can be treated by IMRT, but realistically we treat cancers where we want to protect adjacent tissues and their formation.
Will this treatment be covered by my insurance?
Many companies fully cover this type of treatment but you or your doctor should make sure. Medicad does not cover all tumors for treatment by IMRT.
Can you treat lung cancer by IMRT?
Yes, but you need to make sure that the tumor stays where you planned it. This is done by getting the accelerator to deliver doses only at action motions of the breathing cycle.
Does IMRT cost the same as non-IMRT radiation?
No, IMRT is highly technical and physician-intensive. Because of this, the costs are higher than more conventional radiation treatments.
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Hi Jeanne,
My father was just restaged from IIIa to IIIb a few weeks ago. I did just like you are and gathered as many IIIb success stories as I could. You just received some and I know you will receive more. I also put out this request on two other boards and received so many replies. I saved all of them - all different treatment methods too! We love his oncologist but I am still taking him for a second opinion at Sloan Kettering in NYC on the 6th. He begins a radiation treatment called IMRT next week.
Keep us posted so we can help you. This board is a lifesaver!!!
Here are the other two:
The other is an AOL Lung Cancer Message Board
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Hi Christy,
I was thinking about you today. Im glad he got to go to the game. There are things to do to bring that blood count up. Maybe he needs another transfusion and do ask about neupogen. Dont be discouraged, low counts make them feel worse than the cancer!!! Keep us posted. Youre in my prayers.
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Hi Cathy,
Im glad you checked in with us. I just wanted to send you a big hug, I cant even imagine your deep pain going through all these "firsts".
((((((((((((((((((CATHY)))))))))))))))))))))))
Much love to you, friend.
Love,
Linda
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CT SCAN TIME
in HOPE
I will be praying tonight that you will post in GOOD NEWS.
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I'll be praying for dear, sweet Estelle tonight.
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His bone marrow just needs time. If youre worried, have his counts checked again Monday, ask about neupogen to bring wbc up. Sometimes theyll give it and sometimes they just want the bone marrow to do it on its own. Im not positive about the transfusion helping the wbc, I would think so, its whole blood. As for drugs to bring up platelets, the chemo nurse told us the side effects werent worth it and it was best to let the bone marrow recover and do it on its own. Please be very careful of infection, call doc if he gets any kind of fever at all.
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((((((((((CHERYL)))))))))))))))
Dear Jesus, please lay your Healing Hand on Dick tonight, let it be that he comes through this to be with all who love him. Thank you, Lord.
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When my father was to have his stem cell transplant for lymphoma his wbc got down to 0.9, but he was already in the hospital awaiting transplant. That is dangerously low and should either wear a mask or steer clear of other people, have antibacterial wipes and be diligent in washing his hands. Have you asked about neupogen shots or a transfusion? Sometimes it just takes awhile to get that bone marrow moving.
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Hi Jay,
Its always good when there is a plan in place. When I take my father to the doctor I have a list of questions or thoughts I want to discuss with him. Fortunately, he lets me email him too, so if I go home and think of something else, I can email him. Why not ask your onc if you could have that option. The best thing would be to take someone with you, even a friend, because sometimes the other person hears and understands more than the patient, because after all, its YOU that everything is happening to. It can be overwhelming. Please keep us posted.
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Prayers going up right now.
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Hi Ginny,
So glad the Duke is okay and that he enjoyed the party. Im praying for him right now.
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Dear Mirrell, Don, Karen, and Andrea,
I just have to thank you for your support, prayers and for sharing in my relief after this difficult and disappointing restaging. I read your posts over, they are so kind and comforting. God Bless.
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WHAT WONDERFUL NEWS - NED!!! I agree that onc might want to continue treatment for awhile just to be sure. If you have doubts, just ask. PRAISE GOD!!!
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Oh Andrea, I am SOOOOOOOO happy to hear your good news tonight!!!!What relief you mustve felt!! I, along with you, am praying for that cure.
I hope they find a way to provide her with relief from her pain, but am so glad its not cancer, I reallly am!!!
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Hello Friends,
I wanted to update you on my dad since his restaging last week to IIIb. We met with the radiation oncologists today and they are starting the process for IMRT. It is a procedure where they give megadoses of radiation to a specific spot without damaging surrounding tissue. It will be 5 weeks of this two days per week. They will do this to the primary tumor and mediastinal nodes. They will not do supraclavicular that was biopsied last week as surgeon took out the one he felt and there is no other notations on scans. They felt if he needs radiation in this area later on its best to leave it alone for now. He needs a CT scan next week, then they do some "figuring" then he will begin. I felt so happy when one of the oncs said "you know, 3 years from now if he needs more, we can give it to him".
I mentioned in another post, that I do want to take him to Sloan Kettering here in NY. The oncologist agreed with me and even said he would do it if it were him. He said "you never know what another doc might have up his sleeve". So, since this whole thing wont begin for awhile we will squeeze in a visit to Sloan. My onc said to use his name to speed up the appointment process. I just want to make sure he gets the best that research can offer. I still pray he can have surgery some day. I just pray he lives to be an old man.
I feel God's hand in this because my father cant tolerate high dose chemo because of his past with the stem cell transplant he had with lymphoma. Onc has not ruled out lower doses of chemo and is talking about maybe using Gemzar in the future, but I know he cant be given the "big guns". He had that for the lymphoma.
So, I feel the heaviness lifting tonight with a plan in progress. Thank you for all your prayers and support during this time. It is with gratitude to all of you that I post here tonight.
Know that you are prayed for.
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Such great news that your dad is doing well!!!
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HURRAY FOR OUR SWEET LUCIE!!!
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Dear Dave,
I was so excited to find your post here in Good News tonight!!!!!
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Hi Andrea,
Dont ever apologize for asking questions, we all take our turns!! I know that Neupogen causes pain like you describe because it forces your bone marrow to work harder to produce those white cells, so Im thinking it might stand to reason that Neulasta would do the same thing. Of course check with onc. I, too, CANT WAIT till you post in GOOD NEWS!!!
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(((((((((((((((((DEAR SWEET CARLEEN))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Our friends here have given you such great advice. I just asked my father's onc yesterday about second opinions. I want to have my father evaluated at Sloan Kettering here in NY. Even he told me to do it. He said if it were him, he would ask another opinion. I said "well what can they do for me at Sloan, that you cant do" He replied "I dont know what they might have up their sleeve". So this is what I pass on to you. Go somewhere else and see what they have "up their sleeves". There are no new mets, stable, that is good. I dont know where you live, but it sounds like you know of some other options.
Keep posting here, we all know what that numbness, spinning and cold, hard fear is like. We love you, dear friend.
FOR ALL WHO HAVE LOST HOPE............
in HOPE
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(((((((((((((((((((OH PEG))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Im hugging you with tears in my eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Im sooooooooooo happy to hear this WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!
Our oncologist said he will consider Gemzar after he sees the results of my father's IMRT treatments which begin next week. Thank you so much for sharing what some of us needed to hear tonight!!!!