[Treatment Research]

I'm wondering if anyone has any strategies for being informed about treatment options. I'm mostly wondering if there's a way to keep track of the best options coming from clinical trials, so I'm prepared with a strategy if traditional therapies fail.

[Response to Tarceva]

For those of you that Tarceva worked for, how long did it take before your tumor showed shrinkage? I've been on Tarceva for 3 weeks and my tumor was stable, which my doctor was happy with. Just wondering about others.

Also, does it just vary how long the Tarceva will work, if you do respond?

[Tarceva and Celebrex]

Is anyone being treated with these concurrently? I'm wondering how it's working. Also, about the Celebrex, I've read a couple articles that seemed to imply it was a treatment for smokers or former smokers. Does anyone know if it's equally effective for non-smokers with NSCLC? Any information would be helpful.

Thank you,

Raney

[2nd Opinion for Stage IV]

Do you think it's worth getting a second opinion for a stage IV diagnosis? I'm certain my diagnosis won't change, as I have bone mets. The question is if the treatment would change and how to decide what route to go. I'm currently being treated at Mayo Scottsdale, but am thinking of going to Sloan Kettering or MD Anderson for a 2nd opinion. My insurance doesn't cover them, so I'd pay out of pocket. I just don't know if that would be helpful or if I just need to believe in the treatment path I'm on.

[Alternative Treatments to supplement Medical Treatment]

Does anyone have any alternative treatments they do in addition to standard therapies? Anything like special diets or whatever? I'm just looking for something that survivors think may be helping them in their fight.

[Introducing Myself]

Thank you everyone for your kind words and prayers. I will post more about myself in my signature and plan to be on this board often.

[Introducing Myself]

I am a 30 year old female non-smoker. I was just diagnosed with NSCLC - Adeno in October. I have a mass in my left upper lobe with some lymph node involvement. Also some bone mets to my pelvis and spine. I just finished radiation for the bone met pain and have been on Tarceva for 2 1/2 weeks. I have my first follow up scheduled for 11/15, with labs and a chest x-ray. I appreciate the stories of hope on this web-site. I'm a married mother of a 4 year old and a 2 month old and can use all the hope I can get.