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Missy, Without actually seeing the X-Ray, it's hard to say, but generally, air filled spaces show up as black on xrays. The thicker something is, the harder it is for the xrays to penetrate, and the more opaque (or white) they appear. So, a mass is typically more opaque than the surrounding lung tissue. So if the lung is nice and aerated it looks pretty black, although the black area is often interspersed with "white swirly things" which can be normal vasculature. I don't know if this helps, but I don't know why the doc would try and hide a hand sized abnormality, and if it's black I don't think it's a mass, fluid, infection or anything else I can think of Good luck, Jen

Excellent news - congratulations Jen

Sue, As others have said, no test is 100% accurate. As for the CT, it just looks at the "stuff" inside you and differentiates different tissue densities. from there it's up to the radiologist to try and intrepret what's normal and what's not. They typically use words like "lesion suspicious for cancer" rather than making a diagnosis (especially what cell type the cancer might be!!!) Remember, the CT shows no indication of metabolic activity (as the PET does), so lesions on a CT are just that - areas of abnormal tissue densities, benign or otherwise. As for the lesion on the liver - many folks have benign liver lesions/cysts. My mom also had a 3 cm "spot" on her liver, but it didn't light up on the PET scan. THe biopsy will take actual cells from the lesion and give you much more information GOod luck - I hope all turns out well for you Jen

Great news, Marie!!! Congratulations Jen

Good news rochelle!!! Here's to "almost normal" Jen

Peg, Welcome - sorry you have to be here, but as others have said, this site is a wealth of information, experience and support. I agree with the second opinion - there are so many stories of hope and survival- even with stage IV. I find it unfortunate that your doc gave a time related prognosis - this obviously is upsetting, and puts you and your mom in the mind frame that there's nothing that can be done - I'm not sure I buy that. As for whether or not your mom wants chemo - it's obviously her decision, but for what it's worth, my Mom just finished chemo and radiation (she's 83 years old) and had very little discomfort. good luck to you and your mom Jen

mom had a PET scan 2 days ago (to f/u her CT and see if surgery is an option). SHe had an appointment with her onc (and her last round of chemo) today. I couldn't go with her to the appointment, but I called her when she got home, and she had some Great news - her onc says NED has come for a visit!! She's sooooooo happy! She was pleased with the CT report 2 weeks ago (approx 50% shrinkage) but is beside herself after hearing this news. I find I'm a bit stunned - I can't quite believe it! She's going to finish up this round of chemo (2 more days) then she'll go to follow up in 2 weeks. Jen

Hi Susan, My Mom was diagnosed in October. She's been through the first round of treatment. I only live 50 miles away, but am still not there for every appointment. She has a great support network, and tons of friends who want to take her into her appointments. Also - she doesn't want me to "do too much" (I assure her I do it because I want to, but as I'm sure you know, they can't stop worrying about their kids) I called her after every appointment/treatment I couldn't be with her for (probably more often - it's all a blur now), and every day during Radiation when she was getting treatment every day. There wre definately days that there wasn't much new to talk about, and even a few days that the extra phone call was kinda tiring for her, but I think when all is said and done, she kinda looked forward to hearing from me and came to expect the calls. I find I'm back to calling 2-3 times a week and definately after any appointments. I'm sure you and your mom will get into a routine that feels good for both of you. I'm sending good wishes your way for you and Mom Jen

Hi Mike, My Mom (83 years old) was also diagnosed with stage III lung cancer - surgery not an option because of the location of the tumor. She began with chemo (because they thought at her age, they'd do sequential chemo and then radiation). However, when she met with the rad onc, he recommended going ahead with radiation, so she got 3 days of chemo every 4 weeks (1 round before starting radiation, 2 rounds during and 1 round after) She managed remarkably well. I certainly had the same questions that you have about how much you want your Mom to get beat up by the treatment that's supposed to help her, but in my Mom's case it was worth it!!! She's had a follow up CT scan which showed improvement. SHe had a small amount of esophageal pain 4-5 weeks into the radiation, and has had some fatigue weeks 5-6 and the week following her last radiation. THe fatigue didn't keep her from going to dinner, theater, and other social stuff, she just learned that she needed a recovery day after a busy social day. As Wendy said - keep in touch with the docs. Mom's were great about checking in and making sure she was handling the treatment well.The addressed side effects early and kept discomfort to a minimum. I don't know the rest of your mom's history, but even though she's 81 it's definately doable - good luck!!! let me know if there's anything I (or Mom) can do to help Jen

Great news! I'm glad to here it thanks Jen

I also share the addiction. When mom was first diagnosed it was this site that gave me hope that she might just be OK. Prior to that I was counting the days,weeks,months we might have left. I just didnt' know. Reading all the stories of survival and hope sure helped. I don't always post, but I'm often out there lurking and catching up on everybody's news Jen

Welcome, I'm sorry you had to find this site, but it's a great place for support and information. Keep us posted as you get more results. Best wishes Jen

She did it!!! Mom had her scan Friday, and met with her onc a couple hours later. We don't have the official radiologist report (with quantifying information - % decrease, and actual size of the remaining tumor), but our doc went over the CT with the radiologist and is very pleased with the result. So much so that she thinks consuling a surgeon would be in order. SUrgery might not be an option, and at 83 Mom might not want to go under the knife, but it's nice to know that the improvement was such that it's a consideration. She will still have her 4th round of chemo (3 days of Carbo/Etoposide) in a couple weeks. Her onc wanted to give her a little more time to get over the radiation. As her NP said - she doesn't get extra points for suffering, and waiting 2 weeks won't affect the treatment. I can't tell you how very happy I am,and how proud I am of her for the way she's tackled this whole affair. Mom's already planning a trip to Arruba with her 4 of her life long buds, so this bump in the road hasn't slowed her down much. I know the journey isn't over, but this is a nice rest-stop!! Thanks to everyone for your support through this! Jen

Hi, I was talking to Mom tonight, and she says she's been having more shortness of breath than usual recently (it seems a bit worse since finishing her radiation) She can still get around, but gets a bit more winded. No fever, chills, chest pain - she just had her yearly physical 2 days ago and got a clean bill of health. I'm wondering if this could be a side effect of the radiation - anyone have any insight?? We're off tomorrow for her first post-treatment CT and we will meet with the doc later that morning, so we'll certainly ask her, but any information y'all could share will be greatly appreciated.

I'm with Welthy - I don't know nuthin' 'bout Tarceva, but I know something about good news, and it sounds like you and your mom have that!!! Go Mom!!!!!! Jen

Hello and welcome. Jen

You go, girl!! Congratulations Jen

Thanks everyone, and Trish, I'll be thinking of you and praying for positive results Jen

So, Mom goes in for her first CT since she began treatment. I th ink I'm more nrevous than she is about the results (I think that may be because she's so sure they will be positive) I just worry that after all the hard work she's done that we're gonna hear that the tumor is still there, bigger, more evil, grown legs, hair and a face - aaarrggghhhhh!! I know all we can do is hope for the best - my freaking out won't change the results- it's just that she's been such a trooper, and I think is expecting such dramatic results -I don't know I guess I just don't want to see the look of disappointment if the results aren't what she has hoped for. BUt then again, maybe she kicked this thing, and the results will be better than anyone could have hoped for - yeah, I like that scenario better I have read so many posts with similar sentiments - now I think I have an inkling of the pre test angst OK, t hat's enough - thanks for listening! Jen

I often curse like a sailor I love mountaineering I love to travel Jen

I'm fortunate to live near my Mom, but I have to say, I cherish the moments this terrible disease has given us together. I know it's hard to put life on hold, and there may be other times when she actually needs you more, but spend whatever time you can. I think it's a great idea to talk with her doc and perhaps gain some insight from him/her. ALso, if you're not able to go to appointments with Mom, have her take a tape recorder with her to the appointment - that way you get all the information the doc has given. (I always find that Mom's recollection of the visit is less detailed than I'd like. Whatever you do - good luck and best wishes foo you and your family Jen

Stormwatch, Sorry about your dad. My Mom (83 years old with stage 3 NSCLC) just completed 30 radiation treatments and 3 rounds of chemo. She tolerated the treatment remarkably well. TOward the end she developed some esophagitis (pain when she swallows sometime, and some times a "spasm" in her esophagus) nothing debilitating, and the meds she was given have helped a lot. SHe had no nausea or significant ratigue from the chemo. She finished radiation last week, and her only real complaint now is the esophageal pain and fatigue (the fatigue has been pretty bad the last couple days) She is still able to work around the house, check email... but hasn't had the energy to get out and about with friends. Honestly, I was amazed at how well her 83 year old body tolerated all this treatment. I hope this helps, and I hopw things work out well for your dad Jen

I'll be thinking of you - here's to a clean scan!!! Jen

Thanks everyone, I give Mom updates on your insight, advice and support (she's not a big computer fan. She appreciates you all vicariously Jen