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Welcome Karyn, I agree with Ernie that a second opinion is warranted - especially since you're having symptoms and have a positive family history, and now have m ore densities than you did before. to confirm what you've heard about the PET - my Mom's onc says that the PET does not tend to "light up" lesions less than 10 mm, so that part's correct, and I guess trying to hit a 2-3 mm lesion during aneedle biopsy would probably have a pretty low yield, but I definately think you should geta secone opinion - preferably at a cancer center if there's one available to you. Jen

I'm pretty happy with Jen. I was jenny for awhile in highschool/college- when any of my friends from that era call me that, I feel like a little kid.Like Deborah, jennifer was the name that meant I was in trouble. HOwever, as the family story goes, Mom was ready to name me Cornelia - thinking it would be cute for all my friends to call me corny. So, with apologies to anyone out there named Cornelia - I'm pretty happy with Jen

That's great news!!! happy first anniversary, and here's to many more Jen

Happy anniversary, Bev!!! Here's to many more Jen

Mom's finished with her 30 radiation treatments and 3 of 4 cycles of chemo. I have to say I was worried about an 83 year old going through concurrent radiation and chemo, but she's been handling it remarkably well. THe plan is to hold off on her final round of chemo until 3/2 because she's starting to experience the radiation associated symptoms (esophagitis and fatigue) and since those symptoms may increase over the next 3-4 weeks, she didn't want to hit her with another round of chemo next week. Mom's psyched about that!!! SHe's really been a trooper!! She had been a bit tired, but is still getting out with friends and enjoying life. I think not having to make the drive into Boston (45-60 min each way) daily will feel like vacation. ALthough others do the actual driving, it's still tiring. THe current plan is to have a chest CT 3/2, meet with her medical onc and NP and start her final round of chemo for this cycle. I know she's excited for the scan to see how she's responding to treatment. As so many others have said - that's the really scarey time. I'm hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst - I think she'll be so disappointed if there hasn't been improvement. SHe's been working so hard at all of this, it would be a horrible blow for her not to see some result from that. she's been so positive throughout her treatment, and so sure that she'll come out of this OK, I just hope we haven't lulled ourselves into a false sense of security. Oh well, I guess there's nothing that can be done about that execpt to continue to hope for the best - what will be, will be. SOrry, I've babbled for awhile - I do have one more question Regarding the radiation symptoms - now that she's finished - I know the symptoms will persist, but do they get worse after radiation is complete?? I share all your stories and insight with Mom, and she really appreciates all your help. So, from both of us, thanks for all the support and help Jen

Hi, I'm certainly no expert, but I agree with the others who are concerned about chills and fever. I know my Mom's medical oncologist told her that fever was a very important sign when she was having chemo, because the meds might decrease her WBC (they tend to be lowest about 2 weeks out from treatment as I understand it) Her doc was adamant that Mom call if she developed worsening cough, fever, or any indication that she might have an infection. As for the pain - she began to dvelop the esophagitis last week. She also had some reflux (heartburn). SHe has been taking Prilosec 40 mg twice daily which has helped the reflux, magic mouthwash, and Sucralfate (she swears by this stuff)which help with the esophagitis. they all seem to help her chest pain (which is probably esophageal pain)They recently gave her some roxicet (a narcotic) because the pain was waking her at night, and the milder meds weren't getting her comfortable enough to go back to sleep I guess my concern for you is that there's the possiblity of a little pneumonia cooking, and it would be good to get your doc to take a look.

Sorry, I don't have anything to add, other than my thoughts and prayers Jen

Julie, Welcome - My Mom was diagnosed in november of this year, and the fears you describe sound oh so familiar!!! My Mom's 83 years old, and I feared the worst - wondering if we were going to make her life too miserable during the treatment to make it worth it. Well, she's been throuth 28 of 30 radiation treatments (5 days a week for 6 weeks) and 3 of 4 3 day cycles of chemo and, other than some minor fatigue and pain in her throat( from the radiation), she's been doing gret. She's still going out to dinner with friends, going to the theater (occasionally) and doing much of what she did before her diagnosis. It sounds like your mom has a similar positive attitude, and my wish for you is that her experience through treatment is as smooth as has been for my mom. good luck Jen

HOw lucky Carlton is to have you by his side. I have you both in my thoughts and prayers Jen

Thanks Ry, she'll be glad to know there may be some options. Jen

Anyone have any trouble with hoarse voice?? Mom's voice has been hoarse since the beginning of her treatment. Her radiation oncologist thought it might be the tumor pressing on her "vocal cord nerve" SHe was under the impression that it would improve with treatment. She's 7 treatments short of her 30 radiation and has had 3 cycles of Carbo/etoposide. SHe seems to feel that the chemo helps her cough (which is MUCH better since the treatment began), but that the hoarsness is no better, and some days worse. DId anyone else have this problem - it almost seems that the days her cough is best, her voice is at it's worst. We agree that we should be thankful for the improvement of her cough, but I think she's pretty frustrated about her voice, and hopes that it won't be permanent. She's going to ask her rad onc when she sees him tuesday. But on a positive note - she's almost finished with her treatments and aside from some mild fatigue and some discomfort swallowing (it's occasional and mild) she's doing well.

Yeehaw!! Glad to hear about the progress. Jen

I'm in the "it's too long" camp and I also agree that getting to a cancer center would probably be helpful. My Mom had a CT 10/31, bronchoscopy 11/7, and a PET scan scheduled for 11/25. then there was a lag (in fact it took 2 weeks for her pulmonologist to call her back with the results- by then she had faxed her info to Dana Farber, gotten an initial visit, and a schedule to begin Chemo the next week. The efficiency and speed with which Dana Farber has been moving has impressed me from the start. so, again, if a mmajor cancer center is an option for you, I think that'd be a good place to get a second opinion, and maybe your treatment. Good luck Jen

You go, guy, You're my hero.

Hi, Sorry to hear about your Mum. I'm also a relative newbie, and the daughter of an 83 year old diagnosed with Squamous Cell LC november of this year. I was so scared that treatment would just wear Mum out, but she's doing remarkably well. Minimal discomfort. Obviously whether or not to receive treatment is ultimately your Mum's decision, but if it helps, tell her about the 83 year old who's going through both chemo and radiation, feeling well - still doing most of her normal activities, and looks great in a wig! good luck, and keep us posted about "mum" Jen

Happy 41st and here's to many more! Jen

Glad to hear that the MRI was negative for scarey stuff!!! GOod luck Jen

I'm sure your docs are onto this (since they probably know way more than me about cancer treatment), but my Mom has Zofran and Decadron (steroid) in her IV before her infusion begins - are you doing that. Additionally she takes Zofran and Decadron twice daily for 2-3 days after chemo, as well as having Compazine available to use as needed for nausea not controlled by the ZOfran. I hope this helps, but if you're not being "pre-treated" with Zofran it might be helpful - Mom has had very little nausea after her chemo (2 rounds so far...) good luck! Jen

I know it's been said over and over, but I'm another supporter of having the CT scan. We have the technology to find things (cancer, or maybe something else) early which can improve outcomes. My 2 cents is that it's worth finding out the cause of this pain. Jen

It's the 21st and I'm thinking of you GOOD LUCK Jen

I remember my Mom's onc's first words about her chemo treatment were that if she was experiencing intolerable pain, nausea, vomitting.... she should be in touch as soon as possible and that they'd change her treatment to something more tolerable. I guess I just assumed discomfort was going to be part of the package. Although the doc doesn't guarantee a smooth ride, she was quite emphatic about trying to keep the process as comfortable as possible. Mom's on Carbo and Etoposide, and has never had any of the symptoms you describe. Good luck at your appointment - I think checking in with the doc is best - Your mom shouldn't have to suffer. Jen WE're in the Boston area too - where is you Mom getting her treatment?

Welcome and thanks for your post. I'm a relative newbie, but am helping my Mom through a Stage IIIa Squamous cell Cancer, and will share your story with her. I'm sure it will help maintain her positive attitude throughout her chemo/radiation Jen

You go Ernie!!! Yours was the first story I read when My Mom was diagnosed (on Lance's site, I think) and were the glimmer of hope I needed to be strong for her. I can't wait to tell here you're running a 1/2 marathon - she'll be psyched!! Run well!! Jen

I'm a Newbie, but I've been helping my Mom navigate through all the tests, questions and treatments. I also work as a PA, so have some exposure to the medical world. I would agree that a second opinion would be helpful - and don't forget that you DESERVE answers to your questions. It's YOUR health and you should NEVER feel as thought you can't, or shouldn't have all your questions answered to the best of your provider's ability. They may not always have the answers, but they should help you figure out how and where to look. As a healthcare provider, I feel as though one of the most important parts of my job. As for the CT question - When Mom had her PET scan, it was a PET/CT (I looked at it on her computer) so it provided the PET information in one format (the uptake of the radioactive glucose) and the CT information in another format (it looked just like the CT's I read in the ED) I don't why there was a recommendation for f/u with a CT, because (from my experience with Mom's)the same information should be available from the CT, but that might be a question for the gastro doc. I don't know if this helps, but good luck to you Jen

Glad you're back, and that your treatment has been moving along so well Jen