[enlarged lymph nodes]

I chose the clinical trial involving the two chemo drugs and Velcade. To clarify, Don, there is no placebo group, so I will be getting the Velcade as well. Thanks to everyone for your help and your thoughts. I start chemo on Tuesday.--Neil

[enlarged lymph nodes]

Thanks to all of you for your advice. Unfortunately, the news continues to be less-than-good. I had the mediastinoscopy on Monday, and the nodes were positive (and of the same type as the original cancer). So, I have two or three malignant nodes in the mediastinum, as well as perhaps one or two in the neck. I saw the oncologist today, and I will start chemotherapy next week. I've been offered two options: one is Carboplatin, Taxol, and Avastin. The other option is a clinical trial here at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center involving carboplatin, taxotere, and Velcade. I'm leaning toward the latter (partly because I have hypertension and one of the side effects of Avastin can be severe hypertension).

I have to decide today or tomorrow. Thoughts?

[enlarged lymph nodes]

Thanks, everyone for your replies. I had the PET Scan on Thursday, saw the surgeon yesterday. Unfortunately, both nodes lit up (and there was a small amount of uptake in the right side of my neck as well. Surgeon indicated that we need to do mediastinoscopy, which will happen on Feb. 26. I'm pretty much resigned to the result (I'm guessing it's now an 80-20 proposition, at best).

Thanks for all your support.--Neil

[enlarged lymph nodes]

I've lurked for a while, but now I'm freaking and need to post. I'm 47, had a right middle lobectomy in June of 2005 for a small (1.0 cm) adenocarcinoma. Lymph nodes checked out then, so I was 1A with no need for other treatment. I had quarterly CT scans/X rays the first year. All were good. Had another one in October of 2006. It was reported to be good.

For the last 6 weeks, I've been feeling lousy (cough, chills, etc.). Three weeks ago, another CT was taken. This time, the radiologist identified two lymph nodes in the right mediastinum and said "metastasis cannot be ruled out". The weird part is they said one of the nodes (1.5x2.4 cm) had been that large back in October (and has grown slightly from the one year checkup the previous June). The other was reported to be newly enlarged.

My PCP said he wasn't worried, but he referred me to a pulmonologist for a second opinion. He instantly said PET scan and see surgeon for likely mediastonomy (I'm sure I spelled that wrong). So, I'm very worried. Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing? I'd appreciate either reassurance or advice. Thanks!