palves

Thanks for all the links. I wonder if this is where my husband looked as well. Yes, I see the trials you describe. As a side note, today the Dr said that there are 3 different groups A, B, C of drugs and we would using Group A. Also, he mentioned that at one point this did go into Phase II, but they learned some more things and moved back into Phase I (or something like that notes are in car), hence probably why that one shows as closed Will advise how it goes.

Were starting this trial (or my dad is) 12/18. Dr said he had good success and recommends to start w/ this vs conventional therapies for dads 3rd line treatment. One of his patients after 2 rounds was stable for 1 1/2 years. off we go

Ok, back (finally - why oh why do we always have to wait and wait). Anyway, while we were there - they said they got a call 1 hr prior - a trial spot has opened up. We discussed with the Dr all the options, and he was pretty comfortable w/ recommending the trial (that we had been waiting for). So off we go back to trial land. He will start 12/18 or 12/19. Three week cycle, 1 night stay in the hospital each time. Dr. felt biggest side effect would be neuropathy potential. He had a good success with this drug on another patient (I guess at another section of the trial). After 2 rounds, she had stability for about 1 1/2 years. She stopped though because of neuropathy (which she also had prior to the chemo). I'll post about it in the trials section. Thanks for your thoughts. Paula

Thanks Ry and Dr. West. I certainly will let you know what happens today. I hope I make the appt (I try to go, but the last 6 mos or so its been hard for me to get there as I since started new jobs and have limited time/flexibility)

Has anyone started with Alimta or Avastin prior to Tarceva? I know we had talked to the dr about taxotere, tarceva and alimta as alternatives to a trial. But we went with the trial. Now we were looking for another trial, but have to wait until end of Jan. Parents don't think we can now wait for then. Coughing is too bad. Going to Dr tomorrow . Just trying to research before hand. I see how Alimta seems harsher than Tarceva. Don't know much about Avastin. If anyone has info on Avastin please let me know. Thanks Paula

In an earlier post "CXR" was mentioned - what is that? Chest xray? Thanks Paula

Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. I know my friend also started some new traditions to help ease the pain. Its good that way. Have an easy day. Paula

We also saw 2 drs at Sloan. We weren't though really sure that surgery would be an alternative (Sloan said possibly, but wouldn't know until they got in there and they didn't seem too convinced either. So we choose to stay more local. They do seem to be pretty aggressive, with different alternatives, and a women I know said she is thankfully for them every day. I too can look up names of who we saw. LMK Paula

Just wondering how things are - haven't seen a post in a while... Paula

So maybe he can start in another month. They are finishing up this dosage level, then they will start the next level. It sounds from the information i'm getting 3rd hand here that maybe each hospital participating gets to name a player to join the study and they do this in rotation. So the rotation for RWJ won't be again until something like end of Dec. Decision - wait a month or move forward w/ something else. I think my parents have decided to wait it out. And thats ok, but they can't drive me nuts then w/ continual thoughts that its growing and being down. I was pretty short about it yesterday and even more so when my dh said again aren't there any stage 3 trials. Ok hon, its hard enough for me to deal w/ my parents and trying to sort out the information, and work full time, and do the family and home stuff, yes, i need to work another 24 hrs a day finding a trial for my dad. Thanks ... So of course the guilt comes into play, maybe i'm not doing enough research .. urghhhh. Continuing the waiting, wondering, and hoping .... Paula

We expected my dad to start a new trial of a drug previously used to treat other cancers (in trials as well). Found out today that more than likely there is not an opening right now. The choices are to wait or to possibly start maybe Alimta or Taxotere - but I'm not sure as my dad didn't take a good message. Mom is going to call tomorrow to find out more. I'm just disappointed - being that w/in 6 weeks it had started to grow again I'm not sure we should wait (my mom doesn't want to and I don't think my dad really has expressed his opinion at all on this at this point). Not expecting any comments, just venting I suppose. Thanks for listening. Paula

Anyone hear of this one?

Anyone hear of this?

Not sure if this is the right forum/place to put this, but my dad is in a Phase 1 trial with gleevac. Gleevac has since been found to potentially cause heart damage. Drs. are on the look out, but he remains in the trial for now .. Paula

Lori - I have been thinking of you and come here often looking for updates on your mom. I am so sorry to hear about your (and your family's) loss. My thoughts are with you are your family during this difficult time. I hope that you continue to find comfort through this site. Paula

Don (and family) I am so sorry to hear about Lucie. Lucie was an amazing woman who we all got to know as the love of your life through your words - truly the love of your life. We will always remember her. You have always been so supportive of all of us, and know that we are here to help hold you up now. Paula

I watch this show - for years. And have been really interested in how they are portraying this. Yesterday they stated a statistic something like 20% of all women who get adenocarcinoma are non-smokers. And they had said at some point that adenocarcinoma was the one that women most often got (I think they said this). Anyway, just my .02. Paula

My thoughts are with you Carleen on this very difficult weekend. May your good memories of your time with Keith sustain you. Paula

Andrea - I'm thinking about you. Keep positive thoughts - you just never know with these things. Rather than focus on the 75% number focus on the positive 25% number ..... Paula

Sounds just like what you needed. Gave you some spirit I think. I hope Faith can make something for you in school. My thoughts and wishes for you to have a peaceful weekend. I know you will be missing Dave and your mom, but pampering yourself a bit will be good - try MAC makeup. I love it. Enjoy your trip with Faith, especially to NYC. What are you doing there? I live in NJ, just a train ride away. I'd love to try to meet you with my little girl if you would want. PM me at palves@optonline.net Paula

Oh Carleen I come on everyday looking for a message from you. Hoping so for some good news. I know that things look very dim from where you sit right now, but like someone said earlier, 1 sec, 1 min, 1 hr, 1 day at a time. Just one foot in front of another. I'm glad that you can feel like you can come here and share. We are all here for you and let us be your strength right now. Lean on us. Can you take some FMLA time so that you can spend time with Keith and so that you can try to find your path? Paula

Tom - good luck with your meeting. I hope that the lobectomy becomes a reality for you. Paula

Carleen and Keith - great news on the 3 years. Heres for another at least 30 times that many more! Keep on ticking ......... My thoughts will be with you as you undergo your IVF and with Keith for hope that he gets relief from the treatments soon. Paula

Karen I think of you and Faith often. Here is a wish for a peaceful day, one of reflection and good memories. I hope you can feel Dave's warmth through your memories envelope you today. Paula

Tom - I live in Central NJ as well. (You didn't/don't happen to work for Lucent or AT&T did you?). Anyhow, my dad also lives in NJ and is the one with LC. He has had treatment at Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick. If you want to PM me I will give you the names of the Drs he has seen. He started treatment at RWJ in Hamilton and then when his general Onc left we started to see the one in New Brunswick. We also have visited Sloan. I know a lot of people go there as well as they have aggressive treatments from what I've heard (we had seen a general onc as well as a surgical one). Anyway, I'd be glad to talk with you via email or even phone, just mail me at palves@optonline.net. Paula