barbara w

Hi Joni, I hope that you continue to read on this site and see the faces and names of people that are beating those stats. We never asked for any prognosis for my dad, the onc wouldn't even give one. This site has been such a tremendous support system and to see all the people beating the odds makes each day easier. Barbara

Welcome - I'm fairly new to this board, my dad was recently diagnosed, and I cannot tell you how supportive everyone has been. My dad felt that the time from diagnosis until treatment began was hell. Once you have a more clear picture of what you're dealing with it will be tough, but lean on us here for help. Barbara

Wishing you the very best of luck and many more years of fishing! Barbara

Hi everyone, My dad had his ct results last Friday after two rounds of Carbo/ Gemzar - not encouraging. The results showed growth, so his onc gave two options: 1. taxotere 2. Clinical trial consisting of a.) velcade or b.) velcade and taxotere. It is a randomized but open label trial. My concern is that there is so little information on velcade (bortezomib) and taxotere seems to offer promising results. My dad has opted for the clinical trial, but is still a bit hesitant. I'm hoping that he'll be put in the velcade/taxotere arm, but what if he's not? Does anyone have any info on velcade or taxotere, or any suggestions. Also, if the first line chemo doesn't work, is that an indication that the cancer itself is resistant to chemo. He tolerated the carbo/gemzar combo great, gaining ten pounds in the six weeks of treatment. Any suggestions would be most greatly appreciated. My dad can't start any treatment until next Friday, so he's in Ireland with my mom for some r&r until the next battle begins. Thanks, Barbara Barbara

Thank you all for your warm welcomes and encouragement. It is truly comforting to know that there are so many other people going through these same tough times. I'm also inspired by the many survivors here. Again, many thanks. Barbara

My dad was recently diagnosed with nsclc (large cell carcinoma) at stage iv. He looks and feels fine as I've heard many do. My dad has a solitary small tumor on his liver as well, but his bone and brain scans were thankfully clear. My dad has a wonderful onc and treatment team. They have him set up on a 21 day cycle of carbo/gemzar with scans after two cycles. The oncologist stressed to my dad that this is not a death sentence in that he is in such good health other than this cancer. She pointed out that this was not curable but treatable. She was very optimistic and that is what sort of threw me. Maybe I'm so afraid to feel optimistic because I'm terrified of losing him. We're such good friends and he, like so many others on this board, has so much living to do. My husband and I just had twin girls, my dad's first grandchildren, and he is so hoping to see them grow up a bit. I'm normally the pushy, questioning type with my parents' doctors, but this time I just sat back, wanting so much to believe in what the doctor was saying. It's just so confusing because what I've read with other sources ( stats, NCI, etc.) doesn't seem to mesh with my dad's onc. Are oncologist usually overly optimistic, or was she truly hopeful? I've just reread this post and realize that I've rambled. I'm sorry. Any input you could provide me would be most appreciated. Thank you for listening. Barbara