Frank Lamb Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 Hello everyone.As most of you are aware the drs.(several of them)said they were not able to do anymore at this time.My rad onc.called and said he had cut my last treatments short because he thought I would be a candidate for one of those other procedures. Since I am not he is ageed to give me 14 more radiation treatments (finish the original plan).My chemo onc is also willing to try 3 more rounds of Taxol.(The last time I did this all heck went wrong with me.)There was shrinkage of the tumor with the last treatments so if I am able to withstand it this time mabe I can acquire even more shrinkage which in my mind =='s more time. I also got persistant about Tarceva.The chemo onc is not real big on it because she says it only works on 15% of the people.(how does she know I'm not one of them.)So she will consider it??. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SDianneB Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 Good for you, Frank. Hang in there! Give 'em heck! I'm like you -- if the good odds are only 1%, then I want to be in that 1%, and to heck with the majority numbers! I figure it's their job to help me get there too. No guarantees or promises, but they are physicians -- it is their JOB! Thanks for the update. We're always interested in you, yanno! Di Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 Good luck, Frank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haylee_38 Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 Someone has to be in that 15% and you are so right how does she know that is not you. Wishing you all the best of luck and you stay on them doc's. Haylee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindseysmom Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 I agree with you Frank, doing something is better tha doing nothing. And who is to say that you are not one of the 15%. Give them Heck. Best Wishes, Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 Brian is starting Tarceva about 2 months from now. There is room in the 15% for all of us!! Frank, you are an inspiration. We are struggling.......but also are taking notes and imitating all our strong friends on LCSC. Congratulations are being a strong advocate for the NEVER NEVER NEVER GIVE UP GROUP!!! Love and support Brat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 Frank, You may very well be in the 15% of Tarceva Responders. So perhaps you might consider insisting that she prescribe Tarceva. Before you do this I would like to suggest to you that you contact your Federal Congressional Representative and ask for their assistance in making certain you receive this drug. (If memory serves me you are receiving your care through the VA, yes? Makes it a Federal issue. One the Congressional Rep should be able to help you with.) Anyway...don't wait too long, my friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 I also got persistant about Tarceva.The chemo onc is not real big on it because she says it only works on 15% of the people.(how does she know I'm not one of them.)So she will consider it??. /////////////// Frank : JMO but if you go with Tarceva, and assuming that you've got some clearly identifiable symptoms ( esp. respiratory ), you should see a dramatic improvement in these symptoms within a week or so if Tarceva is going to WORK and give you the ASAP improvement that you need. If there's no noticeable improvement in symptoms within this time frame ( esp. respiratory ) I would start pressing your med onc for a change. Best of luck to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 Prayers for the best Frank, hang in there. Glad to see there are more options for you. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 I'm routing for you big time, Frank. Does Connie really want to put up with a crotchity old 100 year old man? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treebywater Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 Your attitude here makes it easier for me to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Way to go on your being so proactive. I hope the radiation and the meds do great things for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 Frank, you are an amazing man! I mean that. If we were serving in one of the nation's protective forces, I would want your fighting spirit by my side!! You are one hellofa soldier! love, Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kel M Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 Hi there, So glad you are being proactive in your treatment plan and that your doctors are working with you. Sending big prayers your way hoping that shrinkage continues! Kel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 I have my fingers and toes crossed that your new treatment plan will bring good results. Take care Frank and keep us posted. Wendy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 Keeping everything crossed Frank. You could very well be one of the 15%... glad you stuck to your guns on that one. The percentage is probably low because doctors say that to their patients then the patient loses confidence and does not take the treatment. If more people took the treatment I bet those odds would go up. Anyway thinking of you as always... I don't have to tell you to keep that positive additude up, as you always, always do. Last time I saw that Fat Lady, she was locked up in a cage, hancuffed to a hungry Lion in Siberia somewhere... Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debi Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 Frank, I already volunteered my services. Again, do you want me to come up there and slap your doctor around for crying out loud?? Anyway, keep insisting on what you need and be persuasive. Pretend your selling them that used car that has been on the lot way too long and zero in for the kill. I'm sure you were a wonderful car salesman, don't let those skills go to waste, use them!!! I think about you every day. Give em hell Harry, oops Frank!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted June 1, 2005 Share Posted June 1, 2005 Insist your doctor let you try the Tarceva. You won't know if you're one of the 15% till you try. I think about you all the time...glad you have a few more treatments to try. I will be glad to join Debi in slapping your doctor...should we bring chickens? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nancy B Posted June 2, 2005 Share Posted June 2, 2005 Frank, I just know you will be in the 15% - you have such a positive attitude. So glad to see that you're pro-active with your care. My oncologist told me "your diligence is what has gotten you this far" I have a tendency to be a little pushy when I want a test or whatever. Just keep up the good attitude - I can't tell you how many times your posts have pulled me out of a funk. You hang in there and just know that I am praying for you. Hugs and prayers, Nancy B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted June 2, 2005 Share Posted June 2, 2005 Frank, It's so good to hear that you still have more options. You are truly my hero. There's not a stronger or more compassionate member on this board . I hope you know how much you are cared about . You've got my prayers for whatever is next. Love and prayers, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted June 2, 2005 Share Posted June 2, 2005 Ha! Frank, you should tell the doctor there wouldn't even be 15% if all the doctors had her attitude. Holy crap! Keep kicking that cancer back, Frank. Kick it today, tomorrow and the day after all the way into next year. I'd do some kicking for you, but I'd probably fall on my a** and break something, and then you would have to start praying for me. I will say some kick-cancer's butt prayers for you. I'm glad you've got more options and I will pray that they work! Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted June 2, 2005 Share Posted June 2, 2005 15% And Who in God's name makes up that 15%? I don't think it's dogs and cats!! She'll CONSIDER IT??? Are you KIDDING ME?? Well... that's really white of her! Okay Frank, I'm going to hire Debi to come up there and slap the hell out of your Onc Doc. Okay?? Okay!! Go get her Deb!!! Just look at that 15% number above. To me it means you might be one of them, and I'm guessing her crystal ball is running low on batteries.... I'm sorry to hear this news, but I guess at least they are willing to resume your treatments. Sending you positive Vibes Frank. And where the hell is that Fat witch that was singing? Debi, go pop her too! Hugs to You and Connie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted June 2, 2005 Share Posted June 2, 2005 Frank...you keep pushing those docs as long as you feel willing to try more tx. That's YOUR call...not the doctor's. Giving up ain't your style...and surely not when there is BUD LITE OUT THERE LEFT TO DRINK....am I right? Seriously...with the right attitude and a little luck, anything is possible. I'm glad you'll be getting more tx and feel up to getting it. And when Debi comes to slap the onc doc, isn't there supposed to be a chicken involved in the routine too? Somehow? In some way? Okay, I'm off to the pub now...following the trail of beer nuts you left me, Frank. Thanks.! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted June 2, 2005 Share Posted June 2, 2005 Frank, As always, I wish you the best for the remainder of your radiation treatments, and you be in that 15%, you hear me????? Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancy c Posted June 2, 2005 Share Posted June 2, 2005 OK I HAVE A QUESTION--OR YOU SEEING A DOCTOR--OR IS SHE FRICKING GOD?????? What the heck is she talking about?? Maybe you will be that 15% knock her off her high horse and tell her this is your body and soul she's talking about--and you have a say so----even better maybe she can write you a refund check for the stupid comment she made about "she'll consider it" God help her--I can't take much more of the egos of these PROFESSIONALS GO GET'EM FRANK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted June 2, 2005 Share Posted June 2, 2005 Continue the shrinkage Frank and get the Tarceva. 15% is pretty good odds in the realm of lung cancer. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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