bronbear Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 Just an update on my dad and a question for all of you wonderful, knowledgable people here. My Dad got his CT scan result and it was not good. His tumor has actually grown by 20% after using the Tarceva for over two months. In addition, we found out the reason he has been having difficulty breathing is because the tumor is pressing into his windpipe. They are sending him to where I live to have some sort of laser surgery to hopefully alleviate this pressure. Is anybody familiar with this type of procedure? Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leslie221 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 Oh, Bronwyn, I'm so sorry the Tarceva has not helped your dad. At least the doctor feels there is a fix for the breathing problems. I don't know personally about the laser treatment he mentions, but someone will be along shortly with an answer! Wishing all the best for you and your dad, Leslie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 Using a laser to clear out an obstruction is what is done from what I have read. Some articles date to 1987 so it has been used for a long time. The are called Ng: YAG lasers. Sometimes Photodynamic therapy is used to do the same thing but *might* help with the overall treatment of the cancer not just the obstruction Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamataca Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 I'm not familiar with the treatment, but I hope it does the trick for ya! Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 Sorry for your news. Best Pat and Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted August 11, 2005 Share Posted August 11, 2005 Bronwyn,I have had laser surgery to open up my trachea which was 80% blocked by a tumor. The laser surgry in my case was done with a machine same as a broncoscopy procedure.But my blockage was inside the airway.They then put in a stent to keep the airway open.After that it was on to more chemo and radiation again. Laser surgery as a rule is usually much less invasive than conventional surgery.It is often done as outpatient and healing time,pain and discomfort are usually much less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
francesbean Posted August 11, 2005 Share Posted August 11, 2005 Oh Bronwen. Sorry to hear the bad news about Tarceva. Best of luck on the laser treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathy Posted August 11, 2005 Share Posted August 11, 2005 I remember seeing a program on tv shortly after my dad passed..It was a new procedure they were doing here in Michigan.. It was done on a tumor that was blocking the patients windpipe, he walked into the hospital using oxygen and walked out without it..It looked very promising..At one time there was info on their website..The hospital is Henry Ford in Detroit I believe... Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kreed70 Posted August 15, 2005 Share Posted August 15, 2005 not sure but would cyberknife radiation help. put in the search engine for this website and lots will come up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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