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[MurielK]

I just found these boards yesterday and, already, have found answers to some of my questions. My surgery was June 26, to remove the upper lobe of my right lung. The path. report indicated a T1N0, stage IB, Grade III squamous cell cancer. The surgeon is delighted that he removed all the cancer and considers me to be "cancer free." He referred me back to the pulmonary specialist who suggested two options: yearly CT scans or a referral to an oncologist. I saw the oncologist yesterday, will have blood work done tomorrow, another CT scan next week and then we go back to discuss adjuvant chemo. It seems as tho. I'm in a situation where there are no clear indicators as to the value of chemo or the risk of not having chemo. I'd like to hear other IA or IB folks talk about why they did or did not choose to have chemo. Also would like info. about how bad - REALLY, BE HONEST - the side effects from taxol and carbo are.

Thanks.

Muriel

[gail]

I was stage 1A 28 months ago, and no chemo was recommended by my onc, pulminologist, or surgeon. If you are unsure, go to another hospital for a second opinion. I did that with my first breast cancer, and when they both said no chemo, I went with that. I am still having CAT scans every 6 months, with chest xrays in between.

Hope this helps

gail

[Debi]

Muriel,

Sorry that you have to be here, but welcome to the boards.

I am kind of in the same boat as yourself and posted recently regarding this same dilemna. I had alot of great opinions from folks..check under "Early NSCLC" and the subject is "What to do?". There was so much great info posted pertaining to your question.

I saw my family doctor yesterday and he told me that in medicine, there are many opinions and "sides" - and they are not necessarily right or wrong. Basically, he told me to listen to the doctors that I trust the most, and go with their advice. I'm still researching the different options, but am leaning toward the every 3 months for 3 years followup only without the chemo. My doctor is consulting with an Oncologist that he trusts and is going to call me with yet another opinion. After that, I am going to have to decide once and for all what to do and not look back afterward.

Best of luck and I am sure that you will make the right decision for you, no matter what it is. It's just so difficult getting there!

Debi

46 years old

Surgery June 16th, 2003

Stage 1A, Upper and Mid lobe removed

[john]

Squamous cell is a little bit less likely to metastasize. Also BAC is slow growing compared to Adenocarcinoma.

Generally, the slower the tumor grows the less effective chemo will be. That is why SCLC responds well to chemo/radiation - the tumor cells divide fast. The downside of course is that SCLC often becomes resistant to chemo

Of course, chemos are different and stop the cancers in different ways, so this is just a general statement.

http://www.chestx-ray.com/StagingLungCa/M1.html

" ...

The probability of metastases depends on the TNM stage and the histologic type. The higher the stage the more frequent the metastases. For example, there is a 12 fold increase in cerebral metastses in patients with T2N1 tumors compared to T1N0.

The frequency of metastases are less for squamous cell carcinomas than the adenocarcinomas. In resected patients with Stage I cancers, metastases occurred in 15% with squamous cell carcinoma vs 27% with adenocarcinomas. "

[Guest DaveG]

I was a Stage I who discussed, at great length the value of adjuvant chemo with 2 oncologists. Neither wanted to do it. Now I am Stage IV with mets to my lymphatic system, systemic mets. Take the the adjuvant chemo. There are new papers out which now promote adjuvant chemo and state that it does have value.

[Tiny]

Stage IIa here. I would definitely take the adjuvant chemo based on the latest reports. I worry constantly that there are little demons running around in there multiplying. If I had had chemo, at least I would have felt I had utilized every possible advantage, even if it came back.

[JudyB]

Muriel,

After my surgery, I asked myself that same question. Now, if there is NO way for drs to see micrometastases, therefore, there is no way they can say "I got it all." They just don't know. I had 2 rounds of carbo/taxol and it was not bad.

There have been way too many people on this board who have had only surgery and have had the cancer come. Did it "come back," or was it there all the time? Why take the chance?

JudyB

[bobmc]

Hello Muriel;

My best to you and welcome to the boards, I was stage IIB, squamous cell T2 N1 and that was dx.'ed in April 2001. I had no chemo or radiation and was followed closely by an oncologist. I also had a pneumonectomy on 5/2/01.

I agree with Tiny 100%. I also had this conversation with my onc. in June right after the findings came out and we both agreed that based on the new data I would have opted for the chemo. With this miserable disease ya just gotta give yourself every posible chance ya can.

I know lung cancer sucks, but remember your one of the lucky ones and it really is all about survival. Tough decision, good luck, were all here to support one another as best we can, so again welcome.

God bless and be well

Bobmc - NSCLC- stage IIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01

" absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

[Anniemac]

Welcome Muriel. My husband's disease was a bit further along than yours, but my opinion is go for the chemo. You can never go back if things turn sour and you should do everything you can to make sure you say cancer free--what a nice ring that has!

Tim's chemo before his surgery was not too bad. His nasuea was controlled by pills, he didn't lose any hair and he gained a needed 15 pounds. The chemo he is having after his surgery-which is stronger-is depressing his blood counts. He had two treatments and had to have 4 units of blood because his red cell count was way down. All these things can be dealt with. He still has no nasuea, but is tired. I just figure it means the chemo is working. Good luck and keep posting.

Annie

[norme]

Hi Muriel,

My husband had stage II but after a few months was stage IV. He had the treatments you are talking about and came out of them ok. It made him a little tired, and sometimes didn't want to eat but overall,(he is age 70) it went well. The radiation is what gave him a very hard time....good luck..

[Nancy B]

Hi Muriel, I had my upper left lobe removed 3 1/2 years ago - stage 1B (tumor was 6 cm.). I consulted with two "highly regarded" oncologists specialing in lung cancer. I was told chemo was not necessary and they really wouldn't recommend it. I still wonder if I made the right decision. Sounds like the newest reports say chemo is the way to go. I guess it is too late for me now BUT I feel great. However, if I had it to do over, I think I would go for it (hindsight being 20-20......). Take good care of yourself and you will be in my prayers. Nancy B

[chloesmom]

Hi Muriel,

I am a new member, but have been watching this board for a few months.

Had upper left lobectomy on June 20 to remove a 3.1 cm adenocarcinoma. T2N0M0 is my status right now. Two follow-ups with surgeon included clean chest x-rays ( ...don't have to see him again for 3 months.

Consulted with 2 oncs (one at university where I had my surgery and the one I have had for past two years because of an early stage breast cancer that did not involve any chemo). Both recommended chemo because of the newly shown significant survival benefit.

I did not hesitate to agree to the chemo, except that I am feeling so fantastic right now---I am walking two miles most days, playing golf again, riding my bike and was back to working full time 2 1/2 weeks after surgery. But, I have to know that I'm doing everything I can to keep this away for good.

I had my first cisplatin/gemzar treatment today and am armed with anti-nausea meds (3 to be exact) and immodium AD. Right now, so far so good, but not taking any chances. Drinking lots of water and will be taking anti-nausea meds before bed and as directed for 3 days.

[Guest pattiq6]

Hi Muriel, I'm new to the boards, but thought I'd jump in with my two cent. Ihad my upper R lobe removed 2 years ago on 8/12/01. I was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma,stgI,N0,M0. I've had no chemo, just xrays and cat scans. Had one on tues 8/26, came back okay, will have another in 6 mo. Ifeel comfortable with this, but sometimes I wonder too what's running around in there. My Dr. says most everyone has something in their lungs that could potentionally become malignant, but I think positive, and keep the faith. It's hard for me at times, but since finding these boards and the wonderful people here it has made it easier just in these past few days. Good luc and God bless. Judy ( am not the best typer)

[BarbaraL]

Welcome Muriel,

I can't speak to whether or not you should opt for chemo, since my disease is much more advanced. However, I've had four cycles of the maximum dosage of Carboplatin and Taxol and can honestly say it isn't that bad, except for losing all my hair. I just feel really weird days 1-4, then wake up feeling fine on day 5 and stay that way until the next treatment.

Some people have a really hard time with it, and you won't know how you as an individual will respond until you do it.

Make sure you take all the anti-nausea meds as prescribed, drink tons of water every day and get a CBC every week.

Barbara