Tom K Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 The past week has been one heck of roller coaster ride. However, I do want to thank everybody in this group who urged me to consult with an oncologist despite the advice I was receiving from my surgeon, pulmonologist and PCP. I think you may have saved my life. Taking this group's advice I met with an oncologist for the first time last Thursday and we reviewed all the records including the PET scan taken on 1/18/06 which shows 2 lymph nodes lit up near the right mediastinum. He was pretty sure it is a false positive because it is inconsistent with the original pathology report and it was taken less than 6 weeks post surgery. He consults with the surgeon who agrees to do a mediastinoscopy. On Friday morning I was called at work and told that the PET scan taken 12/13 also showed lymph nodes in a similar location as the 1/18 scan has suspicious for cancer. We were aware of this, but had assumed the surgeon had removed those 2 specific lymph nodes. Imagine my surprise when I was told the surgeon had explored the mediastinum and did not see any abnormal lymph nodes so he only “sampled” the region. During this call I was also told that the Pathology report had been “revised” (I don’t know if they redid the examination or just changed the report) and that one of the lymph nodes removed during surgery now had indications of cancer. Furthermore, I was told my case was presented to their tumor board and they now agreed that the PET scan on 1/18/06 probably did represent active disease. I was encouraged to come in the office ASAP to begin chemo therapy. The oncologist seemed truly concerned that so much time had been lost and we needed to move quickly. Well after that call I contacted a friend who is a physician and he said the same thing, let them get the medicine in me quickly and I can change to another Medical team later if I am still uncomfortable with this team. On Monday I met with the Oncologist team again and they clearly understood my misgivings. They started me on Taxol/Carbo once a week for 6 weeks. Today I met with the Radiation Oncologist and he will start me on 30 shots of radiation as soon as he can complete all the models (probably next Monday). Both of these teams assured me they would pay special attention to my case. This facility does handle the most lung cancers in Jax but I will be getting a second opinion tomorrow from another Oncology team in another facility. If I had merrily accepted the advice of my doctors and not sought out an Oncologist opinion I might have been in a lot worse situation in a few months. Bottom line, I think the advice of this group may have saved my life. So in a way, my good luck is holding up. Thank You. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 whoa. that's some story. I can't take any credit, but I am so proud to be a part of something (LCSC) that has such a real effect on people's outcomes. please keep us posted. we're here rooting for you!!! xoxo bunny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 I am so glad your luck continues. I hope you do well with the treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 Glad you went to the oncologist, and there is now a plan in the works. Good luck to continue. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 May your luck continue and continue. gail p-m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaffie Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 I'm so happy you went to that oncologist. I took Taxol/Carbo and did fine with it. Good luck with your treatment and please keep us posted of your progress. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 Wow what an encouraging story. I am so glad they started you on chemo. Carbo/taxol is doable. Your side effects should not be too bad. My husband and handled it really well. He was fine until about the 3rd day after the treatment. Then it affected his legs (felt like the flu) That lasted a couple of days, then he felt fine. He took pericets for the pain and that helped him. He started to lose his hair so he buzzed it. He did not have any nauseau. But if that happens to you, they have good medicine for that. There is also good medication for low white accounts that can happen when taking chemo. Joel was lucky as his stayed pretty normal. I am so glad you are starting treatment. Good luck and keep us posted. By the way since we kinda saved your life, do you have a first name... Keep us posted!! Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 I am so happy that you went to the oncologist. I pray that everything works out well for you. Prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 Ain't that something? I hope your luck contiues. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 This is good news. Now you have a treatment plan in place with good chances. I hope your luck holds out til you are NED for about 10 years. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 Glad to hear it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melindasue37 Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 What wonderful news....thanks for sharing with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 That's the kind of news I like to hear early in the morning! Sending extra prayers your way and hope your luck continues. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindseysmom Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 Hi Luckyguy, Love your screen name by the way. Although I can not take credit for the advice you received either, I am happy that you found this board. There are a great number of truly wonderful, and knowledgeable people here. Best Wishes, Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daggiesmom Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 So glad to see your story will have a positive outcome. Please let us know how you're doing. Joanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.