masspa Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 Hi, I recently posted about my Mom - 83 y/o diagnosed with NSCLC probably IIIA. SHe tried a course of taxol/carbo, but didn't tolerate the taxol. In the meantime she saw her radiation oncologist who recommends starting the radiation sooner rather than later because she has developed some hoarsness. SO with the new plan, she began Carbo/etopside 10/10 with both day one and etopside only days 2 and 3. SHe meet with her medical oncologist 12/22 (I'm not sure why - maybe just to check in) then with her radiation oncologist 12/28 - presumably to schedule her radiation - she had all her mapping done last week. ANy suggestions for her. I'm a little worried that both chemo and radiation together may be a little tough on her. She tolerated the first round of chemo very well - no nausea, just a little fatigue. She is otherwise healthy, and pretty feisty. she has tons of support, so hopefully she'll do OK. I'd love any insight on what to expect, and how best to help her through it. thanks Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welthy Posted December 16, 2006 Share Posted December 16, 2006 Hi Jen, Glad to hear that they are being aggressive with your Mom's treatments. It will be hard on her, but probably well worth it. From our experience the fatigue will increase significantly with more chemo and the rads on top of that. The radiologist will explain all of the side effects when she sees him. I think it is a good thing that the oncologist is following her closely too! Best of luck to your Mom. Feisty... I like that! Welthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted December 16, 2006 Share Posted December 16, 2006 I am a bit confused because it looks like they changed from a normal chemo for NSCLC to one normal for SCLC. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masspa Posted December 16, 2006 Author Share Posted December 16, 2006 Don, Yes, I was wondering about that. A nurse that I work with also works with the local oncologists and says her docs are using etopside foe nsclc as well. I'm gonna ask the medical oncologist when I see her 12/22 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masspa Posted December 16, 2006 Author Share Posted December 16, 2006 Don, I was just doing a bit of reading, and it seems that Carbo/etopside is often given to older folks because it tends to be more tolerable than other combinations and since she's gonna be getting concurrent radiation, I supose they're trying to limit adverse effects. I'm still gonna ask, though thanks again for your response Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrWest Posted December 16, 2006 Share Posted December 16, 2006 The chemo that is given with radiation isn't the same as the chemo approaches that are done without radiation. That's because some kinds of chemo radiosensitize, or make the radiation effects stronger, which can be good in moderation but can also cause more toxicity if the effect is too strong. Certain chemo combinations work better with radiation, and cisplatin or carboplatin with etoposide are among the approaches that have been better tested with radiation. Although the aggressive course of the two approaches at the same time is a double edged sword of balancing side effects vs. anticancer effectiveness, it is possible that the oncologist chose carboplatin/etoposide with radiation based on some research that was published a few years ago that showed this combination was feasible and looked quite encouraging with radiation in older patients. I hope that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted December 17, 2006 Share Posted December 17, 2006 DEb had NSCLC AND etoposide in later treatments year and half after radiation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masspa Posted December 21, 2006 Author Share Posted December 21, 2006 Thanks everyone for your responses. Mom and I go to see her oncologist tommorow. I'll update as things progress Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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