PET Scan Monday ~Update 7/24~ Update 7/30~

[Nova]

I'm thinking of you Laurie, and saying lot's of prayers for your Bill.

It's not fair, ya know it?

[Maryanne]

I am so sorry Laurie, when I read posts like this I just don't know what to say.

Please keep us posted and know how much we care!

Continued prayers sent.

Maryanne

[dchurchi]

Laurie,

Prayers for both of you. I am very sorry to learn

the results of the PET were what they are. This really does stink.

[teriw]

Hi Laurie,

Stay strong and take things one day and one test and one treatment at a time. You just never know what's around the corner -- it doesn't have to be something bad!

Praying for a complete turnaround for Bill...

[laban]

Saw Onc today. Now we're trying Gemzar once a week for three weeks. Anyone have any info on Gemzar, side effects, good or bad? Bill sees the Radiation Onc tomorrow.

[Adrian]

I know Welthy's husband's new regimen has Gemzar as a single line treatment.

My dad is on Gemzar/Carbo/Avastin as a first line right now. Gmezar is a very mild chemo as far as side effects go. It causes fatigue and low blood counts (surprise surprise).

[Adrian]

I noticed your husbands never had avastin. Is that something your once has ever suggested adding?

[laban]

Adrian,

Thanks for the info, I'll check with Welthy about how Tony has tolerated it.

As far as Avastin, the Doc never mentioned it. I was under the impression it was not for SCLC, but I didn't think Gemzar was either. I think he's just giving him Gemzar because it is milder and there are not alot of other choices. I'm guessing he's counting on the radiation to work on some of the areas. Unfortunately the cancer is spread to several areas including lymph nodes in the neck and mediastinum. I don't know how many areas can be radiated at one time, but we do have an appointment tomorrow with the radiologist and should get some answers.

[Kasey]

No info about tx, BUT wanted to wish you guys good luck with Gemzar. Hope it does the trick. Keeping you in thought AND prayer too.

Kasey

[ErinC1973]

Laurie,

I'm sorry I'm so late with this, but I wanted you to know that you and Bill are in my thoughts and prayers. We're here for you, whenever, whatever.

[Nova]

If I only had a magic wand....Everyone here would be "poofed" into health !

Hoping you get some good news from the radiation doctor.

Love,

Nova

[Adrian]

Re: avastin for small cell lung cancer: I have to qualify my suggestion. It appears avastin is still in the trial stage with respect to application to SCLC. For instance:

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/N ... 03?order=4

This particular trial, unfortunately requires that the patient has had no prior cancer treatment.

[laban]

Thanks for the update. It's so nice having all these friends on this board looking out for each other.

[Welthy]

Hi Laurie,

Glad to hear there is a chemo plan in place and radiation in the works. Tony did start Gemzar again today. Gemzar is an old friend. He did 12 cycles in 2005-2006 combined with Taxotere. He had high fevers/night sweats, but then he has those with various chemos. Mouth sores too. It is hard to separate what the side effects that were from Gemzar vs. Taxotere. The oncologist put him back on this because it is considered mild and he's pretty frail right now. As far as SCLC vs. NSCLC treatments, our oncologist is also bringing SCLC treatments to the table for future use if Tony gets feeling better.

I sure hope this works for both of our guys! You are in my thoughts and prayers regularly. There are too many of us sitting in the hot seat right now -- and I'm sorry you are one of them. Have hope.

Many hugs,

Welthy