Bruce u Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 I got a 2nd opinion this morning on having adjuvant chemo. for stage 1b. Actually this oncologist, a lung specialist, would not make a recomendation but wanted to discuss it with the other 5 specialist at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. He informed me of the U.S. study that included stage 1 which reported a 12% benefit but then said the data was incorrect on almost half of the participants. He then discussed the study completed by the Ontario Cancer Centre last month. This study reported a 15% benefit but included stage 2 as well as stage 1. They did not recommend it for stage 1b. The basic guideline at the Cross is if it is greater than 4cm they recommend chemo but smaller and they do not. Mine was 2.1cm. The 5 other specialist: 2 said they would not recommend it, the other 3 said they would discuss it with their patient but then let the patient decide. If the patient decided to have chemo, they would include that the evidence did not support this decision. I decided to have the chemo. If a study next year finds here is a benefit, I will be ahead of the game. I begin next week for 4 treatments of Cisplatin and Vinorelbine ( Navelbine ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 Bruce, Glad to see that you talked to your doctors and researched the subject. Also very glad to see that you are going to take the adjuvant chemo. Prayers for the best! Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 IMO, GOOD CHOICE! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 I am glad you chose the chemo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 good choice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eileen Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 I am glad you made a choice, I can't say if it is right or wrong, but it is your decision!!! Any stats that shows it helps is worth it in my book I was at 1A which was kind of a no brainer for most oncologists --there were no stats at all that showed that it helped at 1A and I was not going to put chemo in my body unless I knew it would help so far I am doing ok--- good luck to you and I hope you have the same results that I have had! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mendy Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 I strongly support your decision. If there is a chance that cancer cells could be floating around, it is better to be safe and have no regrets. Mendy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eileen Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 deleted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsC1210 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Bruce Just adding my support and best wishes. I think you have made the right choice. Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Add me to your In Favor of Chemo list! I really think it's a safety net. You just never know!! Better to give it all you can with what they have to offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce u Posted December 8, 2007 Author Share Posted December 8, 2007 I would just like to thank everyone for their encouragement, advice and support. I have been receiving conflicting recommendations from the professionals over the past 3 weeks.I found this site and it was the feedback that I have received that convinced me to have the treatment. When you can make a difference in a stranger's life by sharing your experience's, it demonstrates how important this site is. Thank you again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blaze100 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Good choice Bruce. I hope your treatments go well. I choose chemo 7 years ago and am glad I did. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 That's what I would have done in your situation. Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Bruce, Good choice! I have my fingers crossed that the chemo will be a breeze! Keep us posted, Wendy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopefull151 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Good for you Bruce!! I say be aggressive! My thoughts and prayers are with you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welthy Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Bruce, I'd rather err on the side of aggressiveness and know I did everything possible. I think you made a good choice. You might want to check out Dr. West's site at Onctalk.com, where he has addressed studies and issues relating to early stage and adjuvant chemo. Best of luck, Welthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peachy Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Bruce, Wishing you a successful Chemo infusion. My prayers are with you. Peachy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley (MLC) Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 I thinbk you made an excellent choice. I wish you the best with your treatment. Shelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Bruce, I missed this before, but I'm another supporter of the chemo. Give yourself every chance to beat this thing. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alisa Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 I agree with your choice also! You are in a good place in our "cancer world" and adjuvant chemo is like additional insurance. I wish you all the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkiesmom Posted January 12, 2008 Share Posted January 12, 2008 Bruce I agree with Alisa. Gary had his surgery in 2005 and given the choice of chemo after surgery even though the surgeon said they got it all but he also said you can never be 100% sure. Gary was 2b only because the tumor was about 10cm th size of a tennis ball. We have never regretted getting that added insurance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 Hey great choice... better safe than sorry! It is doable and before you know it it will be over. I am glad you decided to make it a go. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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