kimblanchard Posted September 8, 2004 Share Posted September 8, 2004 HI All, Dad visited with the oncologist at Hopkins yesterday. They feel that they got everything with the lobectomy in august but are recommending follow up chemotherapy. THey have told him that it is preventative and is his choice. They have offered him a clinical trial which is only being done at Sloan, Vanderbilt and Hopkins. It is a combination of Cisplatin and Taxotere. Sounds pretty harsh but they mentioned 5-25% less chance of recurrence as opposed to doing Carbo/Taxol which can be done in our home town. He would be traveling up to Hopkins every week (3 weeks on one week off) for 3 1/2 months. Two of the treatments would take 8 hours. They are offering him to do the chemo on Fridays so he could stay over somewhere up there if he didn't feel up to traveling. This all new to us, he had radiation with the first cancer (head and neck). Any thoughts of choices out there? Side effects of one versus another? Dad is swaying toward the clinical trial because that is what Hopkins recommended. We are just concerned about how toxic, harsh and the side effects. Ultimately it is his decision but we are trying to get him as much information as possible to make the best choice possible. We will back him in whatever he chooses! It was his incredibly positive attitude that got him through it the first time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justakid Posted September 8, 2004 Share Posted September 8, 2004 I feel that every little bit helps as long as it can be tolerated! I started full strength Taxotere yesterday for 4 treatments, this was after 6 weeks of radiation and taxol/carbo combination. Good luck to you and your Dad, keep us posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhutch1366 Posted September 8, 2004 Share Posted September 8, 2004 If your Dad wants to go with the doctor's recommendation, I think he should go for it. For someone who is otherwise healthy and strong and in good nutritional status, I believe in taking whatever you can stand, if it will give you the best chance at a great outcome. Whatever he decides, I know you'll support his decision. He's lucky to have a daughter so caring.... God bless and keep you all strong... XOXOXOXOx MaryAnn Prayers always... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted September 18, 2004 Author Share Posted September 18, 2004 Thank you so much for all of your comments it seems that dad has decided to go with the more aggressive clinical study at Hopkins. He feels that is his best option and that is where he feels most comfortable. He is going through a bit of a depression right now but we are hoping things will start looking up soon. He starts his first treatment on Tuesday and it will go for 3 and 1/2 months. I'll check back in............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted September 18, 2004 Share Posted September 18, 2004 hoping that all goes well for your Dad. And I love the photo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddy Posted September 18, 2004 Share Posted September 18, 2004 Good Luck to your Dad. He seems to have the fighting spirit and that is a very good thing.Paddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted September 18, 2004 Share Posted September 18, 2004 Kelley, Off topic: I think it's a toss-up which one is better looking (your dad or your son) and they both have equally winning smiles, but when it comes to CUTE - your baby wins the prize! Everytime I see one of your posts, I just stare at that beautiful baby. He is more-than-adorable!!! ..... and, yes, prayers for successful treatments for your dad! Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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