Hello

[Carolaaustin]

I was diagnosed in sept with stage 4 nsclc adenocarcinoma. Not a candidate for surgery due to pleura effusion. Just concluded 6 rounds of carboplatin/Altima. Recent scans show some shrinkage. Will find out on Thursday what this means for next course of treatment

[scifiknitter Blogger]

Carol,

Congratulations on getting through an aggressive course of treatment with some shrinkage. We'll be interested in the options your doctor discusses with you, and hope that there is at least one that you feel positive about.

Anita

[Carolaaustin in reply to scifiknitter]

We are going to be stopping the carboplatin and staying with just the altima for now. Will keep monitoring to make sure there is no negative change, if there are any signs of growth or spreading we will be adding a second stronger chemo. Praying the altima will keep the cancer at bay.

[Jenniferroseolson in reply to Carolaaustin]

Carol,

I have been on the Alimta for more than a year now as maintenance after carbo-pem dual-agent treatment like you describe. For me, it has held the cancer stable in my chest and abdomen. I did have metastasis in my brain, though, that I had to deal with over the summer, but I hope the Alimta works as well for you as it is for me in holding it stable.

Best wishes

Jennifer

[LoggerMike]

That's a great start.......Had my Targeted Radiation in July of 2015, just had my 18 Mo followup, and it's still shrinking....about 20% of it's original size, and still shrinking....classified as scar tissue now..

You're gonna do great!

Mike

[PegD]

Hi Carol, we have similar paths. Just finished 4 Carbo/Alimta and my first maintenance Alimta was Tuesday. PET/CT showed pleural metastasis w/effusion has totally resolved as well as lymph node involvement resolved. Primary tumor has shrunk and SUV uptake cut in half. We will remain strong. Please let us know what your next step will be.

[JFreemanDaily Special Guest]

Was your tumor or pleural fluid tested for driving mutations?