Trimodal treatment

[Beepers7]

Hi Cancer fighters,

I have now been staged 3a. They are suggesting 2 cycles chemoradiation, surgery then another round of chemo. Not sure my body can take the challenge. Any comments would be welcome. God be with us all.

[ElmerFudd314]

If it was me a I would just go along with the drs best plan. I was given 9 months to live originally for g 4 nsclc, adenocarcinoma. Strictly following drs plans I am closing in on 2 years survival now. I've had just about everything: cyber knife and whole head radiation, Constant 3 to 4 week chemo, twice radiation to bones in the pelvis and chest. This has all been through the Veteran's Hospital in Minneapolis. I think part of what's helped me is I've made rapid decisions to start various treatments and the VA has coordinated very well with the different specialties. I started chemo on the last day of my head radiation which was started 3 days after my initial diagnosis. Lost most of my hair on the head radiation, grew back, and now losing it again due to a change in chemo. Had on and off eating and "chemo stomach" issues but just toughed it out. Just don't spend a lot of time mulling things over and second opinions. Also get your care all. from 1 group. If you have problems with eating or other issues feel free to get back to me. FYI I'm pushing age 71 now. GOOD LUCK. I lost my older brother this last summer to pancreatic cancer related infection after only 5 weeks. He only had 1 treatment with chemo this whole time and tried to commute from Green Bay to Rochester , MN Mayo Clinic. Thought Mayo dilly-dallied on the implementing the treatment and the 5 hour drive was dumb. Of course pancreatic cancer is one of the worst, but Alex Trebeck is still with us.

[Beepers7 in reply to ElmerFudd314]

Thanks so much for your thoughts and encouragement. I will continue on this new journey with hope in my heart and wind in my sails. GBY😊

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

The plan as you laid it out is the best option. Typically they do 4 rounds of chemo so it looks like the intent is to do the two rounds, see how much the cancer has shrunk. At this point they then do surgery to remove the cancer. After surgery they will do chemo again to mop up any circulating tumor cells. Surgery is usually only done with curative intent. It’s not available to people who are stage 4.

I send hope that this plan kicks your cancer completely.

[Beepers7 in reply to Denzie]

Thanks Denzil,

Your reply encourages me greatly. I will start chemo radiation early December. I will keep you posted. Keep up the good work 💕

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Beepers7]

I had concurrent chemo radiation, it’s tough but doable. Which chemo agents are they giving you?

[Beepers7 in reply to Denzie]

Cisplatin and Etoposide. You?

Hang in there 😊💕

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Beepers7]

Also Cisplatin and Etoposide. Try to get your hearing tested before Cisplatin begins and again after your final treatment. It causes hearing loss and if you can establish a baseline before and after your insurance company will have to pay for hearing aids. Also, if you start to notice the pins and needles or can lid burning pain in your hands and feet notify your dr and ask to change to carboplatin.

[Beepers7 in reply to Denzie]

Thanks Denzie. I already use hearing aid furnished by VA. How many rounds of chemo have you endured? Thanks soooooooo much for you advise. 💕🙏

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Beepers7]

I had 4 rounds of chemo in late 2010 and early 2011. I’ve had no further treatment. For some unknown reason I’ve had an exceptional response. I’ve not had any maintenance treatment nor have I had any progression. I was diagnosed at stage 4.

[Beepers7 in reply to Beepers7]

Starting day three of treatment. I know it’s early but all going well. Really appreciate your encouragement as I continue this journey. 😊

[davis17 in reply to Denzie]

I did have a wedge resection for LUL, Stage 4 RUL was bigger. I still have RUL Nodule after Surgery, CHEMO, Immunotherapy and just finished another round of Targeted Radiation last August. Latest CT showed a 1 CM increase but Doc said it’s stable. I would have insisted on the RUL Surgery knowing what I know now.

[rdflynnjr]

My first chemoradiation begins in three days. Stage IIIB. I have my doubts, but am determined to stay the course. Let's hold the line together.

Rick

[Beepers7 in reply to rdflynnjr]

Hi Rick,

I won’t start treatment for a couple weeks but we can do this. There are so many success stories. We will be one of them. I’m determined to beat this cancer and have some good quality life. Please join me. Let’s keep in touch? What’s your email address. Praying for you🙏 SteveO

[Gatorb8]

I am also 3A and am now cancer free! I had surgery which I highly recommend and then four rounds of chemo as it was found in one lymph node microscopic. I am not sure why the radiation but I would follow doctor’s orders. I feel very good now in complete remission and life is back to normal. Best if luck. It was a hard 5 months but worth it now.

[Unicorn1967 in reply to Gatorb8]

Congratulations Gatorb8!

[Beepers7 in reply to Unicorn1967]

Congratulations on your successful treatment. It is so encouraging to us new members to hear from you. I know it will be hard but hope I can write my success story when it’s over. Thanks again, SteveO

[Gatorb8 in reply to Beepers7]

You will!!

[Beepers7 in reply to Gatorb8]

Thanks for your response Gatorb8. Your success give us hope as we go down this cancer treatment road. Congratulations!🤗

[Beepers7 in reply to Gatorb8]

Just reread your response a few weeks ago. Thank you for the encouragement and your success story. It is so helpful to us new members . I am in only day three of my chemo radiation treatment all going well so far. Seeing all the patients going through this is so eye opening. We never realize the pain and suffering around us until we see it first hand. All ages, races and sexes are involved. I’m 72 and have lived a good life with many blessings. Many of the patients I’m seeing are not as fortunate. Praying for them as I get treatment. Anyway hope this finds you well. Keep up your encouragement to all of us. 💕

[Gatorb8 in reply to Beepers7]

Yes I too was amazed that cancer doesn’t discriminate by sex, age or race. I too realized when I saw everyone else at the oncologist waiting room and the chemo room that I was not going through this alone and as hard as it was I indeed had company. I pray for all cancer patients that a cure can be found. There is no other journey like this one. Good luck for a long a healthy life!

[e-string]

I was originally diagnosed 3B and had 2 rounds of chemo (carbo/alimta) along with 30 rounds of radiation. Had some nausea and fatigue but made it through. I then had 6 Durvalumab (Imfinzi) infusions. I developed pneumonitis and was taken off it, but I was NED at the time. Last summer, they discovered a new 1A nodule on the opposite side. I was able to to have surgery for that. Hopefully quiet for a while. Wish you the best.

[Beepers7 in reply to e-string]

You sound so strong! I think that must be one of the keys. Hope you are NED for a long time to come. You greatly encourage all of us just beginning our cancer fight. Thanks GBY

[Beepers7 in reply to e-string]

Thanks for your response. Sounds exactly like my plan of treatment . I’m in day three of chemo radiation treatment. Hang in there my friend. Each day is such a blessing.