Update

[Cardinal1111]

Hello

Just had visit with oncologist been with him for 5 yrs great guy here at Sammos Hospital in Dallas

Wife has been on targresso for 2 years prior to that Tarcivo

2 months ago pluerex catheders is each lung drawing fluid fluid gone but scar tissue causing issue.

Today X-ray and blood work fine In the past creatine numbers were elevated keeping her from trial drug.

Creatine lower at 145 but CEA number 74.makes trial possible

Lung capacity short walks and exertion a challenge.

EFGR marker present so any treatment associated with that is available as long as creatine remains low.

Doc is going to check creatine and CEA in a month to determine chemo or trial drug

All blood work was great, is the CEA represented of just one tumor or could it be other tumors Forgot to ask Doc

Wife is stage IV so there are tumors however current tumor being monitored is in the lung area

Suggestions anyone?

[PegD]

CEA is a ‘tumor marker’ and rising numbers suggests potential cancer activity. Next Generation Sequencing testing, with new tissue biopsy or blood biopsy to determine any molecular mechanisms of resistance to Tagrisso, would let you know if your wife’s tumor mutations have evolved and what is currently driving her cancer. This would be great to know if deciding between clinical trial or chemo.

Clinical trials are a great option if she qualifies but don’t count out chemo’s effectiveness if she doesn’t.

Wishing you all the best. ~Peg

[Cardinal1111 in reply to PegD]

Thank you I will ask the doc that question. I asked him about a change in her EFGR marker and if it mutates to determine a different path of treatment. He indicated that once EFGR is identified that is the marker they target. I’ll ask your question which sounds much different.

Her cough has increased dramatically and her stamina has declined significantly. Simple walking has been a challenge. As indicated in previous posts she underwent a pluerex catheters in both lungs. Since then her ability to successfully breathe normally. When asked if she would gain normal lung function again the doc indicated probably not. We were hoping that through some exercise or rehabilitation she would gain better lung function. He indicated that based on lung scarring and damage this would not be probable. This was an emotional blow to both of us. Could the oncologist have been wrong? Is this something we should be asking a lung specialist?

Pallative care was suggested in one of my prior posts and I have brought this up to my wife and she has agreed. Is this something I ask of the oncologist or pcp? I’m guessing pcp based on referral process with insurance.

Thanks everyone for this wonderful place to share, learn and grow.

Wishing everyone here Peace and Love.