Has anyone else had childhood TB, and now diagnosed with advanced lung mestatis?

[swampduck]

[jerrold300]

I had TB when I was 20 and 18 months ago, at 67, I was dignosed with advanced NSCLC staged 3b (T1 N2 M1) because of pleural effusion and mediastinal lymph nodes. BTW: this after having done prevention for over 20 years. Every 6 months I consulted a pulmonologist and a radiologist. I've never been smoker.

[Harrypalmer in reply to jerrold300]

Sorry to hear, what treatment are you undergoing. Stay strong and positive. Moni xx

[swampduck in reply to jerrold300]

Hi I just found out @ 52 I had TB at age of 2, alongside measles. I look after myself, checking for any cancers.......never thinking my lungs were my achilles heel. My gp's didnt check either since my notes were archived!!!. I have similar cancer to yourself but dont know what stage, they only said its advanced, been there a while and inoperable. I have been looking to see if anyone has looked into this.

Did your radiologist/pulmonologist indicate anything?

I am sorry that we are in the same boat...but its good to know we can all support one another....strength in numbers. Are you on any treatment?.

Take care...stay strong

Karen

[jerrold300]

Hi, I looked after myself too for a family history of gastrointestinal tumors and I also checked for other cancers (lung, prostate, melanoma, kidney). My radiologist and pulmonologist were friends of mine for decades. Unfortunately they didn't pay attention to symptoms I described. However, the tumor was said to be therapeutically inoperable but I decided to accept the advise of another friend, Dean of the faculty of medicine, who consulted his staff and suggested a toracotomy (after 4 cycles cisplatin + pemetrexed and 4 cycles pemetrexed alone) to have bio material for mutational research. Damn! All the known possible mutation are wild type so bio drugs aren't effective against the tumor. For now it's still and I'm waiting to be enrolled in a phase II new anti PD1/PD2. Meanwhile the oncologist gave me erlotinib which has proven effectiveness in 30% of cases of EGFR negative NSCLC. Sure, I stay strong! Thank you and take care you too

Claudio

[swampduck in reply to jerrold300]

Hi Claudio,

Apologies but I'm not up with all the treatments yet....new to site but I will keep everything crossed that the new treatment they are proposing is effective. When are you likely to be enrolled?

Karen

[jerrold300]

Hi Karen,

I understand, I'm new to the site too but I worked long time in the research and development of medical imaging equipment and therefore I'm still in touch with the world of medicine.

I'm also doing some treatment supposed to be effective to improve os on NSCLC patients. I can't post details in this site but I could send you more information by e-mail if you wish. these information don't come from witch or wizards but from screening done by oncologists of three or four most reputed USA cancer centres.

I'm expecting to be enrolled as soon as the phase II begins at the St. Anne University

Claudio

[swampduck in reply to jerrold300]

Hi Claudio,

That would be very kind of you, if you dont mind. My EGFR was positive, have appointment Wednesday to start my treatment. Not sure if this is the best way to go...tablet first, then chemo, radiotherapy (if necessary) but thats what my oncologist has said is best for me. Keeping my fingers crossed

Good luck, and I hope the appointment arrives soon for you

Karen

[jerrold300]

Hi Karen,

sorry for not having answered by return mail.

if you have a type of locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer that has tested positive for mutations (changes) to EGFR-TK you can take advantage from Erlotinib (Tarceva). Compared with standard chemotherapy, erlotinib conferred a significant progression-free survival benefit in patients with advanced EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC especially if associated with more favourable tolerability. If you have side effects like rush, mild stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, acne, dry skin, tired feeling report to your oncologist. Very seldom more serious side effects can also occur.

BTW: You have the right to know exactly the stage of your cancer, according to the TNM system, which is the most widely used means for classifying the extent of cancer spread. Can I know where are you from and the hospital that take care of you? My e-mail is

[e-mail]

Be positive, not only because of EGFR, you have to be positive and strong in spirit. Cancer can be won by the power of mind that makes drugs more and more effective.

I remain at your disposal

Claudio

[swampduck in reply to jerrold300]

Hi Claudio

The oncologist I am seeing is one I asked for...the choice was a locum who I believe deals with breast cancer & radiotherapy!. I was not convinced this was best for me. I have my appt tomorrow to see oncologist and get my tablets but I am not sure which ons they will be. What is the difference between tarceva and idressa? I have also requested copies of letter sent to him by respiratory specialist...this may tell me the stage. Will let you know.

Take care

Karen

[jerrold300]

Hi Karen,

for EGFR mutants, there’s no clear indication of one being better than the other. They show remarkably similar efficacy in EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC patients, and modestly greater side effects with Tarceva at 150 mg. Some time different patients react in a different way to Iressa vs Tarceva. About the oncologist do not forget you are entitled to a second and, if you want, even a third opinion. Your doctor should give you all the information you need so that you can refer to other specialists. Did you have CT scan and PET scan? Did you read the reports of the radiologist and nuclear medicine physician?

To provide you with more detailed information I need to know your location and, if possible, the name of your hospital. If you don't wish to make public some info, you could send these to my private e-mail. Without the information that I asked you, I am not able to

do much more for you

Take care

Claudio