My cousin was diagnosed with in-oprable small cell in August.After all the chemo etc...the doctor just told her that the tumor shrunk 99%...thats great news, however is this permanent or does it come back? what are usuall stages when something like that happens? Thank you

I think that is just wonderful. And to be honest with you, It is in Gods hands. Ask him that question also! Miracles happen everyday, so I would say that there will always be situations where people beet the odds.

I personally am shocked to see a 99% shrinkage from chemo........Can I ask you some questions please?

1) How many chemo treatments did your cousin have?

2) Did the 99% shrinkage happen after the first scans? Or did all the treatments and scans add up to 99%............

3) What was the name of the chemo?

4) Did they stop the chemo?

Ok, would love to hear............

Best of luck and God Bless

Angel:;)

Hi-
So nice to hear great news of 99% shrinkage! I think that is awesome!
As far as is it permanent, it is hard to say based on what I have been told and what I have read, but I think the best is for your cousin not to dwell on that since they do say the mind can really mess up your body. My husband had 30% shrinkage, which has all come back and then a lot more, but we were thrilled with 30% at the time! My husband was able to have some quality time last fall with the family. Now I will share this with you and not to be negative- we met this lady who was about 60 if even that and she had SCLC and was thrilled since she had 90% shrinkage and that was last June when my husband was just being diagnosed. (we had high hopes for 90% too, but took the 30%with a smile anyway) Believe it or not 3 months later we bumped into her and she did not look well and they informed us the cancer came back like fire and had lost all of the 90% shrinkage. But, keep in mind this is just one person! You don't know what to expect, but just make sure if your cousin is not feeling the same then get back to the doctor ASAP. Your cousin could also be that amazing miracle and have no other problems in her life!
Kim

By the way....great questions Angel! I would also like to know since my husband has SCLC and wonder what his cousin did for treatment and how long.
Thanks!
Kim

I will try and find out which chemo she was using, this 99% shrinkage was the first scan since she was diagnosed , she has been on chemo and radiation treatments since the very end of August and did in in cycles.They want to do radiation on her brain now for good measure?? ok I will try and find out the chemo she was on..Bill

Bill, I saw the onc today and he said I seem to be doing good. Three 'clean' scans so far, 6 months apart. I stopped smoking and now eat all the time. The onc said he won't complain about that since I am not too overweight. I am very aware that small cell usually comes back but don't dwell on it or I would never have a good day. I pray daily for myself and all those who are dealing with cancer. God bless each and every one you who post here. It has been a great source of strength to me.

Hi tuckygal

Good to hear of your results today, another good day.
Everyone needs to hear words of encouragement, so your post carries welcome news.
My daily prayers are offered for you and everyone living with cancer,

ellengrace.

Good for you............I am so glad to hear this.

Jesus said to him in reply..."what do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see," Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way".............

angel

Pat, I am glad to hear you are still doing well. You are our hope! I have always said that I hope someone on this board beats this beast and I hope that you will show us all it is possible!

Angel, The 99% shrinkage that striperman speaks of is with small cell, doesn't your mom have non small cell? The two are totally different beasts and small cell is known to respond well to chemo but has the nasty habit of coming back and of being aggressive and fast growing. Non small cell tends to be slower growing but responds less well to chemo. Keep that in mind when you read posts as even the chemo agents used for the two tend to be different . While you may see some one with SCLC respond great the same agent that worked probably is not used or will not work with NSCLC. Even with NSCLC there are different types that respond quite different to things. As I think some of us have said 30% shrinkage with NSCLC is good so try to be happy that things are moving in the right direction and don't compare them so much to others then think 99%? so that means 30% isn't good as I said you are talking about two different beasts. JanMarie

thanks janmarie, i needed to hear that........

(((((((((((hugs)))))))))))

angel

My cousin was diagnosed with in-oprable small cell in August.After all the chemo etc...the doctor just told her that the tumor shrunk 99%...thats great news, however is this permanent or does it come back? what are usuall stages when something like that happens? Thank you

It probably will come back if your cousin doesnt address the factors that precipiated the cancer whether they be nutritional, environmental, or emotional/mental. Throw in the beatdown the chemo/radiation does to your immune system and not to be a downer but their is a good likelihood of the cancer coming back especially if your cousins nutrition isnt at top gear (does he/she eats lots of sugar, processed foods etc..?)
A diet based on mostly raw foods based on a variety of a cancer fighting veggies such as cruciferous veggies and others(garlic, onions, cauliflower, broccoli, etc..)
fruits (berries, especially blueberries, blackberries and raspberries)
with plenty of essential fatty acids from a good fish oil/flax oil and or flaxseed would be of great benefit to help keep your cousins body in tip top shape healthwise so its able to keep the cancer at bay and prevent reoccurence.