Lung Cancer - Cancer: Lung Message Board

David Head · 10-16-2005, 02:08 AM

Lung Cancer Stage 3 metastacised into the Lymph Nodes between the lungs. Question? Is Radiation and Chemotherapy that is recommended by the doctors an appropriate treatment for this condition that has just been diagnosed within the last week.[/FONT]. My son-in-law will have to make a decision about whether to proceed this way or to use some alternative approach. I would welcome input from anyone who has had to make such a decision and info upon the results of the decision.

tuckygal · 10-16-2005, 07:54 AM

David, I can tell you my experience with small cell lung cancer. The first inkling of something being wrong was a lump on my right collarbone that happened rather quickly. A biopsy showed the small cell cancer. Scans showed the mass on my right upper lobe, in addition to cancer in the lymph nodes on each side of my neck. Small cell cancer spreads quickly and the oncologist recommeded treating it aggressively. I agreed. While many say to get a second opinion, my fast decision was because this is fast spreading. Within days, I had my first chemo, and a few days after that I could no longer feel the node on the right side of my neck when I swallowed. The node on my collarbone was shrinking before I got the second round of chemo. I had four rounds of three chemo treatments between the end of April and the end of June, plus 34 radiation treatments. I must say the problems I had all seemed to come from the radiation, painful throat, esophagus problems for a brief time, not to mention loss of energy and hair. My last scan in July was 'clean.' I then got to have brain radiation, eighteen of those, and am praying and hoping this cancer stays in remission. I am certainly not advising anyone else what to do, as far as treatment, just to say I definitely would proceed quickly, whether it be to get a second opinion or to start treatment. My thoughts and prayers will be with your family.

Karen44 · 10-18-2005, 11:16 AM

I am so sorry that cancer has touched yet another life.
I would tend to agree with Tuckygal,do not hesitate,plot a course of treatment and do it ASAP.
You mentioned that the cancer was stage III which leads me to believe this is NSCLC,you need to educate yourself on all treatments for this type of cancer and see which would be best for your situation.
Please do not hesitate.
I will pray for your family

Karen44

rsw1124 · 10-30-2005, 07:24 AM

My wife was diagnosed 2.5 years ago w/ adenocarcinoma the most common type of L/C. we have bee fighting since march28 2003 with this diagnosis. We have a great Onc and WE had a great radiologist, who was very helpful for 8 weeks until he could do more. Since we began this battle we have enjoyed a lot more time together, been through a lot and ar egoing through a lot. Without the medical help and the therapies she may have been gone 2 years ago. I do not know. go with an oncologist and find out all the details of what is wrong, Formulate a Plan and put your team in motion to start this fight. Refuse to lose this fight. There are new breakthroughs every day in this world. Scientists are wrking hard to cure this disease fast and ar emaking a lot of progress. USe a Complementative therapy instead of Alternative therapy and keep faith inGod because he will guide you throught this fight.

rockie · 10-31-2005, 07:44 PM

Hi...my hubby was dx with 3B non-small cell lung cancer with pleural and mediastinal lymph node involvement. He underwent 6 months of chemo only, since the pleural involvment knocked him out of radiation. If radiation can shrink the cancer back to surgical size that would be excellent. Surgery is still (despite its drawbacks) the most effective treatment for lc. This dreadful desease can be kicked to the curb, so my suggestion is to encourage him to grab the bull by its horns and keep your son in law strong. Every day that goes by is one day together with someone we love and care for deeply. My hope and prayers are with you and your family. You will find much strength here.

Take care,
Jan