is 30% shrinkage good? sorry haven't been here... - Cancer: Lung Message Board

angelmama39 · 10-20-2006, 09:15 AM

Hi everyone....there are so many new people here! Hope God is answering all of your prayers!

Just a little background for those that don't know my mom.

She had lung cancer in the lower right lobe. She also had brain mets which puts her at stage IV.

Her brain tumor was removed entirely. It was fluid filled and cystic, however a portion of the outer shell was cancer. It revealed the lung as the primary source.

She had head radiation 14 sessions and they just graduated her from all head issues last week after 2 MRI's revealed all is OK!

Back to the lung...........

Mom had chemo 3 times so far. Every 3 weeks she goes for carbo/taxol. She has handled it very well. The Kytrill (sp?) has worked wonders.

After 2 times receiving chemo, they did a cat scan which revealed 30% shrinkage. Is this good? Does anyone know about what is the normal % for shrinkage? It went from 70m to 60m. they seemed pleased.

The dr's want her to do chemo 2 more times and then if there is additional shrinkage, they said they want to have a meeting with some dr's (surgeons I presume) (we didn't ask)...to discuss what they want to do from there. I am not sure what else a panal of Dr's, other than surgeons they could possible want to meet with.

What do you all think about that?

The dr. also said he isn't completely sure the tumor is ALL cancer. They are under suspicion that it is partial fatty tissue and dead cells.

She did have a petscan before the chemo started, and the lung was the only place it lit up.

I have no doubt the power of prayer, and the Lord are blessing us, giving us strength, and giving us the Dr's we need. We don't make a move without praying!

Angel

kris114 · 10-22-2006, 10:19 AM

Hi.. From my limited knowledge, when my mother started her treatment, the oncologist said that he would order another CT and PET scan in 2 months and if the cancer either stopped growing or if there was some shrinkage, that would be a positive sign. She was stage IV at the time. So I would think that 30% shrinkage is encouraging...God bless, Kris

angelmama39 · 10-23-2006, 07:14 PM

Hi Kris, and thanks!

Did your mom have the treatments? Did she get the shrinkage?

Would love to hear your story!

God Bless you!

Angel

kris114 · 10-26-2006, 05:17 PM

Angel, my mom has been taking Tarceva and she had significant shrinkage of her tumor, so much so that the oncologist said "it was gone". He was very happy with her progress and remission. She must take the Tarceva every day for the rest of her life. There is a possibility of relapse with Tarceva, so we are thankful to God and taking things one day at a time. She has another appointment and xrays in early November, so we'll see how things go. She is feeling better with every passing day. Take good care. Kris

graciesdaughter · 10-26-2006, 05:28 PM

Hi Angel,
30% shrinkage is great!!! I am new to the board so can you please tell me if the cancer in the lungs is Small Cell or Large? Does you mom go for chemo 3 times a week or 1 time a week? What stage did they find the cancer in? I am asking these questions due to having gone through this with my mom. In a PET scan, any thing that show up as a hot spot is cancerous cell (from the way that it was explained to me) and PET Scans are wonderful!!! They also have now what is called the PET/MRI Scan that can help show the tumor are better. I do wish you and your mother the best and please take advantege of every minute that you have with her. It has now been 8 months for me since my mother has been gone and it still feels like yesterday. I will say an extra prayer for you and you mother tonight. God Bless