Does it always come back? - Cancer: Lung Message Board

striperman · 11-04-2006, 09:10 AM

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

angelmama39 · 11-04-2006, 06:42 PM

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:

Kimslos · 11-04-2006, 10:27 PM

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

Kimslos · 11-04-2006, 10:29 PM

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

striperman · 11-05-2006, 03:10 AM

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