Caring4Cancer

I'm reaching out to anyone who may have knowledge or personal experience with this type of Lung CA.  I was diagnosed April 2007, and while it was a very early stage, 1a; it's been traumatic because I just can't seem to find information that gives me hope that the surgical intervention has cured me.  My lower right lobe was removed.  My oncologist has suggested Tarceva, even though there is no data for individuals treated at my stage, apparently it's primarily used for later stages and after Chemotherapy.  There are side effects---digestive disorders and sever skin irratation.  I'm torn--do I try the treatment and ignore the side effects? Will it increase my odds?  Any information that anyone would share would be most appreciated.  I'm female, a non smoker and 46 years old.

 

Jo

 

Hi Joannama.  It sounds like your Doctor is prescribing Tarceva (Oral Chemo) as opposed to IV Chemo?  I have talked with my doctor about these as well, and he seemed to indicate it would be used as a second line of therapy if my chemo doesn't work.  This stuff is all new to me as well.  I have stage IIIB lung cancer.  My radiation starts Monday the 2nd July (daily) and Chemo starts Tuesday(weekly).  I believe with any treatment you could experience a certain amount of side effects. These are cancer drugs that do not play!  They are strong and harmful to normal cells too.   You may have to weight the facts.  You had your lower right lobe removed.  That hopefully worked in getting the cancer out of your body. Are you strong enough now to battle the effects of chemo?  I reccomend you get a second opinion on your next course of action.  What did the surgeon say? Did he/she feel like they got it all?  I was not a candidate for surgery as originaly planned as my cancer has spread to my main lymph node and several smaller ones.  Oh well...guess I'll just have to fight a little harder!  Keep up your great prognosis!  You sound well on your way to full recovery.  I may not have helped with your question but it sure felt good to me talking about it!

 

Jo, In early October, 2007, I also had my right lower lobe removed with the diagnosis of mucinous adenocarcinoma, Stage 1A. I'm a 51 year old female and a non-smoker. I've consulted with two oncologists in the Washington DC metro area. One spends 98% of his time with lung cancer patients exclusively. His review of my case led him to tell me that there is no protocall for Stage 1A other than surgical resection. With there being no node involvement and the margins around the tumor also testing clear, he suggested that I celebrate life and focus on being in and remaining in the 80% survival group. His feeling is that the impact of the side effects far outweigh any benefit to be gained, at least that which has been studied to date with Stage 1B patients. The second oncologist cited the same statistics though suggested that with my family history, my father and two brothers, age 63, 51 and 47 each of who passed from lung cancer, that I might want to give consideration to chemotherapy, as in insurance policy. At present, I've opted not to go the chemo route but rather to focus on improving my overall health, starting at the very level of which created my illness -- cell health. I'm currently consulting with an integrative physician and we will be meeting this Friday to review results of multiple blood tests and a toxicology test. I'm also focusing on mind, body and spirit, all of which together will enable me to conquer this beast. Positive mental attitude is where I'm at! Let me know what direction you decided to take and how it's going for you. Melanie

I am a 63 year old woman who has had nsclc (bronchoalveolar) stage 4 for 2 1/2 years-started on Tarceva right away after going to Mayo-I really felt perfect for 2 years-slight loose stools-but used fiber/oatmeal and that helped-never really a problem-sometimes I would get an occasional rash ( more like a big pimple) didn't last long---I did use sunscreen regularly on exposed areas -I would encourage anyone to try tarceva-it's been a life saver-usually forgot I was even sick-I have had a little progression of 1 of my larger tumors and have started Avastin with really no side effects-I was pretty nervous to start that one because of all the warnings-I have had to add a bp pill and prevacid for heartburn but very easy to live with-also my brother had a lung lobe removed at a very early stage-dr. not sure how classified-he lived 14 more years without any treatment-he was a very heavy smoker prior to diagnosis-hopefully this will help you decide-I wouldn't hestitate at all on the tarceva-it's been great-  bc

I also forgot to tell you my brother had adenocarcinoma-bc