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Chido
New User
Joined: 20 Jun 2008
Posts: 1
Location: Ohio USA
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 Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 4:28 am Post subject: Stage 4 success? |
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Hi all,
I've been reading the forum from time to time since April 2008, and found some encouragement here. Thank you all for that.
My father was diagnosed with stage 4 SCLC on 4/12/08. He passed away about 4 hours ago.
He had tumors on the brain, which were treated with radiation (5x a week for 2 weeks). He then went on to carboplatin and etoposide treatments, Tues. - Thurs. every 3 weeks. The disease responded to this treatment.
In early September, we had more images taken. The doctor chose to switch him to Topotecan, once a week for 10 weeks. Apparently, the doctor believed that the first course of treatment had delivered maximum benefit.
Side effects were present, but I've heard of worse. He was just very tired and weak. He shook some, but he was not in pain. He was not sick to his stomach at all, and didn't lose much weight (he didn't have much to lose).
However, three weeks later, he died. I got to the house just minutes after he died, and it was peaceful. My brother had heard him moaning, and went in to check on him. He labored to breathe, but only for a moment. It was like he fell asleep.
I am wondering if anyone has experiences to share about this new drug.
I am also wanting information about success (or lack thereof) treating stage 4 SCLC. I'm second-guessing the decision to do the chemo in the first place.
Any replies or help would be appreciated. Thanks and God bless. |
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dano
Moderator
Joined: 19 Jul 2008
Posts: 224
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
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| Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 10:07 am Post subject: Re: Stage 4 success? |
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Hello Chido;
I'm so very sorry for your loss. This must be a tough time right now. What happened to your father shows why it is hard to tell about life expectancy. One of the many problems with chemo and cancer with some people, like myself, is that blood clots can form. From the way you described his passing I would be surprised if it wasn't cause from a clot to a vital location.
Chemo treatments do have time a duration to their effectiveness. It seems like they normally start with a strong short duration treatment then shift to what they feel is the next step. They stopped my first treatments when my glands started getting big hard and sore.
I don't know anything personally about those treatments your father was on but I can share some of my stage IV victories
I was diagnosed Nov.9, 07, and had brain mets and radiation. I had become pretty week from the earlier treatments and have slowly recovered. I had lost 45 pounds and have sense gained back half of that and I am now back working full time while still on treatments every 3 weeks. I'm not trying to be what I was before I was diagnosed, there is no normal life like I knew it, it is now a new normal. And when it changes, that will be a new normal. Life is still worth living and our God is still worth serving. I thank him daily for keeping me going.
God Bless
Dan
_________________
54 year old male in Hawaii
Diagnosed Nov. 9,2007 with NSCLC IV
with Mets to the lymphs and brain
Had full brain radiation treatment in Jan 08
Currently on chemo treatments every 3 weeks
with Alimta
and taking Lovenox for blood clots
Now back to work full time
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9993 |
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kcjonnie
New User
Joined: 30 Sep 2008
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 7:21 pm Post subject: Re: Stage 4 success? |
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Hello,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My Dad was just diagnosed with Stage IV small cell lung cancer this past week.
I want to tell you not to second guess your decisions....but I realize, I haven't walked in your shoes. It is clear that you loved your Dad and out of love, I'm sure you and your family made the decisions you thought were best. I hope you find comfort and peace through this very difficult time. |
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maryaz
Senior User
Joined: 11 Feb 2008
Posts: 172
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 12:22 am Post subject: Re: Stage 4 success? |
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Chido; I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. You have my deepest sympathy. I cannot help you with your question tho.
_________________
Mary
Husband is 67 year old Male
NSCLC - Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Chemo and Radiation Treatments together
Allergic reactions to Taxol and Taxotere.
The Story: http://www.cancerforums.net/about9079.html |
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brainman
Chief Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 4420
Location: Tennessee
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koikkeril
Super Moderator
Joined: 29 Jul 2007
Posts: 334
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| Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 8:23 am Post subject: Re: Stage 4 success? |
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Chido
I am sorry for your loss and want to send my condolences and apologize for being so late but i have been out of town...I know it must of been a rough time for you and hope you will stay around for some after support and share your experiences with others.
God Bless you...Koik
_________________
Husband diagnosed with stage 1V NSCLC Febuary 2007.....Lost his battle August 27th 2008 but lives on in my heart. |
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