Bad CT Scan

[JDMNYC]

This study done in London at the hospital where I had my laser lung surgeries showed significant benefits of doing chemo both before and after lung surgery (called perioperative chemo).

http://link.springer.com/article/10.118 ... ltext.html

I didn't know this before my first lung surgery so went straight ahead with surgery. I did do chemo post operatively which seems to be working for me. It might be something you could ask your onc and surgeon about.

Hope all goes well with coming up with an effective plan to suit you.

Sophy

That's very interesting Sophy - thank you. I'll ask the oncologist/surgeon about it - my next appointment after the biopsy is 9/14, so I think I will have a better sense of what they are thinking then. I'm glad the post-op seems to be working for you - good luck!

[juliej]

Thanks Julie - that is very encouraging. When you refer to your local onc, do you mean an MSK onc at a campus location? I'm surprised to see that there is such a difference in approach between, e.g., Dr. Kemeny and my campus location MSK onc. I think I will try to accelerate my meeting with Dr. Weiser to gauge his view. Thank you again.

Jim, I live on the west coast so I was referring to my local onc here. Dr. Kemeny is my main oncologist so all my marching orders come from her now! I fly from the west coast to the east coast every few months to see her. When I was in treatment and having multiple surgeries, I moved to NYC for nearly a year. Yes, try to accelerate the meeting with Dr. Weiser and get his views on this. I would emphasize that you're seeking an aggressive treatment, not palliative. I will be thinking about you on Thursday for your biopsy and sending good energy your way!

Juliej

[JDMNYC]

Jim, I live on the west coast so I was referring to my local onc here. Dr. Kemeny is my main oncologist so all my marching orders come from her now! I fly from the west coast to the east coast every few months to see her. When I was in treatment and having multiple surgeries, I moved to NYC for nearly a year. Yes, try to accelerate the meeting with Dr. Weiser and get his views on this. I would emphasize that you're seeking an aggressive treatment, not palliative. I will be thinking about you on Thursday for your biopsy and sending good energy your way!
Juliej

Julie, thank you - that is interesting to know. Does your local onc have any issues with that arrangement? I'm going to try to get in to see Dr. Kemeny - they can only say no, and I've heard worse than that this week

Set for meeting with Dr. Weiser next Tuesday. I will definitely emphasize precisely that. Thank you for the encouragement and keep your fingers crossed!

Jim

[H is for Hawk]

Jim,

My local oncologist also gets the chemo treatment instructions from MSK. There are no ego issues with the local oncologist, he actually prefers this arrangement for complicated cases, in my case with the BRAF mutation. The local oncologist deals with side effect issues, anti nausea meds or Neulasta for low white blood cell counts.

[JDMNYC]

Good to hear Barry - thank you.

[juliej]

Julie, thank you - that is interesting to know. Does your local onc have any issues with that arrangement? I'm going to try to get in to see Dr. Kemeny - they can only say no, and I've heard worse than that this week

Set for meeting with Dr. Weiser next Tuesday. I will definitely emphasize precisely that. Thank you for the encouragement and keep your fingers crossed!

Jim, no problems with the local onc. They share notes and he follows her instructions.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes as well as possible for you next week! Stay strong and ask hard questions. I (and others ) on this forum are living proof that treatment options are changing for stage IV patients.

[JDMNYC]

Jim, no problems with the local onc. They share notes and he follows her instructions.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes as well as possible for you next week! Stay strong and ask hard questions. I (and others ) on this forum are living proof that treatment options are changing for stage IV patients.

Thanks Julie - biopsy went fine today. Only one nodule was large enough to biopsy (other 4 too small). Needed me to be able to control breathing, so we skipped the "twilight" anesthesia (I'm thinking of suggesting a better name, something like "Monet Dawn"). Was interesting because I was pretty aware of initial needle/tube placement. In any event, IR thought she got a sufficient core, so there should be something to discuss next week.

I can't tell you how much better prepared (and hopeful) I feel on account of the insight and encouragement (and insight ) you and others here have provided. Got myself signed up for the MSK Impact test as well, so hopefully that will provide an angle too. Thank you again.

Jim

[ams5796]

Jim,

So glad that the biopsy went well. Sending out good thoughts for a good outcome next week. It is great to have the knowledge provided on here to bring along with you.


Ann

[JDMNYC]

So glad that the biopsy went well. Sending out good thoughts for a good outcome next week. It is great to have the knowledge provided on here to bring along with you.

Thank you Ann - it surely is. It's making a huge difference in my approach and attitude. This group is really invaluable. Thank you again.

[LPL]

Dear Jim,
Just want you know that I am sending good thoughts for your Biopsy result. 'We' (=hubby) are not at the same place as you now, but I read and learn.. it is a Unknown Journey for all of us.
All the Best to You ! Kind Regards /LPL

[JDMNYC]

Dear Jim,
Just want you know that I am sending good thoughts for your Biopsy result. 'We' (=hubby) are not at the same place as you now, but I read and learn.. it is a Unknown Journey for all of us.
All the Best to You ! Kind Regards /LPL

LPL - thank you! That's very kind. It is an unknown journey indeed, with so much to learn. I wish your husband (and all of us) the very best. Thank you.

[juliej]

Thanks Julie - biopsy went fine today. Only one nodule was large enough to biopsy (other 4 too small). Needed me to be able to control breathing, so we skipped the "twilight" anesthesia (I'm thinking of suggesting a better name, something like "Monet Dawn"). Was interesting because I was pretty aware of initial needle/tube placement. In any event, IR thought she got a sufficient core, so there should be something to discuss next week.

I can't tell you how much better prepared (and hopeful) I feel on account of the insight and encouragement (and insight ) you and others here have provided. Got myself signed up for the MSK Impact test as well, so hopefully that will provide an angle too. Thank you again.

Jim, any news on the biopsy results? I totally agree with you about "twilight" anesthesia needing a new name. Some people call it "conscious sedation" instead, which sounds sinister to me. You were tough handling it with no anesthesia though!

I"m glad you signed up for the MSK Impact test. It's best of class when it comes to genome-sequencing. It sequences each tumor to very 'deep' coverage, meaning each gene is captured and sequenced several hundred times. That allows them to detect mutations that are present in as few as 5-10% of your cells and it lessens the problems associated with intra-tumor heterogeneity. Best of all, it gives you access to targeted therapies that are applicable to your specific mutations.

Juliej

[JDMNYC]

Jim, any news on the biopsy results? I totally agree with you about "twilight" anesthesia needing a new name. Some people call it "conscious sedation" instead, which sounds sinister to me. You were tough handling it with no anesthesia though!

I"m glad you signed up for the MSK Impact test. It's best of class when it comes to genome-sequencing. It sequences each tumor to very 'deep' coverage, meaning each gene is captured and sequenced several hundred times. That allows them to detect mutations that are present in as few as 5-10% of your cells and it lessens the problems associated with intra-tumor heterogeneity. Best of all, it gives you access to targeted therapies that are applicable to your specific mutations.

Hey Julie -

Funny you should ask - just got the call. Looks like I am in the Stage IV Club. Not a club I ever wanted to join, to be sure, but I'm impressed by the quality (and longevity) of the members

I'm hopeful about the MSK Impact Test - the research nurse said that it ends up influencing treatment in about 25% of cases.

Treatment plan in a few days and then off we go again. Keep your fingers crossed.

Jim

[mypinkheaven]

just got the call. Looks like I am in the Stage IV Club. Not a club I ever wanted to join, to be sure, but I'm impressed by the quality (and longevity) of the members

I'm hopeful about the MSK Impact Test - the research nurse said that it ends up influencing treatment in about 25% of cases.

Treatment plan in a few days and then off we go again. Keep your fingers crossed.

Jim

Damn, didn't want to hear that.

[Pita]

just got the call. Looks like I am in the Stage IV Club. Not a club I ever wanted to join, to be sure, but I'm impressed by the quality (and longevity) of the members
I'm hopeful about the MSK Impact Test - the research nurse said that it ends up influencing treatment in about 25% of cases.
Treatment plan in a few days and then off we go again. Keep your fingers crossed.

Sorry you're joining us Stage IVrs Fingers crossed along with prayers. I'm sure your treatment plan will be aggressive and will get rid of the #4 stuff. ox