Another Gemzar Update -PT/CT Results May 5 2014 - 1263686

slimer
Posts:43

Just a quick note to let you know that my May 5 PT/CT came back overall "Stable". My last scan in Jan. 2014 saw progression of disease, and if it continued on this one, then I would have to try something different and more punishing than Gemzar, or maybe just go Alternatives. The main progression was 2 formerly "sleeping" nodules that came alive with uptake of the radioactive glucose registering 1.7 and 2.2
respectively.

Back in July 2013, the CT revealed my first progression - a small nodule "adjacent" to the primary grew about 1cm joining the primary and forming a "conglomerate" tumor. The measurement of primary then went from 3.6 x 3.4 to 5.5 x 3. cm. On my 10/13 CT, it was 5.5 x 2.8 cm; on Jan 2014 PT/CT it was 5.1 x 3.7; and now the May. 2014 PT/CT, it was measured at 4.4 x 3.7 cm (did it shrink !!!). Yo can see how these radiologists drive me crazy. Also, remember the two nodules that came alive, grew and developed hypermetabolism at 1.7 and 2.2 SUV on my Jan. 2014PT/CT? This radiologist found only 1 hypermetabolic nodule, not two, and it was same measurement as last scan, and SUV is now 2.7. A new nodule in middle of right lobe of 7mm (that's 7mm growth not seen on scan 3 months previous) - not seen on this scan!~!!! No mets, no lymph node involvement.

So I continue on Gemzar and then can look forward to moreconfusion on next scan. Still feel great like I don't even have Stage IV Lung Cancer. Begin my 32nd month on Gemzar as first line with infusion #100 on May 16. Started Cannabis Oil, sublingual spray and vaporizer 50-50 THC:CBD, about 2 weeks ago. Lot
of hype around it. I have my doubts as a long time doper. I don't plan to add any supplements this time around, so we will see if Cannabis Oil does anything except make me mellow on my next scan 3 months from now. I’ll report in.

Forums
Full Archive

Reply # - May 9, 2014, 11:29 PM

slimer
Posts: 43

Dr. West,

I suppose any scan that does not clearly show clinically significant progression is encouraging. But of course, despite this radiologist's measurements showing a reduced primary and only one hypermetabolic nodule of unchanged size instead of two on the previous PT/CT, he had to rain on my parade with this final mincing Impression sentence - "The findings likely represent slight interval worsening of disease." Luckily my onc, like I believe you would, found this whole mess to add up to Stable. In fact, in his Findings, the radiologist mentions "gross stability" when talking about my entire presentation. But he couldn't hold back that last Impression shot to the huevos. Maybe it has something to do with litigational ass covering. I guess you have to deal this stuff all the time.

Reply # - May 10, 2014, 08:54 AM

catdander
Posts:

HI Slimer! So good to know your radiologist's reporting is making you crazy with just impression talk :-D
You may be right about he/she covering a__. When D was first getting reports I of course asked a lot of questions like yours. They don't really have any language specs to follow and want to get it all out there just in case.
I know you're relieved to get the stable scan and I hope you enjoy your months between and I hope your alternatives help.
I know you hope to stay on gem forever but I just wanted to comment on your statement. There are and hopefully will be promising new drugs either approved or on trial.

Keep us posted on the new or just interesting.
Much luck,
Janine

Previous PostNext Post