I wAs diagnosed in late May with SCLC(ltd. Disease but staged 3b). It involves my lymph nodes and my rul with a 1 cm and a 1.2 cm nodules. MRI confirmed no metastis to my brain.
My sister was diagnosed three weeks prior with SCLC Ltd disease and stage Q'S and had her lul removed two weeks ago. I started chemotherapy with cisplatin one day followed by etposide the following two days and will continue for three more rounds every 22 days. The plan is to begin radiation to my rul and chest lymph nodes, 5-days per week for six weeks beginning July 11th. My sister saw her oncologist Friday. Since her tumor was removed (2.9 cm), she won't have radiation. However she will do a similar protocol of chemo with carboplatin and two other chemo drugs. My oncologist wants to radiate my brain at the end of treatment as a precaution. My sister's oncologist does not think this is necessary for her. My sister's cancer did not involve any lymph nodes.
My questions are; why the different chemo drugs and why would one oncologist radiate the brain and one not? How do I know if im on the right path. My diagnosis is much different than my sister's, I understand. But the different chemo drugs and opinion on brain radiation make me question everything.
This is a scary time for me and would like to know if the Drs at Grace have an opinion or idea on why the difference in treatment between oncologists.
Reply # - July 4, 2016, 05:37 AM
My iPad auto corrected. My
My iPad auto corrected. My sister was staged 1a.
Reply # - July 4, 2016, 12:08 PM
Hi kbraaten,
Hi kbraaten,
Welcome to Grace. I'm so sorry that you and your sister have been diagnosed with sclc. The short answer is both can be appropriate. The type of chemo can very but platinum drug coupled with another drug is very appropriate. Etoposide is the most used for sclc but others are often used and usually just a matter of choice by the doctor. Navelbine, gemzar, and Topotecan are other usual combos with platinum.
It has been standard of care to radiate the brain for most sclc diagnoses because the brain is a site of choice for sclc in which to metastasize. Radiation to the brain is done as a prophylactic measure A discussion with the doc about why not may be in order. It's very possible there is a good reason why not. If the cancer is thought to have been caught so early (which is unusual) the doc may feel comfortable not treating the brain.
If your sister is uncomfortable about the treatment a second opinion is never a bad idea. http://cancergrace.org/cancer-101/2011/11/13/an-insider%E2%80%99s-guide…
I hope this helps.
All best,
Janine