Metastatic Adenocarcinoma

eddie7861 · Guest

Good afternoon. My mother has lung cancer, which spread to her brain, but she has had the right cerebellar tumor removed. The pathology report from the tumor removed from the brain was positive for cytokeratin 7 and focally positive for TTF-1 and cytokeratin 20. Does anyone know what this means in laymen terms? She had a PET scan done just two days ago and we were informed today that her lymphatic system has indeed been infected....we were told she's a stage 3-b. We were informed that she'll need whole brain radiation and then radiation/chemo for her lung/chest.

No one has discussed prognosis and timetables yet...which is what I'm most inquisitive about. I don't want to bring this up in front of my mother, as I don't want her to grow discouraged and simply give up. Can anyone shed some light for me? Many thanks in advance.

Eddie7861 · Guest

So they started chemotherapy treatment today...they gave her 500 ccs of Taxol and 200 ccs of Carboplatin (aka paraplatin). Anyone know anything about either of these drugs? The Taxol, from what I read on the sheet they gave me, seems pretty harsh. Any additional info. would be appreciated...thanks.

penelopez · Senior User Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 165

Hi Eddie,

Gee, I'm sorry no one has responded to your post yet. And I'm so sorry about your mom. I can't really help you with most of your questions. But I can shed a little light on the Taxol.

I did chemo, but not Taxol. However, my elderly neighbor (73 years) did 6 rounds of Taxol and she tolerated it pretty well. It is supposed to be one of the "gentler" chemos. That is what I've been told by people who have had it. Those information sheets they give you can be a bit misleading. When my chemo nurse went over it with me, he said that they sound worse than they really are and that most people don't get many of the side effects listed. So don't let that scare you too much. My neighbor said the worst part of the Taxol was bone pain. This can be alleviated somewhat by Ibuprofen or something stronger from the doctor.
Also, there is total hair loss.

My prayers are with you and your mom. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Margie

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Hello

Thanks for posting. Those markers that you read on the pathology report confirm that the brain lesion is indeed metastatic from the lung cancer.

One thing with platinum-based therapies is that it has a very high emetogenic potential, meaning nausea and vomiting may be really big problems.

Some more info on carboplatin (from NIH)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a695017.html

good luck
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

Eddie7861 · Guest

I just want to thank both of you, Margie and Leo, for responding to my posts.

Leo, if you don't mind, I wanted to follow up on one point you made. You said, "One thing with platinum-based therapies is that it has a very high emetogenic potential, meaning nausea and vomiting may be really big problems."

Indeed, she has vomitted all food and liquid since last evening (it's been a little over 24 hours now). She said she has no nausea when she hasn't consumed food, but once she does it, that she is nauseous. I'll definitely be contacting the doctor tomorrow morning concerning this, but I was wondering if you had any advice in terms of foods/liquids that she might be able to tolerate. The doctor had prescribed her an anti-nausea medication, but it obviously hasn't been working.

Again, thanks for your replies....I really do appreciate it!

-Eddie

penelopez · Senior User Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 165

Hi Eddie,

Just until Dr. Leo gets here, here is a little information: www.chemocare.com is a terrific informational site. You can click on chemo and your diet. It also gives lots of information about the different chemos.

I was on Adriamycin/Cytoxin with a likelihood of vomiting and nausea. I took 2 Kytril a day for the first 3 days. I also took compazine EVERY 4 hours for the first 5 days, at least. I took the compazine on schedule whether I felt like I needed it or not, even setting the clock during the night. In spite of all this, I still had some vomiting/nausea but nothing severe. If her medications aren't working, she definitely needs to try something else.

Anyway, please try that site. It has so much information.

I hope your mom gets some relief soon.

Margie

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Eddie7861

No problem at all. The only general advice is to try to keep hydrated with small sips of fluid if possible. Also, avoid anything with caffeine, chocolate, spicy etc. She definitely needs to see the doctor soon to get a better regimen. This is not uncommon to happen, and there are options for better antiemetic regimens.

regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

eddie7861 · Guest

Margie and Leo:

Again, thanks for your help!

Rocky · Guest

Hi Eddie,
I am sorry about your mom's nausea. My husband started out with the same treatment of carbo/taxol and tolerated it well. He was given anti-nausea medication prior to treatment along with benedryl. Do you know if they gave her medication to combat the nausea prior to treatment? Make sure you mention the nausea to the chemo nurses as well as the doctor. I have found that they are a wonderful resource.

All the best to you both.[/list]

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