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metastatic lung cancer What is this ?

 
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nh2buck
New User


Joined: 10 Jan 2005
Posts: 1
PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 5:33 am    Post subject: metastatic lung cancer Reply with quote
Hi all:

My mother has been battling lung cancer for about a year. She endured radiation, chemo, and both at times. The tumor was shrinking, and everything looked great (or at least as good as lung cancer can look)

1/3/05 was her last radiation treatment. Everyone was looking towards good news. Unfortunately, she started having headaches around Christmas, and on 1/6/05 was admitted to the hospital because she was very confused and disoriented. We found she had metastatic lung cancer with several tumors on both sides of her brain. The doctor prescribed heavy steroids and she has become less confused. We go today to meet another oncologist, and start full brain radiation (if she will agree to more treatment).

After reading this forum, I see that my expectations for prognosis may be right on (weeks to months), but I would like to know from others if there is anything else I can expect. Thank you very much for your time.

Mark
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leo
Site Admin


Joined: 23 Sep 2004
Posts: 1574
PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 9:17 pm    Post subject: metastatic lung cancer Reply with quote
Mark

Sorry to hear what your mother is going through. Whole brain radiation and steroids are palliative options that may buy some time. It is impossible to predict when...but as you pointed out the prognosis is not very good.

But the steroids and radiation can give her some very good time.

I offer my support, and there are many forum users that also offer their support.

best regards,
Leo
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Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.
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hhmv73a
Experienced user


Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 95
PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 2:12 am    Post subject: re: Reply with quote
steriod and whole brain radiation can palliate the symtpoms of brain mets, but will not change the course of the disease too much. if your mother has no other lesions out of the brain (in remission otherwise) and the number of brain mets is less than 4. you should discuss with the treating radiation oncologist for stereotactic radiosurgery (gamma knife or x-knife). a recent study from RTOG showed patients with 4 or less brain mets from lung treated with whole brain and stereotactic radiosurgery have improved prognosis include survival. the study was a plenary paper in 2003 ASTRO (the annual meeting for radiation oncologists).
good luck,

J. Jay Lu, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Radiology (Radiation Oncology)

http://www.canceronline.com
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Lucy32
New User


Joined: 21 Jan 2005
Posts: 3
PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 10:53 am    Post subject: Mark Reply with quote
How are things going with your mother? Did you make any decisions as to what kind of treatment she will have?
Hope all is well with you,
Lucy
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