Hi Denise and Diana,
I was dx with NSCLC in Dec. 96. It was inoperable and not a candidate for
radiation either. I participated in a chemo clinical trial. After 6 tx, I
had a complete response - (tumors were no longer visible on CT-scan). I had
2 more tx for good measure. I believe that statistics are important to help
you find the best treatment possibilities and then, once you've chosen one,
you and your doc better view you as an individual and not a stat. In case
you haven't read it, this article regarding improved lung cancer survival
helped boost my morale: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/34a52.htm
I am also posting because I wanted to warn everyone that they should discuss
any other medicines (including vitamins) with their doctor before they start
taking them - especially when on chemo. Since I am done with chemo we agreed
that I can try a few more things - in moderate measure. I'm currently taking
1-2 c. of green tea, garlic, astragulus, vitamin B complex, a multi-vitamin,
calcium and magnesium oxide. But while I was on chemo my doc did not want me
to take vitamins beyond my normal 1-a-day and calcium for various reasons
that made sense to me but I'll only tell you one of them here. One of the
chemo drugs I was on is very hard on kidneys (I had a friend who died of
kidney failure after 3 tx and my kidneys now have problems retaining
magnesium). Even green tea, which seems innocent enough, can cause problems.
My doctor said he's had too many patients who were having problems with
dehydration and a well-meaning caregiver was having them drink lots of green
tea at the same time because they heard it was good for cancer, which may be
true, but they weren't aware it causes diarrhea.
Good luck and God bless both of you, your mother and brother.
Tricia
'What enriched our lives is not how long we have with a person,
but the depth of love we are fortunate enough to share.'
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