swillis@ix.netcom.com wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Thought I would update both groups on my mom. She has nsclc
> (bronchogenic carcinoma), stage IIIb, dx 11-97. 69 and never smoked.
> She had her bone scan and CT scan done yesterday. We had a second
> opinion today. We were told that her cancer did not spread (1 large and
> 2 small spots on left lung), however, the fluid surrounding the left
> lung and mediastinum do have the cancerous cells present. Because of
> this, surgery is not possible. The oncologist told us that we have two
> options. The 1st is standard chemo (which he advised against) and the
> 2nd is Taxotere and carboplatin (he suggested this one). We asked him
> about taking supplements and he encouraged us to do so. He explained
> every detail to us and said that he would be doing us (especially mom)
> an injustice if he wasn't truthful with us. He spent nearly one hour
> going over everything and answering our questions. He also let us know
> that his office (four oncologists) are involved in a clincial trial with
> Taxotere and carboplatin. We felt most comfortable with him. He did
> say that without treatment she has 3-6 months, and with treatment about
> a year or possibly longer (we both cried all the way home). Since my
> mom lives in Modesto, CA and this MD is in Campbell, CA, she is going to
> have a third opinion in Modesto (first onco in Modesto didn't work out).
> If anyone has used combination Taxotere and carboplatin, I would
> appreciate hearing from you. Thanks for taking the time to read this
> lengthy email.
> Shirley
Dear Shirley,
I have spent much of my energy and time trying to pursuade both the
caregivers and survivors that when asked of or involuntarily telling
those that there is a certain amount of time left, not only takes away
hope, but for the most part is not a truthful statement, because that is
like anyone of us taking out a crystal ball and saying you are going to
win the lottery. Sorry for the comparison, but the fact is no-one, only
God knows how long any one of us, healthy or ill has left. Shirley, how
do I know? I live with and know of many, yes many that were told how
long, but that turned out to be false. So, pls never ask again, or let
any of the medical community tell you or especially your Mother how
long, especially 6 months or a year, that is so darn long and there are
so many treatments on the horizon and present that can administered to
not only control cancer cells, but yes cure in cases. So, ask yourself
is this statement "length of life" based on fact? The answer is no. So,
now lets begin for her living, not for her dying. HOpe you don't mind
this, as I empathize with your grieving, but its not time to do that and
we never know under any circumstance when its time.
Now, for Taxotere and Carboplatin. Both have been a part or combination
of protocal for some medical facilities for some time. I know in the
case of my wife, Barb, TAxol (comes from similar family as Taxotere) and
Carboplatin was first line of treatment for a number of cancers. In many
cases very successful.
Your opinions are coming from hospitals that I am not familiar with, but
you may wish to go to U.C.L.A, or U.S.C. or U.C.I. or HOag Memorial all
in Southern California and all on the comprehensive list of the National
Cancer Instittute, I believe. You may wish to seek 2nd opinion by
acutually calling the N.C.I. for their list of comprehensive hospitals
in your area. I believe Stanford is one of them. But, you may wish to
do this before any treatment.
Take care dear Shirley. Hope I wasn't to rough, I just believe that as
long as there is breath there is hope, and that is why your Mom should
not be called a patient, but a survivor. :)
God Bless YOu
Marty and Barb
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