He has one in each lung. Doc says radiation and chemo for 2 months, then surgery to remove the tumors. Then chemo after. Does this sound correct? My friend said the doc said 3A. He had a bone scan and no cancer showed up and other scans too. I know he's scared of it spreading. Any advice? I've heard this kind spreads fast. HELP!
2007-07-24 17:13:31 · 4 answers · asked by Debbie Ratliff 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
There are two main types of lung cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer and Small cell lung cancer. Your friend has a subtype of Non-small cell lung cancer called Squamous cell carcinoma (epidermoid carcinoma).
You can look at the treatment protocol often recommended for this type of cancer online at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Typically a protocol exists for each type of cancer and a doctor will use this as a guide when determing treatment. You can look up Non-small cell lung cancer to see what the recommendations are for the stage of the disease:
NCCN:Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for NSCL
http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/nscl.pdf
NCI: Non small cell lung cancer
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/non-small-cell-lung/patient#Keypoint2
You can also contact online support groups for more information:
ACOR: Mailing List for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
http://listserv.acor.org/archives/lung-nsclc.html
Lung Cancer Alliance
http://www.alcase.org/
Lung Cancer
http://www.lungcancer.org/
Lung Cancer Support Community
http://lchelp.org/
Best advice is to arm yourself with as much information about the disease that you can. Talk, read, research, and ask questions from doctors and patients. Find the best possible treatment at the best facility for this disease and be persistent.
Good luck.
2007-07-25 02:42:08 · answer #1 · answered by Panda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your friend should seek a second opinion if he has questions. Being secure about what he's going to do in this situation will help his healing.
I know someone with squamous cell cancer in the lungs, and the course of treatment was similar to what you describe.
Encourage him to join a support group. If he has interest, gentle yoga, tai chi and/or meditation are all good to help support him in this challenging time. Your friend is lucky to have you--the support of friends and family helps in the healing process, too!
2007-07-25 00:24:27 · answer #2 · answered by Yogini108 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's squamous cell carcinoma. Follow the doctor's advice and light a candle to thank your god that it isn't oat cell carcinoma. That's the one which spreads like a wild fire.
2007-07-25 00:16:57 · answer #3 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i believe he needs to find a drug that will stop the mitotic growth in his cancer then i think taxol might stop the growth i don't know what to do after that cause once you cut it out it spreads like wild fire hope that helps
2007-07-25 00:19:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋