If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, our lung cancer forum is a helpful source of information and resources. Research online topics at CancerCompass.com. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/lung-cancer/adenocarcinoma/1,0,119,3,53.htm Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hi All,My father has lung cancer. He got the tarceva 2 monthes ago but it didn't help.now he is going to get the Alimta. what are the chances of this medicin?we are so upset!!! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40850,0.htm yoyo123 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT My brother was diagnosed about a month ago with signet ring cell adenocarcinoma of an unknown primary that is confined in his abdomen.  He went for numerous tests prior to the diagnosis and the only tumor marker that was elevated was his CA125.  It was  468.  His symptoms were severe abdominal pain, constipation, and weight loss, because he couldn't eat anything due to the pain. He spent about 3 weeks going for numerous tests before they said he needed exploratory surgery.   After laparoscopic surgery the surgeon removed ascites from his abdomen and stated that the cancer  was very widespread and advanced.  The oncologist says it is confined in his abdomen and mimics ovarian cancer, so they are somewhat at a loss on where it started..  They started him on chemo treatments of Cisplatin and Taxol within a week of his diagnosis.  One week later, he started throwing up bile and had a NG tube inserted due to a small bowel obstruction.  He has since had the NG tube removed and is on a liquid diet.  His doctor contacted MD Anderson for a consult, upon our request, and he had his first treatment of  FOLFOX last week.  After the scar from the surgery has healed they will start him on Avastin, as well.  Although he can eat liquids, they have added a TPN bag which  is inserted through his port a cath, so he can get the nutrients he needs.  They plan to send him home tomorrow with the TPN bag and we have not been told how long he will need it.  The oncologists hates it when we ask questions, but my brother really likes him so our hands are tied.  They have not done a PET scan on my brother, so I don't know if they are doing everything they can to find out answers.  My brother is only 45 years old and has a 13 year old son.  I have spent all of my time researching as much information as possible, but a lot of things just don't add up.  When I suggested taking him to MD Anderson for a second opinion the doctor said it was a good idea, but because he was in the hospital at the time, the Dr. had to make the call.  Once he called and consulted with someone there, he started the treatment of FOLFOX as they suggested.  I know I am in denial about his condition, but it just seems to me that it is too late to get a second opinion. They claim this cancer is very aggressive and will cause his organs to fuse together if the chemo isn't kept up.  It is to be done every two weeks.  Should I have him insist on a PET scan or just trust the doctors are doing everything they can do right now.  I am so scared for him, and I just need some advice.  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40602,0.htm Julie1966 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT My mom is 80+,  had an illeostomy 10 yrs ago (no colon, rectum, ovaries), has neuropathy from shingles for 10 yrs, stenosis in her spine, needs knee replaced but not surgery candidate.  She lives independently, uses a walker, still drives.  Has been on pain meds for 10 years for her various other pain issues.  Recently diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of a gynecologic nature with malignant lymph glands, also mention of mesentery mass.  She had a stent placed in her kidney during a recent hospital visit for pain she was experiencing.  Her oncologist indicated she is Stage IV and his goal is to keep her comfortable.  His suggested course of treatment is to begin Gemzar chemo 1x/week for 3 weeks and consult after to see how she is doing.  My sister and I realize this is not something that will get better or be cured.  We are concerned that the chemo will be too much for her and thus quality of life will worsen.  Has anyone out there experienced anything similar?  We realize everyone reacts differently, but would appreciate any feedback.   The last thing we want to see is her suffer any more than she already has for whatever time left she has.  Thank you in advance to anyone who responds! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40160,0.htm hilmarhood Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT I started Tarceva 150 mg over two and one half weeks ago for Stage IV Lung Cancer.  After 8 days, I had to stop taking it due to a severe face, head and neck rash.  My nose and chin were full of pus pimples and would bleed at the slightest touch along with severe itching and burning of my face and head.  I was put on oral antibiotics and a topical lotion.  After eight days off the pill, my skin has finally calmed down--now it just looks like bad acne.  I am supposed to restart Tarceva again today, but I was told to cut the pill in half, thereby taking only 75 mg.  My fingertips are sore and cracked also and I had the diarrhea and nausea.  Has anyone else had such a severe facial and head reaction??  I was told I have a genetic marker which precluded my chances of getting cancer (I am a non smoker), and that Tarceva specifically targets my type of genetic marker.  Three years ago, I had 3 surgeries for cancer, two lung cancers and one renal cell carcinoma.  All results were Stage I and each one was a primary.  I had negative CT scans every 4 months, but the last one in August '09 showed nodules had metastasized in the pleura of the left lung.  I am afraid to restart the Tarceva and I am afraid if I do not!!!! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40030,0.htm Marie_Carmel Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hello I am asking for advice about treatment.  My mum has recently been diagnosed with this and she is 80 years old.We have been told its at stage 1 after being told by another doctor who treated her terribly in hospital that it was stage 2.She is getting a lot of pain now and her GP has given her Oxycontin - to take 3 in the morning and 3 at night 5mg.  And he has given her Oxynorm to take for quick relief up to 4 times a day.Its not really taking the pain away completely and the problem now is she is doped up to the eyeballs and has no quality of life.  We are getting her appointment with the oncologist brought forward and want to know is there any other pain relief that she could have and that we could ask for that gives her quality of life and doesnt make her out of it all day???  I know she would hate feeling like this and it is awful seeing her like it.There must be other pain relief.  Please any help would be appreciate so we dont go in to oncologist not knowing anything. ThanksMel http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39733,0.htm Mel20 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi; my mom was diagnosed with pmp about 3 years ago; she had her first surgery which diagnosed the cancer.  Since then, she has had two MOA surgeries, the last in Nov. 2008.  She just had another series of tests done to try and determine what is causing all of her pain.  The pet scan showed that she has numerous tumors growing again at a rapid pace.  She is seeing Dr. Sardi in MD, who has recommended that she consider tx with either IV or oral chemo; he will not do another surgery on her so soon.  She has also developed a hernia and a stricture in her stomach which is making eating very difficult.  She has lost a tremendous amount of weight and Dr. Sardi wants to address this first and then pursue tx with some form of chemo.  He did not provide my mom with the name of the chemo that he is recommending nor could he provide any statistics or info. to support this tx.  Does anyone have any input on the benefits of treating pmp with an oral or IV chemo; what are the side effects, long-term results, risk vs benefits, recommendations etc?  We are all trying to help my mom to make the best decisions, but I think she is very frustrated that her time in between surgeries has not been long or of good quality.  I am feeling very helpless and would like to at least be able to provide her with some information from others who have been thru the same battle as she.  Thank you to all who post on this site and are so willing to help those of us struggling to find answers. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39500,0.htm lauram Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT hello,  gordies chemo the 5fu stops on friday, does anyone know how soon they will schedule his pet scan,  gordie does not want to know right away so he won't allow me to ask the doctor. because he wants a break, and does not want to know the results, but if a quick scan is essential. incase its positive i would like to talk him into getting it done quick. thanks beth http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39286,0.htm beth123 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT When my husband went thru cancer treatments, he used LGlutamine to boost his immune system.  He was incredibly successful.Has anyone with Adeno tried any natural remedies/Alternatives that you can suggest?   Thank you http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39154,0.htm Mediator Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT I would like those who have cancer to keep the faith. Say your prayers. God hears you. I have less than 6 months and its hard as hell to prepare yourself and your family. I have a loving husband that dotes on me everyday and am so blessed for that. Spouses, children, and the grandchildren are left with the emotional rollercoaster. I may not make sense but I am trying to accomplish going thru my things so that it makes it easier on them later. I have had my will done, and my power of attorney done, and all the children knows what I want. My advice is spend the time with your loved one. Even if its a phone call. Check on them daily. It makes me cry sometimes to hear there voices but I would rather get cry than not hear from them. Let the past go... Live for the present, and to the fullest.I have lung cancer, I did the chemo it didn't work for me.. I did radiation it helped me breath better. After two years of having lung cancer it decided to move. I had two tumors removed from my head by a lazer radiation. Dr said they may come back. I have my good days and bad days. My doctors keeps the pain away and yet I am not a zombie. They took my license, which actually I agree with. I have shakes like parkinson disease.I am a strong women who is not giving up. I want to give back to other cancer patients that just don't know what to do. I want to give other families that chance to cherish the new memories... Don't have any...then make the time to have them. Don't let your love one go one day with out telling them you love them. Believe me I look forward to everyday to hear those words of encourgment. I don't have anyone home with me. I do things myself when I can. Sometimes I am asked lets do this, or lets do that, but in truth I don't want to cuz I am tired, or the weather is  to hot and I can't  breathe well outside... Stand behind your loved one and show them you support them. They need to know this. Don't think that its automatic that they know cuz its not always true. I am still wanting things, like I told my husband .... I am going to my daughter's for a week in Mississippi, and then to my other daughters for a week in Denham Springs, La. and when I get back I expect my porch to be built. I live in a trailer and at night its cool enough to sit outside but I want to be able to sit on my porch and on my swing. The time away from him will help him as well. Its hard, tough, whatever you want to call it when you know your losing your best friend. He never goes anywhere, I have been encouraging him to go out and have a drink with some of his friends, he needs to get out to refresh himself. We live in as small town in the country so everyone knows everyone, and everything. Am I wrong to try to help them along... I don't believe I am. It helps me knowing that they don't have to go thru the agony as much.                                                                       Tery50  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,38765,0.htm Tery50 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT My dad was diagnosed with Stage IV Adenocarcinoma of an Unknown Primary last week.  He is 54 and otherwise healthy.  He suffered with back pain and weight loss for about a year which lead to a CT scan which showed a large mass in the left side of his abdomen.  Because this mass encases arteries it is inoperable.  The prognosis is months not years and our options are chemo to stunt the cancer spread or radiation to shrink the tumor in his abdomen.    There are pros and cons to each and we are uncertain with which to begin.  I refuse to accept that he will not be with us this time next year and I am seeking all advice and suggestions.  Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,38652,0.htm Treelee Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT I just received the update that states the USDA has approved Alimta for maintenance therapy for advanced or metastatic lung cancer.  Is anyone familiar with this?  I am thinking about talking to the doctor about this drug for my father.  I could use some opinions and advice.  Thank you. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,38393,0.htm mistyd Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi my mom is 56 and she was diagnosed with stage 3b adenocarcinoma lung cancer about 3 months ago since then it has spread to her temple collarbone back groin and upper right leg and lymph nodes and they have changed her stage to stage 4 i was just wondering if anyone can give me any info on this i am kinda confused when i looked it up it said that stage 4 is terminal but  for some reason my mom appears to be feeling better now  that she is stage 4 then she did when she was stage 3b i was just wondering what the survival rate is? and if treatment is worth the side affects she has already had 2 rounds of radiation and is scheduled to do 10 more treatments as well as taking tarceva  also they want her to do chemo when the radiation and tarceva is finished. I was also wondering if there is anything i can do to help her through this and if i should explain to her what stage 4 means cause she still seems to think that there might be a chance of curing this please any information would help thanks http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,38210,0.htm peaches2292 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT My aunt has just been diagnosed with stage four adenocarcinoma.  The onc has given her 18mths to 2 yrs.  I know from experience with my husband's cancer that you choose hope and go farther.  So, I am currently focusing on what has worked.  If you or a loved one has recently been thru treatment for an advanced stage of adeno, please let me know what you've experienced.  I find the best resources are right here.  They come from survivors and their caregivers.Any advice on how to extend her life and quality of life is appreciated.Thank you. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,38214,0.htm Mediator Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi:My aunt has been DX with stage four adeno. I'm looking for a synopsis of what worked and what didn't during treatments for adenocarcinoma.  When my husband went thru treatments a year ago, the survivors and caregivers on the head and neck section were able to do this.  It was an infinite help to me.I'll start the dialogue and you do the replying.  The results will be pages of notes that can be extremely helpful to the patients and their caregivers.So....start replying, please!  Let me know what worked during your treatments and what didn't work.  What could have been done better?  What alternative meds did you use?  Thank you for the help!  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,38215,0.htm Mediator Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi,My brother has been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma 10 days ago. He is just 19. He is on Liver Meta Stage as per his doctor reports yesterday. We haven't started the chemotherapy or any other procedure as we came to know yesterday about the disease.Doc. said he does not have much time as the disease is incurable. He had appendics operation and then doctor came to know about the disease.I really need to help him.Can anyone please suggest a suitable hospital/doctor where I can show his report for the treatment.  Thanks http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,38062,0.htm novel123 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT My father who ois 79 july 4th has stomach cancer he had most of his stomach removed and it is in  20 out of 26 lypmh nodes, no metastis, he   is fixing to do radiation and chemo combo, they told him if he does this it will give another year and if no treatment 4 months. i know he is going to be really sick, the treatments last around 4 to 6 month.   i am so confused if he should do the treatments or not.  He has alrady lost 30 lbs and is  very weak, any input would be welcomed. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,37897,0.htm OREO02 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hello everyone!  My 54 year old father was diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma in early may 2009 (not too long ago).  We have had 3 chemo treatments of carboplatin and taxol.  After the second treatment, the oncologist explained that the cancer had not grown anymore so I was ecstatic that it had not progressed.  I am hoping that the 3rd and 4th treatment will help kill some cells.  My biggest question is what now.  We got our second opinion at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis and they have doctors there that travel back and forth between there and cape so we can stay closer to home.  I do wonder however, if I should take him to mayo or to the cancer center in Chicago or is carboplatin and taxel the common practice. This has all been a nightmare to us.  My father is not married and he also has a handicapped son who lives with him.  Me and my older brother take turns spending the night and taking care of them but I just feel so scared.  We have never had anything like this happen before.  The way it all happened is like something out of a bad movie.  He hurt severely for a year going from doctor to doctor complaining of his right front side hurting and burning in pain.  It was so bad that he had to hold his shirt off of his side when wearing it and was taking alot of pain meds with no relief.  The doctors kept telling him they could not find anything and that they all though it was nerve damage due to 3 prior back surgeries.  I even took him to the E.R. twice.  We kept telling them he could not breathe that well and they kept telling him that he had emphysema from smoking years ago.  I finally took him to the E.R. and a CT of his chest showed he had fluid around his right lung so bad that it covered it 2/3.  This is why he could barely breath.   After many tests and a week in the hospital we found out that he had a 4 cm. tumor in his lung, cancer in his right rib cage and a two other bones.  I am so mad at all those doctors that did not find it.  I am trying to learn as much as I can about this terrible disease but I am still as confused about treatment as before.  My dad has always been my rock and now I do not know what to do to help him best.  Most days all I can do is cry and I do not know how to stop.  I am trying to be strong but we have been through so much and my dad is such a good man.We are very strong in faith and we keep praying to God every day to please heal this horrible disease. My dad has been very tired that last month or so and he could sleep all day if you let him.  I know that he was very weak before all of this started, but is it normal to be this tired all the time.  I have so many questions, but I am not sure where to turn too.  We live in a very rural area and I am not sure who to turn to for information.  Can anyone help give us good news, advice, or tips they have experienced!   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,37818,0.htm mistyd Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Dr. Jesus Esquivel at St.Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland only specializes in adenocarcinoma. My mom was diagnosed in 2005 with appendix adenocarcinoma. Heated chemo and debulking is very helpful to patients with this disease. It can add to your life of 15 years. The problem with the surgery and heated chemo would be getting your insurance to pay for it. My mom's insurance through giant union workers kept telling us that it was experimental. I researched this disease and treatment. It is the only treatment that seems to make a difference.  A lot of major insurance companies were covering it. So I went to my congressman and delegate and they helped me fight for the coverage. It took me about 7 months of nagging, letter writing, sending our story to the news,  to get them to reverse their decision. Unfortunately when they went to do the surgery my mom was too sick with the disease.  She passed away peacefully at 57 years old leaving me without any parent or sibling. I miss her so much. I was so angry with the insurance but so happy that I fought to get them to reverse their coverage . Don't ever feel hopeless with your insurance companies, they can be pressured. I hope that my fight helps other patients with similar diseases that insurance companies hymm and hawww about.  Dr. Esquivel is a topnotch doctor that knows everything about adenocarcinoma. That is what he treats.  I witnessed patients coming from all over the country of US and the world to see him. My prayers are with all of you. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,37588,0.htm imissmymom07 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi everyone,            My partner's mom who was diagnosed with advanced stage adenocarcinoma has had her second chemotherapy session. We discussed about giving her Tarceva. Doctors want to continue 2 more chemotherapies and are not advising Tarceva as they strongly believe the cancer in the lung is metastatic and they have not been able to identify the origin yet. Her bone scans are clear and they are sure it hasn't spread to the brains. she had uterine cancer 15 years ago and had surgery and has had a healthy normal life. Now, her lower portion has been tested for and is clear.Any thoughts on this? We don't know what to do and are confused about the diagnosis. Anyone here with an Unknown Primary?Any thoughts,directions will be highly valuable. Thanks heaps,- V http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,37373,0.htm toasttolife Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT My husband was diagnosed with adenomcarinoma non-small cell Stage IV lung cancer in April.  He began chemo and radiation the beginning of May.  My question is:  How long have you (or your loved one) been living a quality life with this type of cancer?  Right now (since he is in treatment) he's not well most of the time but I'm hopeful that will turn around.  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,37332,0.htm Littlelace Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT My Dad was just diagnosed with adenocarcinoma.He is going to be 81 Wed. Anyone dealing with this in an aged patient? The pulmonary Dr. told us maybe 6 mos. to live. The Cancer Dr. hasn't given a time frame. He started a small dose of chemo today. Said it would help with the fluid build up in lungs. Would just like to talk to someone going through the same thing. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,36941,0.htm djsharon Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT My husband was recently (6/2) diagnosed with NSCLC adenocarcinoma with metastases to the bones.  He has three tumors on his bones through out his body along with a mass in his right lung.He was treated and survived Burkitt's Lymphoma in 2003, had lung surgery 12/23/08 to remove a mass.  A biopsy was done and the removed mass was benign.  From December through 6/2 we went from no signs of cancer to stage IV NSCLC with mets to the bones.My husband will be 52 this year.He is scheduled for radiation 5 days a week for the next three weeks and 2 days of chemo and one day of Avastin (a target treatment) every three weeks.He is scheduled for a brain MRI on the 11th.  I just want someone to be honest and say worst case this is what will happen.  No one will do that.  Other than praying for a miracle, are there any chances for long term survival?  If not, do we have a month, 6 months, 1 year....Even though we have been through this once before with a "cureable" cancer; I am being told that NSCLC with mets to the bone is not cureable.To me the hardest part of having someone you love go through treatment for cancer is watching them suffer, being helpless and not knowing the outcome... http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,36909,0.htm DonsWife Sun, 07 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT I have written on this blog before but I would like to give everyone an update. As some of you know my husband has EC stage 4 with mets to the liver. Anyone else in the same boat? Well we went for a 2nd opininion in NYC and the MD was quite amazed. His labs are good and his liver in not enlarged. He feels good and some difficulty in swollowing but is still strong and still gaining weight from eating. He has completed 3 rounds of chemo and has one more before we repeat the PET scan. This particular MD feels it will show improvement. He is currently on Docetaxal, leurcovorin and 5-FU. He said that he would have chosen a different combination but to leave well enought alone and see what the PET shows.Please keep him in your prayers and I follow everyone blog and pray for you all. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,36873,0.htm tulips1 Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hello,  My mother has been on Tarceva for 6 months (diagnosed in Nov 08- started Tarceva in Jan 09)  She is a non-smoker with the gene mutation that works well for this demographic on this medicine.  She is stage IV with mets to brain (had WBR first then started chemo drug), liver, spine (and right lung).  First scans after 5 weeks showed 55-60% shrinkage in all areas.  Recent scans showed improvement again in all areas accept slight re-growth in lung. Oncologist said not to be upset, this sometimes happens where Tarceva cannot reach certain areas.  Continuing Tarceva and having 3-4 weeks of radiation  Just had a pet scan and will start "spot welding" radiation on her right lung next week.Has anyone experienced this with Tarceva?  What was your story and did this help?  I was so happy with her progress and then this happened.  Is this just a bump in the road?  Otherwise she has been doing really well and feeling good.God Bless, Mariellen  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,36837,0.htm Mariellen Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hii'm 53 and hardly had a days illness in my life. recently however, i was suffering from constipation for number of days and started being sick.my GP tried to treating the constipation it was felt this was causing the sickness - nowhere for the food to go.when there was no improvement i was given a endoscopy and CT scan.the result is cancer of the duodenum which has spread to the liver which i have been told is incurable but may be retarded with a course of chemo which i start next week.it is probably a dumb question but is there any alternative treatment i could consider. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,36370,0.htm island_girl Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT