Son going through chemo, how do I know the chemo is working?

Hello, my 22 year old son was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the humerus bone (left). He has had 2 rounds of chemo so far and to me it doesn't look like the tumor is shrinking and I'm so worried. His doctor did state after the 1st round that the tumor felt softer to him which is a good sign. His orthopedic onocologist originally said he'd have to have 3 rounds of chemo to shrink the tumor before she could remove it. He will have to have a shoulder replacement. His chemo consists of cisplastin and doxaroubin. Many thanks.

Hi.. I just came across your message. I am a 27 year osteosarcoma survivor (I was diagnosed with Osteo in my left humerus in 1982)

 Back then, they were just starting to look into joint replacement.. however my tumor was so large that with the technology of the time they were unable to do it.. so I had a four quarter amputation of my left arm and shoulder.  I had no pre-op chemo.. they just rushed me into surgery (2 weeks after diagnosis) and then I started on high dose methotrexate, cisplatin, and adriamyacin (related to dox).  They had to stop the chemo early because my kidneys went kerplunk.. but fortunately once stopped, I got 50% function back.. so I am pretty much symptom free, just getting checked every 6 months by a nephrologist. I believe they tweaked dosages because mine was experimental.. so now a lot of the risks are reduced.

 I really mean this to be a positive message however.. that I recovered VERY quickly from my surgery (I was actually up and about within a week.. out of the hospital) and the chemo was tough, but I think it saved my life. I'm sure there are advances in the anti-nausea stuff now, my advice is to stay on top of that kidney function.

I thank God every day that my parents were tough on me.. forcing me to adapt and learn to do for myself rather than spoil me. As a result, I have a pretty "normal" life.. I am back in college after working awhile post BS degree to get my grad degree in biology, and I really am hoping to go into cancer research eventually.

Just wanted to say that the best medicine is a positive outlook and plenty of prayer. I can't really answer your question since I didn't have pre-op chemo, but it sounds promising.  Mine was a "grab and go and try to fix it later" approach. :)

 

 

Hi, I am a 19 (almost 20) year old who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in my jaw in June of this year. I've now gone through 6 months of methotextrate, cisplatinum and doxirubison (I can't really spell too well) -- I had a surgery in October to get out all of the tumor. They've tested the removed tumor to see how the chemo's been working, and what we've found is that there was 100% active cancer tissue. So basically Chemo's not affected the tumor tissue. They're telling me now that there's very high probabilities that microscopic cancer cells are still present in my remaining jaw, and that reoccurrence is likely, even with more chemo. So here's what I'm left with -- more chemo that will continue to harm my bodily organs, a surgery that will remove the rest of my mandible (rendering me mute and incapable of eating solid foods), and alternative therapies. The first two will likely have reoccurrence within less than 5 years, and I'm interested in alternative therapies. Here are some things I've looked into: Cell oxidation Cesium chloride protocol Non-toxic immune therapy I'm not necessarily sure how all of them work, and in fact, I'm hoping to find some help on here as well. I've researched a clinic in Arizona -- Sunridge Medical Clinic -- who performs some of these therapies. I hope that helps, and if anybody comes across this, maybe I could learn some more about these therapies. Good luck!

My son was diagnosed with highly aggresive osteosarcoma 8/4/08-in his femur. they hit it immediatly with metho/dox/cysplatin-3 rounds prior to knee replacement and 7inches of his lower femur. prior to the surgery I was very anxious as the oncologist did not see any change or shrinkage in the tumor. Turned out tho that biopsy of the removed tumor showed 99% death rate-so put your faith in all that they know-the anti nausea drgs worked amazingly well on him-we had MANY setbacks with kidney function, hearing loss, possibility of heart damage and insulin levels-but they constantly monitored him tweeking the drugs and in the end all is well! he was pronounced cured 9months later. A good sign that chemo is working is reduction in pain-he was in such pain prior and within 3-4 days of that 1st chemo that was almost gone. please contact me if you have any questions or just want to chat-positive thoughts and strength to you.

My experience is to get the REAL answer is to sit down with the Radiologist and ask his/her opinion.  Our expereince has found that our Oncologist will paint a falsely positive opinion, but the Radiologist will give you the REAL answer.

 

George