Angiosarcoma

My 71 year old brother found a spot on his scalp in early June 2009.  It was diagnosed as angiosarcoma.  He had surgery to remove a 5" diameter circle (pretty much the top of his scalp) removed.  By the time of the surgery the cancer had spread to his parotid gland and lymph in the neck.  Next his lung collapsed and the cancer is present in his lungs.  He had 5 mega doses of radiation on his head and neck then started Taxol.  The cancer has continued to grow in his lungs so they changed the chemo to d.... I can't remember the name but it didn't work either.  The doctor recommended he participate in a study at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago using Avastin.  He will be starting that next week.  Any information on experiences with angiosarcoma would be greatly appreciated.  This has all happened so quickly.  He has no other medical problems.

Thank you.

My name is Louis, I am 55 years old, just dx'd with AS, scalp. Just beginning the process of exploring treatments. From the journal articles my plastic surgeon gave me, this unfortunately is one of the worst cancers to get. You and your brother are in my prayers, keep me in yours.

All sarcomas tend to be very aggressive. Arm yourself with as much information that you can. Call the doctors yourself. Ask as many questions you can think of and look for any lapses or vague remarks. Don't accept them. Demand answers and demand actions. I've dealt with well meaning doctors who have full plates. I understand that. But I just keep pushing my wife's case to the forefront of their attention. It can take a termendous toll on you as a care-taker, but it's nothing compared to what your loved one is experiencing, so just keep fighting. That's what I do.