Why would they do this?

Less than one minute read time.

FormerMember

24 Feb 2010

Ok so Dad has had some bad reactions to his chemo,

so far it goes like this:

Diagnosed dec 09

1st chemo cisplatin in Jan (massive allergic reaction so no more of this)

2nd chemo 3 weeks later of e-carbo (no probs- dad felt ok)

3rd chemo 2 weeks after of e- carbo (this was yesterday- so far so good)

Now dad was told yesterday he has to wait to see oncologist next week to discuss the fact that he wants to give him a massive blast of e-carbo and another drug (not sure of the name) to attack the tumors but apparently this drug can damage your lungs too although apparently dads lungs are good dispite the tumors.

My question is why would they feel the need to attack before they do another scan to see what is happening inside?

I feel like they know something we don't otherwise why would they put dad through this without knowing what effect the current chemo has had ie the ct scan.

Dad has had a really really bad time when he had the allergic reaction he lost all control of his body.... i would hate to see him go through that again.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

FormerMember over 14 years ago

I really don't know, however, mum has had 2 sessions of chemo now, having been diagnosed by testing the fluid they drained from her lungs. The CT scans are not 'visible' due to fluid still being on her lungs. To date we still do not know what size the tumour is, where exactly it is other than the left lung, etc etc. They say that they know what type of cancer it is and how to treat it, actually seeing it is not an issue, so long as she is responding well to treatment etc they will keep going. Apparently they can tell more from blood tests also.

Mum has had a 3rd CT scan today, and when we see the Oncologist next Thursday we are going to apply more pressure for information if they say that they still cannot tell how well it is working - i.e. see anything on the CT scan - how can we be sure it's doing the right thing?

Sorry I can't offer any advise - but we are experiencing similar situations.... xxxxxx
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

Hi Rizzo,

Yes it sounds like we are both kind of in the same boat, i fear that our oncologist won't commit to anything in case he gets it wrong like the previous 'specialist' did.

I think the scans are what i need to see- i saw the previous ones and if i can see a difference on the next one i think i will understand where we are better. I have had them say that blood results tell more too but then they say dads are confusing too.

God why can't we just get the answers we want or at the very least straight answers.

Love to you and your mum.

Take care ((((hugs))))

vicki xx
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

Have just found out that the new chemo they want to give dad is bleomycin, etoposide and carboplatin. apparently the bleomycin can actually damage your lungs which i find strange that they will give him while he has tumors on his lungs.
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

That just sounds odd, I know they 'risk' certain side effects because they are minimal etc, I just wish that someone had the back bone to tell it how it is, stop nambying around and just say what is happening - especially as it seems you and dad want to know. Mum and I have said that the next oncology visit (week today) we are going to sit still and ask and ask until they give some straight answers, mum says even if it's 'not what she wants to hear' she just wants to know! I feel a war zone coming on ;)

I hope you get some better answers, there is a link on this site with a list of the chemo meds and the side effects - have a look and get some background info then go naggg again!!!

take care hun

xxxxxx
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