I was T3 N3 M1. My tumour was 5cm. Because of extensive lymph node involvement, surgery was not an option. I'm going through chemo (6 cycles) and I'm doing well. My cancer cells are HER2-positive so one of my chemo drugs is Herceptin (can only be used on HER2-positive). I have a full day in the chemo centre once every 3 weeks. The infusions take about 8 or 9 hours. I have Herceptin, Cisplatin infusions followed by 2 weeks of taking 8 Capecitabine tablets at home. So far, after just 4 cycles my tumour has shrunk to almost nothing and my lymph nodes are back to normal size. There are probably cancer cells still at the tumour site and swilling about in my lymphatic system. My oncologist has said that I should finish the last 2 cycles and then have just Herceptin infusions every 3 weeks for foreseeable future.
Thank you so much for your reply we were told yesterday surgery is not an option because it is attached to the aorta and in lymph nodes. My husband will start chemo next week we aren’t sure of the exact details of this yet. It sounds great that your tumour has shrunk so much that gives me hope. Thanks again I wish you well good luck
Hi sounds like we are at similar stages, did they tell you the size of primary tumour and if the lymph nodes that are effected are localised? Did your husband have CT scan and then pet/ct.
As I have read chemo seems to shrink the tumour at a fast pace, so this should relieve any symptoms for him.
We don’t understand too much yet but it is T4b and N2 chemo will help but not get rid of it. He has the ct the pet scan and biopsy’s . There is M0 I’m not sure if that means localised lymph nodes or not. We have hospital again Tuesday. Hopefully we will understand more soon. It’s a lot to take in isn’t it.
Ok then I think you may be a bit ahead of us then, it’s just so much to take in, I’m doing the worst thing and googling everything! my dad went to the doctor last Tuesday and then it’s been barium test, endoscopy, CT scan and now a Pet/ct scan tomorrow, so much to take in, with only a week to digest it all!
im worried that they are moving so fast as it’s bad news but our CSN assured me this is the same for everybody.
let me know how you get on, with your hospital visit!
I think that was the order of my husbands tests and he was told over the phone that it was cancer. Then hospital and hopefully chemo next week. He is almost 60. They said not curative treatment but to get him in remission. I suppose we hope remission will be for a long time I guess fast is good the sooner they start the better. Wishing you both good luck take care too
"...barium test, endoscopy, CT scan and now a Pet/ct scan...."
The description above is exactly what I experienced two years ago. After the biopsy, my primary care physician said that I may have six months...and suggested palliative care...and transfer to care by chemo oncogist and radiation oncologist.
The pattiative treatment was to have eight chemo treatments (once a week for eight weeks of Taxol and Carboplatin). The radiation oncologist suggested considering 28 radiation sessions (instead of14 that is normal for palliative). I agreed to the 28 radiation sessions (28 days...~5 weeks). After about 10 or 12 radiations, I was able to swallow food again!
Now it is two years later.... Lingering side effects include fatique (so I take a short nap) and some shortness of breath (radiation damage/scar tissue of both lower lobes of lungs)...I can live with that. I continue to be able to swallow foods normally. I see all three physicians for blood tests and CT scans (six month).
Every day is a good day. May all do as well as me...or better.
