Hello,
Does anyone have experience with the response of the tumor in limited stage SCLC to chemoradiation? Is the expectation that it only shrinks or that it totally removes the tumor? My Mum had a first CT following her five cycles of chemo and 33 sessions of radiation to the chest. First results via the GP are that it has (significantly) shrunk. She has her follow-up appointment with her oncologist on Monday but she is not taking the news too well that it is still there and has only 'shrank'. To me, the GP said that this is regarded as successful chemo treatment. To her, however, the fact that they can still see something on the scan means a failure and I do not quite know how to support her - reassure her that it has been a success or still a positive outcome. She has been through so much and she is still very weak from the treatment, I would rather the news did not come from the GP over a phone call.
UPDATE: we have now spoken to the oncologist over the phone, however, and he said there is no remaining disease visible on the CT scan, just scar tissue, and that therefore the response to the treatment is optimal. The lung now looks like a smokers lung on the image, but not like a cancerous lung. She will meet him in person next week.
Kind regards,
Patrick.
EllyB I saw your post yesterday before it vanished, there was nothing to warrant it being flagged, so must of been done in error. I have aske the moderators to take a look, so should be back soon.
I have just seen your update, and that really is good news! You must be so relieved. The radiotherapy will keep working for some time, so can only improve more. Great news x
