https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14424#M606 Hi Greg I am so glad you received good results from your CTscan. A reduction is always good news! I pray you have a better week ahead of you. Dad is on a break from treatment just now. His Haemoglobin and Platelets are low. He has a CTscan in 3 weeks and sees his Oncologist 2 weeks after that. Not sure what will happen then. Take your time in sending the links, just rest and look after yourself. All the best, Take care Raelene Wed, 15 Apr 2015 23:43:38 GMT RaeleneH 2015-04-15T23:43:38Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14415#M597 Hi everyone This is the first forum I have ever been on so I hope I don't mess things up. I am here to get some feedback/support as I am worried about my wonderful Dad who has Stage 3 Non-Small Cell (Squamous Cell) Lung Cancer. He is about to complete his 6th cycle of chemotherapy (Gemcitabene/Carboplatin) and his Oncologist said he would then go on to follow up treatment. The tumour has shrunk by 1.1 cm and the cancer in his lymph nodes (neck) hasn't spread.I thought this was great news as that means the chemotherapy is working, doesn't it? Now (3 weeks late) the Oncologist has shocked us by saying that he has changed his mind and will not be offering follow up treatment at the end of cycle 6 as the chemotherapy isn't working. I don't understand this as I thought it was! Our family is so worried that we are urging Dad to get a second opinion. Has anyone else had their treatment stopped even though it appears to be working? I would love to hear from anyone that may be able to explain it more clearly without the medical talk. I may not respond immediately as I am Dad's carer and spend a lot of time with him and Mum and cannot always get access to my computer, but I promise to return to this forum as much as possible. Hope to hear from you and start making some friends along the way! Thanks for reading my post and hope you can understand it as I tend to ramble on a bit for which I apologise. Thanks Raelene Tue, 31 Mar 2015 03:48:22 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14415#M597 RaeleneH 2015-03-31T03:48:22Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14416#M598 Hi Raelene When they said it was working previously, was that based on blood tests? Michelle Tue, 31 Mar 2015 06:31:13 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14416#M598 Chebz 2015-03-31T06:31:13Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14417#M599 Hi Michelle It was after he had a CT Scan that they said the tumour has shrunk by 1.1 cm. Raelene Thu, 02 Apr 2015 04:34:31 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14417#M599 RaeleneH 2015-04-02T04:34:31Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14418#M600 Hi Raelene I can't really help with this one as my dads monitoring of his cancer during his battle was very different, pet scans and blood tests. I would suggest calling the oncology department and asking for the oncologist to call you. Ask him to explain more clearly. If you're not satisfied I would get another opinion. Cancer can change very quickly. I hope someone on here has been through a similar experience and can help. Dads oncology team didn't clue onto the fact that his cancer had mutated until it was too late. Thu, 02 Apr 2015 08:28:11 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14418#M600 Chebz 2015-04-02T08:28:11Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14419#M601 Hi Raelene, I too have NSC Lung cancer Stage 4 and was on the Gem/Carbo combination for about 4 months. I had a 60% reduction in my Tumor but was then put onto Alimta, which I have been on for 3 months.I am due to have a CT Scan next week.The Gem/Carbo Chemo knocked my blood count around too much and I was getting delayed Chemo every fortnight.I am on the understanding I will be continuing the Alimta Chemo as it is supposed to be a maintenence (or ongoing) Chemo. Maybe this could be a solution for your dad? I would be asking your Oncologist why he is making his decision and Definately ask to get a second opinion if he is not happy.Dont hesitate to contact me if I can help Greg & De PS..We have always taken notes when with the oncologist, and always tried to be Pro-Active about any decision to my Treatment.I have lots of links to websites that may help. Fri, 03 Apr 2015 07:20:01 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14419#M601 topenddownunder 2015-04-03T07:20:01Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14420#M602 Hi Greg Thanks for your reply. It's wonderful that you had a 60% reduction in your tumour. Best wishes for your next CT Scan. The maintenance chemo that you mention is what I was expecting for Dad and was very disappointed when the Oncologist withdrew the offer. I will definitely be asking about this as a possibility! I am almost certain that I have convinced Dad to get a second opinion, but he wants to wait until after his next CT Scan which isn't until 18 May. I would be very interested in the links to the websites that you mentioned. Take care Raelene Wed, 08 Apr 2015 04:12:36 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14420#M602 RaeleneH 2015-04-08T04:12:36Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14421#M603 Hi Michelle I am almost certain that I have convinced Dad to get a second opinion, but he wants to wait until after his next CT Scan, which isn't until 18 May. Yes, cancer can change quickly and that's what worries me with him waiting until May. I am hoping we can find an Oncologist who will take the time to sit and explain things clearly as his current Oncologist wont. Take care Raelene Wed, 08 Apr 2015 04:19:49 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14421#M603 RaeleneH 2015-04-08T04:19:49Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14422#M604 Hi Raelene..sorry I havent been in contact earlier..I`ve had the results of wanting (not hearing) the results of my ctscan last Thursday...finally today was told tumor is reducing slightly by about 2mm after 3 months on Alimpta.The cancer has not spread back to Lymph gland so diagnosis is another 3 months on Alimta then either Bone scan or PET to determine Tumor and secondary in bone in Pelvis.Anyway, I hope all is going well for you and your Dad.I`ve had Chemo today and it will start to kick in tomorrow or Friday when the Steroids stop working. I will send some links for you tomorrow or over the weekend when I have more time as this last week has taken a lot out of me.All the best for you and your family Greg & De Wed, 15 Apr 2015 10:20:57 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14422#M604 topenddownunder 2015-04-15T10:20:57Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14423#M605 Hi Greg I am so glad you received good results from your CTscan. A reduction is always good news! I pray you have a better week ahead of you. Dad is on a break from treatment just now. His Haemoglobin and Platelets are low. He has a CTscan in 3 weeks and sees his Oncologist 2 weeks after that. Not sure what will happen then. Take your time in sending the links, just rest and look after yourself. All the best, Take care Raelene Wed, 15 Apr 2015 23:43:22 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14423#M605 RaeleneH 2015-04-15T23:43:22Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14424#M606 Hi Greg I am so glad you received good results from your CTscan. A reduction is always good news! I pray you have a better week ahead of you. Dad is on a break from treatment just now. His Haemoglobin and Platelets are low. He has a CTscan in 3 weeks and sees his Oncologist 2 weeks after that. Not sure what will happen then. Take your time in sending the links, just rest and look after yourself. All the best, Take care Raelene Wed, 15 Apr 2015 23:43:38 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14424#M606 RaeleneH 2015-04-15T23:43:38Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14425#M607 Gday Raelene...Thought I would contact you while the Steroids are still working(Dexamethasone) lol,,my body is saying,,"We WANT Sleep" but unfortunately the mind is saying.."I am the boss...We are doing this now...then that has to be done etc..etc..etc." .So here it is at 4:30 am (been up since 2) and have no indication when I will get tired!!! I see your Dad is having problems with his blood count.I had this when I was on the GEM/Carbo Chemo. 2 X blood transfusions and 2 X(3 Days) stays in Hospital in isolation.A few things I`ve learnt here that have helped me.Firstly, and most important is temperature.If his fever gets to 38, go strait to hospital and get on anti-biotics.This is important!I keep all records of My Blood tests and try to find out why my Platelets,Haemo and neautra`s are playing up (including other things liver kidneys etc)I use Astragalus and Wheat grass as supplements to help the immune system as well as a change in diet (fresh fruit...vegies...all the good stuff...will send some recipes soon. The supplement (ANY) should be approved by Oncologist Pharmacist first, We hound ours everytime we are there with questions. (I think some times he sees us coming and hides or goes to lunch deliberately!!! so then I phone him...hahaha) My Gem/carbo was getting delayed by up to 2 weeks and was reduced to 80% when we made the decision to go to Alimpta.It has been a LOT better but comes with its own set of side-effect rules. I include a couple of links that you may find interesting about Alimpta and other drugs and will be sending info on diet etc if you want... Hope all continues to go well for you and your family...please dont hesitate to contact us if we can be of help...if You want you can "add us as a friend" and that way we can just email you with the links etc.. Greg & De http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/PEMETREXED.aspx#.VTAECFKN_e9 http://iheard.com.au/ http://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/after-a-diagnosis/questions-to-ask-your-doctor.html http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/index?sitearea=eto NOTE; some of these (dietary) are just an indication, or guide lines.Always check with Pharmacist. We also have hand written dietary notes my Daughter has found out about (she does a lot of research into them) and i can scan (or re-type) them for you if you want. Thu, 16 Apr 2015 18:57:27 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14425#M607 topenddownunder 2015-04-16T18:57:27Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14426#M608 Hi Greg Wow, how interesting that you and my Dad are so similiar in your blood problems (only dad hasn't been given transfusions, only delays in treatment). I found your information very interesting. I have been doing plenty of research on supplements and I am open to any info that people want to send me eg recipes, info on supplements etc. I will read anything and everything if it means helping Dad. A friend just told me on Friday that her husband (who is fighting lung cancer that has spread to his bones) was told to drink Sunraysia's Heart Beet Beetroot and Apple Juice as it has many benefits for anaemia and also is known to prevent chemo from damaging healthy cells. It also lowers blood pressure so I am a bit concerned about that as Dad already has low blood pressure. Thanks for the links, I haven't had time to look at them yet as I am about to go and visit Dad right now, but I will definitely get to them asap. I really appreciate your interest and help. I will "add you as a friend" and would appreciate the dietary info you daughter has researched. ONLY if it's not too much trouble - I feel lazy expecting you to send it to me, I should be doing my own research. I hope all keeps going well for you. Go the Steroids!!! Thanks again Greg! Take care Raelene Sun, 19 Apr 2015 00:01:20 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Diagnosis-and-treatment/Dad-s-chemo-is-working-but-Oncologist-wants-to-stop-treatment-I/m-p/14426#M608 RaeleneH 2015-04-19T00:01:20Z