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. ... View more

Gday mate..yes its no easy thing.I`m on my second lot of chemo (1st was Gem/Carbo...this new one is alimta)Have been on Chemo a total of 7 months. The Gem/Carbo was knocking the blood cells around too much, and Chemo was being delayed each fortnight.This new one is only every three weeks and seems to be better. I have a CT Scan next week to see if Alimta is working as good as the Gem/Carbo ( I had 60% reduction in tumor). The side effects of both were bad, and although different,I had to combat them as they arose.My worst were tiredness,constipation, nausea,muscle pain and headaches.I have combated some of these by prescription drugs, (issued from Oncology Pharmacist), and also simple things like diet, Ginger Beer (Nausea) and constipation over-the-counter items.The biggest thing that has worried me is losing too much weight, so initially I was drinking lots of smoothies made from natural ingredients. Hope this helps Greg ... View more

Hi Gee Gee and Daz...Sorry to hear that you both are still having hurdles put before you on your travel through this horrid episode we are on (mountain after mountain...but we will try..). I have been on Palliative care now for about the last 7 months out of the 9 months after being diagnosed.My heart sank to my feet when I first learned of the term of "Palliative Care" but have found there IS so much more care and resources avilable to you.I have been (and my family) VERY PRO-Active in researching and avaluating any and all avenues avilable to assist me, and have benefitted,I think, from some of these.I have been able to keep a closer eye on any or all health and personal information and record these myself,as to learn more and keep a closer eye on things that affect my body (blood levels,eating habits etc)Palliative care has given me access to Medical Oncologilical Pahrmacists, dieticians,health workers, Legal advise,Travel advice and many more.I have recently been changed over to a "new" Chemo and having my health information available to me has help me evaluate how my body is reacting to the new drug. Pallative Care has been good for me, but I do know of others that find it hard to adapt to it. I hope this helps.Always in our Thoughts PS I am only in Palliative care when Radiation/Chemo is administered,usually now about once every three weeks, but I have found them very easily approachable to any enquiries or advice I need. Greg & De ... View more

Gday Mustard.. I too have had nausea after Chemo, The first chemo I was on was Gem/Carbo and I was given pramin tablets to take 4 times a day.I found that Ginger tablets (travelwell 1000) worked very well and also drinking ginger beer helped in between. I am on new chemo and am finding the nausea is worse than before and have started taking the Pramin half hour Before meals and am finding this better. Greg ... View more

Hi Jodi & Erik..just a short note to see how you are both coping, Hope all is well. Keep positive!!! I`m off for chemo today...all seems to be going good...CTscan will reveal progress soon.Wishing you both all the best Greg & De ... View more

Hi Susy..I too have been diagnosed with Lung cancer (NSC lung Cancer STage 4 with secondary in pelvis and lympth)around June last year and was diagnosed at a annual check up whilst getting my flue jab. Since then our lifes have been a roller coaster ride of specialists,Biopsies, scans,Xrays,Chemo,Radiation and of coarse the reactions and side effects of the chemo (blood transfusions,viruses,neausea, fatigue etc...etc..etc..) I have had a Total of about 60% reduction in the Tumor and cleared the Lympth, and hopefully have the cancer in the pelvis under control.I was on the GEM/CARBO combination of chemo up until two months ago where They changed me over to Alimta.It is only every three weeks and is easier on my bone marrow, therefore reducing the problems with my blood cells.I will have my third cycle next week, then a CT Scan to see if it is working as well as the first Chemo did.I hope everything will be OK for your Hubby`s next visit.Keep us informed and if there is anything we can help with, please dont hesitate to contact us.. Greg & De ... View more

Gday Jodii & Erik.,We hope all is progressing well.Sorry I was a bit slow replying to your post,I`ve changed Chemo`s (this is the second cycle) and am waiting to see if the side effects will be the same as the first cycle.(Once the Dexmethsone wears off!!!) Anyway, my daughter has been very thorough in her research since I was diagnosed with lung and Pelvic cancer last year. Apart from supplying me with a whole new diet to abide by, (mostly which part of my old diet anyway...fresh fruit and vegies etc) De makes me smoothies with lots of goodies in them,They are filling and dont make me feel as sick after eating (Although the Tablets the Pharmacist supply...PRAMIN...and sometimes just a Ginger Tablet helps with this problem( I use 1 mg Natures own and recommend them). The other "natural" supplements are Astrogarlis (both of these were recommended by the Pharmacist) and Wheat Grass, which Rebecca has been able to find in tablet form. According to the the Pharmacist, the Astrogarlis marks or highlights the cancer cells so the Chemo has a better chance to identify them. It also helps with the immune system after chemo.The Wheat grass also helps the immune system and also helps with minerals and vitamins. We have been told from the Pharmacist not to have too much intake of anything with Anti-oxidents in them (like green tea) and careful of anything that has blood thinners in it. Always check with the Pharmacist.There are other like Barley Grass, which is good "sprinkled " on food or in a smoothie, but tastes Yuck!!! and a cool refreshing drink of "Fresh lime" (about a tablespoon..but I sqeeze them into Ice block trays and freeze them and use them that way) and the good old Apple cider vinegar, honey and warm water is also good and all are supposed to help. I have had a 60% reduction in my Lung Tumor over the past 8 months , and it looks like (from a bone scan..not a PET Scan) the cancer in my pelvis hasnt increase, so maybe some of these simple things are helping. I hope this helps and if you have any questions, please dont hesitate to contact us. All the best Greg & De ... View more

Hi Sandy..I havent had the problem with fluid on the lungs as such, well, I did have for a while after a Biopsy on my lung caused a Hemathorax, but only for a few days after they drained the lung.I have a Tumor in my upper right lung that was about the size of a large "Egg" and was putting stress on my wind pipe, and I found two things that helped. One was simply taking the puffer "ventolin" helped ease and open the wind pipe(Always check with your doc first), and the other was to use a Steam Vapouriser at night with Eucalyptus oil in it ( it also helped because of the humidity up here in the north) I bought mine from the chemist and was relatively cheap, I hope this helps Greg & De ... View more

Hi Gee Gee Sorry to hear Daz is still having a hard time of it.We wish him all the best for a fast recovery. In our thoughts Greg & De ... View more

Hi Jodii, We are sorry to hear about "Hubby" and the Horrible effect this insideous Desease is having on your lives.Our journey only travels since Mid last year,but, as you know,this can be a VERY rocky ride,but, it is good though, that through sites like this,we can share our thoughts and problems,and hopefully ease the burdon a bit,if only for a while.Cancer seems to bring a whole new set of mountains to climb, not only physical,but emotional, financial etc etc etc.BUT THEY ARE ACHIEVABLE!!We have tried a few different (NOT alternative)Medications and Herbs (always approved from the Oncology Pharmacist)and although we cant guarantee they work, I have had a total of 60% reduction in the tumor in my lung over about five months.Some of these were accully recomended from the pharmacist.We are still unsure about the cancer in my Pelvis (bone)but hope to find out more today, Say hi to "Hubby" for us, and we hope he is not going through too much pain, and we hope this journey for both of you will improve soon. Please dont hesitate to contact us if we can be of any help Greg & De ... View more