Apparently, Dan's tumor was NOT removed during his surgery last month. The procedure was much more difficult than anticipated and excessive scar tissue (from Dan's first surgery) made getting to the tumor difficult. So difficult in fact, that Dan's recent CT scan showed it is still there. In addition, the smaller lesion that remains in his right lung has grown 2mm since the last CT scan.
Dan is scheduled for a CT scan assisted biopsy on Tuesday morning (of the nodule that was supposed to have been surgically removed). Additional surgery to Dan's left lung is not an option as he already has too much damage/scar tissue to that lung. Dan will be sedated for the biopsy, and it has been recommended that he remain in the hospital after the procedure for the day because of the potential side effects. A procedure called "thermal ablation" has been recommended instead of more surgery. But they will only do this procedure if Dan does NOT have multiple lesions throughout his body. So for that reason, Dan will likely start Votrient...to be followed by more CT scans...to determine if he is even a candidate for the procedure. Any feedback on anything mentioned greatly appreciated. Jeanne
I don't know Elodie. I'm hoping to gather more information after Tuesday's biopsy. I'm feeling like we've lost momentum and I'm overwhelmed by all the medical jargon and my emotions. Dan remains incredibly positive...I'm trying....
Hello, I a am a new member from France: my son, 29 years old will be operated on next Tuesday (Carcinome stays on the top of his right leg). I have no clue about the thermal ablation... Is it something brand new?
Lets's keep with the high motivation for the people we love! Amitiés pascal
RFA is the same as Ablation therapy & I have had it done on Cervical Nerves. I will be happy to answer any questions I can. It is very painful, but was successful.
RFA is Radio Frequency Ablation (think microwave) which involves heating the tissue.I had Cryo Ablation therapy on a tumor in my gluteus minimus last spring. I'm not a 100% sure, but I believe the type of procedure used depends on the area/tissue involved.
Jeanne, what I have always found the hardest is the not knowing and relying on others to make decisions on behalf of and the waiting. You just hope they know what they are doing and that it is the best decision. Once the decision is made you can move towards it and dive in. There is something to focus on and do and heal. But until then it feels crazy. No footing. I dont know anything much about Votreint, my only sense of it is through others and it seems it meets the person where they are at (apart from if you experience more than the expected side effects). So if you are very feeling good and healthy but have tumours that is the best case scenario for it. It doesn't make you feel better but will maintain the status quo. Thinking of you both with love xx
I have lungs mets still 2008, first I had a thoracotomy to remove one for biopsy, then I had chimios (gemzar and trabectedin), and 3 treatments by radiofrequency (thermal radiation). It only can be done if tumors are less than 3cm, and in a "good" localisation - not too near from important nerves or near the pleura.
The main condition is that cancer evolution is slow or at least nearly stabilizied. I think it's the reason why a treatment by pazopanib has been decided before, in order to diminuate the mets size and evolution before.
I had pneumothorax (collapse ?) the three times, but I could leave the hospital after few days.
I have now 3 mets back, by no treatment. Next scan in May, I would like to have pazopanib, but infortunately it's not yet avaliable in France !
Excuse my approximative English... and give us good news.
I want you all to know that I read each and every one of your posts and truly appreciate them all. And "Annastomose", I think your English is fantastic. In addition to all of the information you have brought me, your stories always give me hope. I believe that synovial sarcoma warriors (my hubby included) are some of the bravest, most inspirational, people I have ever known and I am grateful for all of you! xoxo
My son has had success with cryonic ablation on lung tumors. I would look into Dr. Jason Wiliams in Gulf Shores Alabama, he is at the cutting edge of this field, thinks outside the box and questionioned chemo back when he was studying oncology. We had originally researched and thought that RFA was something we wanted to pursue, but Dr. Williams feels that the patient has better response to the interferon with the cryonic ablation in "our types of tumors". Interferon is also administered as part of the procedure and post procedure and boost the bodies ability to attack the ablated tumors. The only down side is that the insurance fools wont cover it, just like they won't cover a naturopath, or any such effective treatment that doesn't come with side effects.
Jkopetic, first sorry for my english, I hope that your husband gets well from this awful disease. annastomos i want to say to you that my brother received pazopanib and this is very dangerous and it caused him pericardial fluid and did serious damage and because of the pazopanib he needed emergency surgery.