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Targeted Radiation

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  • Post
    • February 13, 2018 at 5:26 pm
    smyers5015
    Participant

      Hi all,

      I have a question but let me give a little background first.  I was diagnosed in March of 2017 with an 8.5×4 cm tumor on my left adrenal gland and 3 small nodes from 2mm to 8.5mm on my right lower lung lobe.  I started Ipi/Nivo combo in May and lasted all 4 treatments and am now on Nivo maintenance.  I had a CT in August and the nodules on the lung were stable but the tumor on the adrnal gland had reduced to a little over 4 x 3 cm.  I had another follow up on Feb. 1 and there was still no change in the lung nodules and little movement on the adrenal tumor, now 3.5 x 2.5 cm.  As these were all CT scans we don't fully know whether these are dead remnants or just in remission.  I requested a referral to a radiation specialist to do targeted radiation, hopefull to kill what's left while still doing the Nivo maintenance.  My first meeting is this Thursday but I don't know alot of what to ask, specifically what is the best type of radiation to use, side effects, number of treatments, etc.  I do still have side effects from the Ipi/Nivo treatments of severe fatigue, muscle and joint soreness, rash on arms and calf's which are mostly relieved through prednisone.  I guess really I'm looking for the right questions to ask and what to expect with these treatments?  Thanks in advance!

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        • February 13, 2018 at 10:26 pm
        ed williams
        Participant

          Hi Smyers5015, you might want to do a Pet CT before going the radiation route. The Pet Ct uses radioactive sugars that tend to gather around highly metabolic sites and cancer tends to be more active using more blood sugar than regular cells, so if there is any active disease at your tumor sites, they should light up on the scan. Best Wishes!!!Ed

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