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Tag Archives: managing treatment
Chemotherapy tips: Infusions are not so bad
While the total experience of chemotherapy – nausea, fatigue, hair loss – was rough, the actual days spent getting the infusions at the cancer center were not so bad. In a way, they were even pleasant. I’m not saying I … Continue reading
Chemotherapy tips: EMLA cream
The best advice I got about chemotherapy came from a cousin who is a breast cancer survivor. She said, “Ask for the EMLA cream.” EMLA cream is a numbing cream that you can use for painless port access (see https://thrivingwithlungcancer.com/2014/01/11/what-its-like-to-have-a-port-inserted/ … Continue reading
Three thoracic oncologists: my big city/small town treatment plan
Family members wanted me to get my treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering or the University of Pennsylvania, the most prestigious cancer centers within reach. Meanwhile, I really liked Biren Saraiya, the smart and compassionate thoracic oncologist closest to home. I also … Continue reading
Poked and prodded: dealing with lung cancer tests and procedures
The first six weeks after a lung cancer diagnosis are a grueling battery of tests and procedures. You may have any or most of the following within a very short time: bronchoscopy, biopsy, CT scan, PET scan, brain MRI, port … Continue reading
All the drugs have two names
File this under “things I sort of knew, but sort of forgot,” and “never be afraid to ask a question”: all commercially available drugs have two names, a brand name and a generic name. Yes, I did know that Excedrin … Continue reading
Gene mutations in lung cancer (for the beginner)
If you have non-small-cell lung cancer, some of the most powerful information you can have is about gene mutations and their role in lung cancer treatment. With an up-to-date knowledge of gene mutations, you and your doctors may be able … Continue reading
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