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8 mm lung nodule possible malignancy: What should I do?
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Oct 6 1:59pm | Replies (70)Comment receiving replies
I am curious what your treatment journey has been over these years with your mutation Adenocarcinoma.
Currently I have stage 4 METX14 mutation ( less than 1% found as a mutation ) and have had a difficult medication/radiation journey. Thanks
Replies to "I am curious what your treatment journey has been over these years with your mutation Adenocarcinoma...."
Hello @hatterasj10202 , welcome to Mayo Connect. I have the ALK mutation, stage IV, I've been on a targeted therapy since 2020. I've been fortunate in that it has continued to be effective for me, fingers crossed.
I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with this. It's never easy. Are you taking one of the targeted therapies? How long ago were you diagnosed?
@trudyhs, did I see a post from you regarding MET exon14 deletion? What treatments have you had?
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Hi @hatterasj10202—thanks for asking, and I’m really sorry the road has been so tough. Here’s my own path, in case it’s helpful:
I was diagnosed in 2018 with non–small cell lung cancer, adenocarcinoma, with an EGFR Exon 19 mutation. A small right-upper-lobe tumor led to a lobectomy. The margin stained positive, so I had 33 radiation treatments. Cancer was also found in a nearby lymph node, so I did 4 cycles of chemotherapy (Carboplatin + Alimta) alongside the radiation. Tagrisso was not recommended for Stage 2b at that time, though it is now.
In 2020, it metastasized to my brain. I had surgery to remove a 3.2 cm cyst and four radiation treatments to clean up the edges. I started Tagrisso (80 mg daily) then and I’m still on it.
About a year and a half ago I had a recurrence at the site of resection which was treated successfully with another round of radiation. Seven months later, my MRI showed treatment-related necrosis, which improved after six Avastin infusions.
Functionally, I’ve been dealing with right-side foot drop and limited ankle/toe control. A personal trainer/physical therapist has been a big help, and I’m steadily working back toward a more natural gait.
Through all of this I’ve kept working full-time in a job I love. Everyone’s journey is different, but I hope this snapshot gives you a clear picture and a little encouragement as you navigate your own path. I wish you all the best in your journey.