Talk Cancer

Question:

Searching for others with information on the rare synovial cancer.  My mom has it combined with another rare cancer, hermangiopericytoma.  It was first found in her right lung and later with an MRI found two spots on her liver.  She had her entire right lung removed on March 8th and has now had four chemo treatments.  The Chemo:the regular adromyncine(sp?) and one experimental.  After the first two there was no size difference (not smaller or larger) she will get her next MRI in three weeks.  Anxiously awaiting the results.  I have read many medical journals but they are above me.  Just looking for someone with any knowledge about this cancer type that can explain it to me in plain english.  Also, saw in the news that Robert Urich, the actor, has it and the paper mentioned looking for a quick recovery and success.  The doctors told us, Chemo really doesn’t work to well with this type of cancer, so what gives?  Any information would be great. Thanks for your time and help.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Searching for others with information on the rare synovial cancer.  My mom has it combined with another rare cancer, hermangiopericytoma.  It was first found in her right lung and later with an MRI found two spots on her liver.  She had her entire right lung removed on March 8th and has now had four chemo treatments.  The Chemo:the regular adromyncine(sp?) and one experimental.  After the first two there was no size difference (not smaller or larger) she will get her next MRI in three weeks.  Anxiously awaiting the results.  I have read many medical journals but they are above me.  Just looking for someone with any knowledge about this cancer type that can explain it to me in plain english.  Also, saw in the news that Robert Urich, the actor, has it and the paper mentioned looking for a quick recovery and success.  The doctors told us, Chemo really doesn’t work to well with this type of cancer, so what gives?  Any information would be great. Thanks for your time and help.

My husband diagnosed Jan 95 with retroperitoneal (behind the abdominal space and involving the kidney) synovial sarcoma.  Initially classified as hemangiocytoma by Mayo but changed when slides sent to MD Anderson Clinic.  Primary Oncologist told us no treatment that worked better than no treatment,  we had complete surgical resection so may not return, was slow to come back if it did, etc.  So back to work, no further treatment.  Tumor returned in March, surrounding liver, into inferior vena cava, and causing bowel obstruction. In contacting the sarcoma department at MD Anderson, found there was chemo successful at 40-60% rate.   Had bowel by-pass surgery, bile duct stent to reopen, and started chemo.  These drugs also found in the net literature, limited searches.  He has used Adriamycin 90my IVP and Ifosamide 5g over 4h x 4 days.  This optimally repeated every 3 wks.  Had great shrinkage immediately but unfortunately the tumor has just returned, the chemo no longer being effective. Don’t know if Ifosamide is other drug being used but you may check.  We are trying a nutritional supplement now but too soon to tell.

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