Uncommon Limited Stage Combined Small Cell Lung Cancer

Hi, I was diagnosed with pleomorphic (sarcomatoid) carcinoma with focal squamous and combined small cell carcinoma components. I realise this is an uncommon diagnosis but am wondering if anyone else has been diagnosed with the same or similar and what their experience has been like with the treatment.

I consider myself lucky as mine was diagnosed at an early stage and was deemed operable and surgery was scheduled quickly. The post operative staging was pT1b N0 PL0 R0 and I have just completed the first cycle of four adjuvant chemotherapy (Carboplatin & Etoposide) sessions with a referral for prophylactic cranial irradiation once the chemotherapy is complete. 

What kind of common side effects should I expect from the radiation treatment?

  • Hello Eonsteel

    I'm sorry to hear about all that you've been through recently. It sounds like it's been a difficult time but also it's good to hear that you were diagnosed at an early stage and that surgery was scheduled quickly. I hope that you've recovered well from that phase of your treatment and that the next steps don't take too much of a toll on you. 

    I can't see that we've had any members post with a similar diagnosis. It may be worth having a look at the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation website to see if you're able to connect with others who have similar experiences there as well. 

    We do have some information on our website about radiotherapy for lung cancer which includes a section about prophylactic cranial irradiation. Hopefully this will help answer some of your questions but if you'd like to chat things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I send out best wishes for the rest of your treatment Eonsteel. Do keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator