Hi
Had chemo/radiotherapy, the tumour has been shrunk by 70/80% now being offer surgery to remove.
I am aware that it is big operation etc but would like to know if my quality of life after surgery will be greatly affected & what is the prospect of the tumour returning. I am coming up to 75 years of age.
thank you
Radcliffe
Hi Radcliff
Thanks for getting in touch with us. My name is Tricia and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am sorry to hear about your lung cancer diagnosis but pleased to hear that your initial treatment of chemo/radiotherapy has been effective in shrinking the tumour. I hope you are recovering well from this treatment.
As you say, this will be a big operation and will affect your quality of life initially as you recover. Depending on the type of lung surgery you have, the recovery time will take weeks to months.
You would be assessed before your operation for lung cancer to check your fitness for anaesthetic and prepare you for the surgery. Everyone is different in their recovery from surgery but once home you will possibly be affected by tiredness, have some pain/discomfort which should be managed well, and have a wound. You will need to avoid heavy lifting and you may need help at first with everyday shopping/housework while you recover. If you live alone, it will be important to try to plan some support from family or friends and you can discuss this at your pre-op assessment.
On the Macmillan Support Line, we don’t have access to your medical records in the NHS so we can’t give personalised information but can only talk generally. Therefore, it’s difficult to say what your chances are of the cancer returning. You can ask your healthcare team questions as they can discuss your individual case.
Making treatment decisions can be difficult and there is no right or wrong answer but again it is important to discuss this with your consultant so you can make an informed choice about what is best for you.
I hope you have some support from family and/or friends throughout your cancer diagnosis and treatment. Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch at any time if we can be of further support
Sending best wishes,
Tricia
Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref : TT/DC
