My wife has non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and COPD and can/not have a biopsy.
I did a google search and saw a suggestion that atezolizumab (tecentriq) can be taken when you have COPD and was wondering if this is possible.
The problem I have is somany questions about potentioal treatments and not sure I can trust the Oncologist as they did not suggest a liquid biopsy till we asked about it.
I know you should not google things but it seems the only place to go
Hi Maisie34,
We hope you’re finding the support and information from our online community helpful.
My name is Keith and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists
This sounds like a difficult time for you both right now.
We are sorry to hear about your wife’s diagnosis of NSCLC.
Everyone can be affected differently by any diagnosis or treatment, and your wife’s multidisciplinary team job is to do everything in their power and clinical experience to investigate and treat your wife’s diagnosis in the best way possible. A big part of their job is to communicate in a way so that your wife can make what we call an informed treatment choice in how she wants to be treated for her diagnosis. you have mentioned you have lost trust in her oncologist due to not offering a liquid biopsy till you mentioned it.
It’s important to let your wife’s team know how all of this situation is affecting you both physically and emotionally, so they can give you the best possible support moving forward.
Doing you own research is OK. However, it’s important to discuss your findings with your wife’s clinical team to see if the use of atezolizumab (Tecntriq) would appropriate for your wife’s situation.
If you still have concerns and feel you can’t regain your trust with her oncologist you could request a second opinion, looking at this information will explain this option in a little more detail
Sometimes you may just need a listening ear.
It may be worthwhile for you to give us a call where you can have a two-way conversation with one of our nurses to discuss your situation in more detail. We often find it is easier to discuss things over the phone when we can get a clearer idea of your situation.
Looking through our online community, and in your area. may offer you additional support.
Or alternatively you can contact us via our web chat platform
take care.
Keith, 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 KM/KS
