Went to see surgeon today, great guy but perhaps bad news.
I have NSC in left lung, 2 lobes & also in one Lymph node.
He said he was OK in removing the total lung but the Lymph node is causing great concern.
Basically said hard to get to & would not know if he could remove until he was doing the lung operation.
Furthermore he said as I was old, 77, the risks are greater, even though I'm fit & I could lose quality of life.
Also no Biopsy has been carried out on the Lymph node growth as it's in a position near to an artery so we are unaware if it's malignant.
So the new revised plan is to try again for Biopsy on the Lymph node & then the Multi Discipline team will meet again.
My feeling is that they will not operate because (i) I'm old, & (II) he would not be able to remove the Lymph node 100% & hence I would have a long high risk operation but still have active cancer.
Also my feeling is that the Lymph node item is also malignant & has come from the main cancer.
So I think I will be told to go down the Chemo route.
They have also said that the main cancer is too big to treat with radiography, so that would be Chemo, but have also said the Lymph node could be zapped with radiography.
Would just like comments on this situation.
For instance would Chemo kill the cancer? Also would Radiography kill the Lymph node problem?
What is my life expectancy after these treatments?
Any other comments?
Would it be worth asking GP for comments/advise or do i know as much as him?
Just hope for a few replies to aid my thinking.
Hi Johnoo, I am really sorry to hear that things are not going to plan. You really are being pulled through the wringer aren’t you.
Surgery is always the best option when looking for a cure, but people have had a good result with treatments. They have already mentioned radiotherapy, and I see that you have mentioned chemotherapy. Has anyone mentioned immunotherapy to you at all? Sometimes this is offered instead of chemo, sometimes it’s alongside chemo.
I think some of the questions you have asked will be better explained by a medical professional, so it might be a good idea to talk this over with your GP. You could also phone the Macmillan support line and ask to speak to one of the nurses there. It’s a free call number 0808 808 00 00.
Anybody,
Any more comments?
I phoned the nurse at hospital but she seemed to say, just wait until we do the next biopsy.
But my feeling is that they tried to do this & failed due to its position, so why try again?
Hi again ( I replied to your previous diagnosis message asking your age . My mum is very similiar . 79 yr old. ... do they think the lymph node is a different cancer ? Why do they want to biopsy it I the same cancer ? I’m a bit confused. Mum had her lung tumour biopsies and it’s NSC cancer like you . They have sent a sample to For DNA testing to see if immunotherapy is an option ( I think ) we find out plan on Tues. fingers crossed not too long to wait cos she’s in a lot of pain ( ? Pressing on a nerve ) . Good luck with your plan. When do you find out which meds you will be put on or treatment starting ?
They do not know if the Lymph node is a different cancer type as they have not done a biopsy. Said they would not do it as it was near to an artery. But the surgeon has asked that they try again this coming Wednesday.
I then have to wait until 12th May, after the analysis of the sample & the Multi discipline team meeting to be told the conclusions.
It could be operation on main cancer + Drug Chemo/Radiography on the Lymph node but this is just my feelings at the moment.
Just got to wait for the medics to say what they think best.
The waiting is the worse part
Hope this helps you
The waiting is definitely the worst part! The process sounds tortuous and it's very frustrating that they want to try the lymph node biopsy again. However I think while they're putting so much effort into getting the full picture before a treatment plan that sounds encouraging. You're obviously not a write off! It's just a case of finding something to distract you while you're waiting... Easier said than done.
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007