Post op lobectomy

Hello Kingston,

I had an upper right lobectomy on the 22nd May this year. In July I was offered chemo just to make sure. My tumour was 42cm but they found no lymph node involvement. I’d already read on Roy Castle, here and elsewhere about this. Because the lymph nodes were not involved I decided against chemo having discussed it with my husband and family. I’m now waiting the result of the 6 month scan which I’ll receive on the 8th December. The other thing I realised was that I was still feeling pretty rough, mainly in my digestive system and couldn’t face anymore bodily disruption just then. Had there been evidence of lymph node involvement I would probably have decided for the chemo.

Anyway, that’s what and how I decided. Sometimes I wish I’d had the chemo and sometimes I’m glad I didn’t. I’m fully aware though that I may need more therapy sometime in the future. 

Only you can decide. It has to be what you are comfortable with right now. Wishing you all the best xx

Hello Kingston, this can be a very difficult decision to make and unfortunately, as you have probably been told, there is only a relatively short period of time to decide and start chemo if you decide to proceed. 

I faced the same after having my right lung removed in 2014. I had stage 2 and cancer cells were found in a lymph node in the offending lung when it was examined by pathology after surgery. Chemo was offered as a "belt and braces" precaution in case any cells were present elsewhere in my body and was told that statistically it increased long term survival rates by about 5%. I decided to have it and am still doing well after 8 years.

There were a few things I recall considering at the time. First, I wanted to grasp all chances to increase long term survival so went for it. I then thought that, if I hated it so much or if it made me feel unbearably ill, then I could always stop treatment at any stage but if I didn't start in the first place I would lose the opportunity altogether. I also thought that, if I didn't have it and the cancer came back, I didn't want to be in a position of regretting the decision for whatever time I had left. I thought that a 5% increase in survival rate meant 1 in 20 people benefited and if I was that one person I'd hit the jackpot. Of course I'll never know if I am that 1 in 20 or if I am just lucky to survive so far without recurrence regardless of chemo.

Chemo wasn't pleasant but it was doable for me. If you have any specific questions about the treatment to help then just ask. I wish you all the best in arriving at the right decision for yourself.

Just came across this how did your scan in November do.

Hi Kingston

To date all is going well and I’m on annual scans now with my next one in May. How are you doing?

Yes thanks just started my 3 rd week of chemo/radio next chemo on the 10th and 19 more radio s after today Glad you have good news