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Has anyone opted for radio over surgery?

kate290822
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Hi everyone,

Granddad was diagnosed on Friday with NSCLC, not been given a stage as measuring has been difficult but consultant has said the PET has measured at 1 x 1.3cm, so I guess T1/2? Granddad is well for 78, fully independent other than some leg issues from PVD, and has mild COPD. Consultant said it is operable but he will need further testing at Wythenshawe to see if "he" is operable. 

Granddad is pretty adamant he doesn't want surgery even if he is operable, he wants the radiotherapy as he doesn't want the recovery from surgery, worry of being breathless, general anaesthetic etc., feels radiotherapy is kinder and consultant has said it is a very close second option. 

Obviously will find out more when he meets with med and surg oncology at Wythenshawe hopefully next week, but just wondering has anyone opted for the radiotherapy despite being offered surgery?

Thanks :)

  • Hi kate

    mu mum was told surgery could be an option, but coz of her COPD, it would be high risk and her quality of life after could be reduced (as already dodgy lungs), so she’s opted for radio. I understand there’s some vigorous tests to be done to see if they are even fit enough/acceptable for surgery. Personally I feel, if mum was told it would be ok and she would be ok after, I would have pushed for surgery, get it all done with quickly , but quality of life is so important. X

  • Hi, yes I did opt for radiotherapy over surgery. Personally, because I live alone, although I do have family as support, I didn't want to be an invalid for a couple of months, and having read the risks and complications of surgery, my mind was made up.  I was told by my the Oncology Consultant where I had my treatment that SABR is as effective as surgery and kills 9 out 10 cancers, so it was a no brainer for me.

    As with your granddad, my lung cancer was considered "early stage" and small in size - 2.5cm, so I was offered SABR radiotherapy. SABR radiotherapy is performed on tumours less than 3cm.

    I have copied below the description from the Macmillan Information Support Website:

    How does SABR work?

    Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays called radiation, to treat cancer. It destroys cancer cells in the area where the radiotherapy is given. The aim is to:

    • stop the cancer cells growing
    • shrink the tumour or completely destroy it.

    SABR uses many smaller, focused beams of radiation. The beams are directed from different angles that meet at the tumour. This means that the tumour gets a high dose of radiation, while surrounding healthy tissues get a much lower dose. This lowers the risk of damage to normal cells.

    Treatment is usually spread over a few days and may take up to 2 weeks. Your doctor or radiographer will explain how many sessions you need and over how many days.

    I had my treatment every other day for two and half weeks at the beginning of December 2023, finishing on the 15th December 2023. Apart from feeling tired and my appetite dropping a bit whilst having the treatment I felt fine and was back to normal within a week or two after my treatment ended.  At my first CT scan check up three month's later, the results showed that the lesion had shrunk by 50%, the second follow up six month's later showed another reduction in size and "no activity seen", I had my third CT check-up last week and will get the results at the end of March.

    Radiotherapy is not a quick fix, it has a cumulative effect and carries on working in the body for some time after the treatment ends.

    From a personal point of view, and from someone who has refused surgery and opted for radiotherapy, I think your  granddad will be fine and I wish him well. Please keep in touch and let us know how your granddad is getting on.

    Best wishes.

    Ann

  • Hi Kate

    So sorry that you have cause to be on here.

    A few years ago an elderly neighbour/friend was in the same position, and she had a number of underlying health issues.  I went with her to the appointment with the surgeon at Wythenshawe , who gave her the info on the surgery in a  'warts and all'  approach.  I could tell that the Surgeon was relieved (as was I) when she opted for the radiotherapy.

    She had 20 sessions of daily radiotherapy at The Christie (Mon - Fri with the weekends off).  I accompanied her to each session, which was a tad surreal given I had had my treatment there.  She got through it like a real trouper, and apart from some tiredness had no side effects.  She was able to get on with her life both during and after the treatment.  

    I hope this helps a bit.  I wish you and your Granddad the best possible outcomes.

    Kegsy x

    "If you are going through hell, keep going" ; Sir Winston Churchill
    " Cancer may take my life; however it will not become my life" Kegsy August 2011
  • in reply to Kegsy

    Hi Kegsy,

    I never asked - did your neighbour get a cure from the radiotherapy?

    Katie

  • in reply to kate290822

    Hi Katie

    Yes the radiotherapy was successful.

    Kegsy x

    "If you are going through hell, keep going" ; Sir Winston Churchill
    " Cancer may take my life; however it will not become my life" Kegsy August 2011
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