I have recently had a lung biopsy which indentufied 3 tumours - 1 larger one in my left lung and 2 smaller ones in my right lung. This is all following cervical cancer 12 years ago when I had a radical hysterectomy and bi-lateral lymphdectomy, 2 x lots of chemo, 25 x sessions of radiotherapy and then bracotherapy. My pelvic area was basically fried and I'm now dealing with secondary lymphodema and periodic bladder and bowel bleeding. In addition to that I've managed to be given a psoriatic arthritis diagnosis, and oesteoarthritis on my left hip (currently on the waiting list for a total hip replacement). I'm not yet on any arthritis medication. Basically I need a new body!
Anyway, following the recent left lung biopsy I managed to tick all the risk boxes. Soon after I had a pneumothorax (collapsed lung), had internal bleeding losing 4 pints of blood resulting in a blood transfusion, then got an infection. I ended up having 2 different tubes inserted into my left side to help reinflate and then the 2nd one after to drain the blood from my lung. It was all pretty traumatic and I spent 2 weeks in hospital.
Now my oncologist is recommending I have a section of my left upper lung lobe removed by the thoracic team to get rid of the larger tumour. Then have SABR targetted radiotheraphy on the 2 x smaller tumours in my right lung. My alternative is ALOT of chemo. But I may still need chemo after the surgery and SABR if I opt for that.
Both options (1. Surgery & SABR, 2. Chemo) have high risks and side effects and after the recent post lung biopsy trauma I'm pretty terrified of more invasive surgery which apparently may need to be open surgery not keyhole. I'm also wanting to minimise my long term side effects having already got shed loads to contend with after my 1st experience of cancer (as mentioned in para 1)!!
I'm an active 54 yr old working woman with a husband and 2 older kids and I'm really struggling to know which route to take for the best.
If anyone has had upper lung lobe removal surgery, I'd love to hear more about your experience, especially any short, medium, long term side effects.
Thanks alot
