Hi, my mother has just been diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer. At 85 years old, although independent and very fit, she had always said she would not have any invasive treatments at her age and let the cancer take natural course. However, at the appointment the doctor and nurse were encouraging that as a fit older woman she would be suitable for keyhole robotic surgery and may need chemo and radio as adjunct treatments. They felt this would give her a good quality of life and recommended this. My mum then thought if this were to help her feel better she would like to consider this. I am wondering if there are other people on this forum that have had surgery (especially at an older age) and what is the reality of recovery like? We are keen that the benefits outweigh the risks and she doesn't spend the last few years of her life in worse condition from treatment rather than the cancer. The medical team thought she would get good quality life post treatment.
Any thoughts? This is all very new to us and we want to know the reality of recover from treatments so we can formulate questions for when she meets the surgeon to discuss further. Many thanks
Hi Songthrush
welcome to the group, but sorry to hear about your mum. I was much younger than your mum when I received my diagnosis, but thought I would share my thoughts whilst waiting for others to answer.
Stage 2 is very treatable, so although it sounds scary, it has been caught in good time. My operation was via a rigid bronchoscopy. In other words a metal tube was placed down my throat and into the bronchial airway to remove the tumour. As I had no open wounds the recovery from this was very quick. Then I had 5 sessions of intense radiation. The whole process for radiotherapy is very easy and painless. You lay on a bed, and a machine similar to an X-ray machine, moves around the table. It is over in minutes. The radiation then builds up in your body for several weeks after, and this is when the side effects are noticeable. As for all treatments, everyone reacts differently, for me I had radiation burn on my chest, and on my oesophagus which made eating difficult. It also made me very tired, a complete exhaustion like I had never felt before.
I haven’t had chemo so I cannot comment on that, but I am sure others will be able to offer their experience.
For me, treatment saved my life. I was told I had 6 months to live, this week I “celebrate” my 12 year cancerversary.
I think you need to take it one stage at a time. Get the surgery done first, as the doctors have said she may need further treatment, they haven’t said she will need it yet.
lots for you and mum to think about, and I wish you both the very best on this journey.
Hello Songthrush,
I had open lung surgery so can't give a personal account of keyhole surgery. However, keyhole robotic is undeniably much less traumatic and should not be a problem for your mother with her being very fit.
As for radiotherapy or chemotherapy:
* As Chelle says, radiotherapy is easy and painless, I had this for prostate cancer which developed separately a couple of years after my lung cancer.
* I was recommended to have chemo to reduce the risk of recurrence after lung surgery and it's definitely more aggressive. I think this could be an option to forget for now and deal with later if it is recommended.
I would also suggest going with surgery then deal with the rest if is recommended. In any event it might not be necessary after the tumour is removed and examined post surgery.
Also like Chelle, I celebrated 12 years lung cancer free this year - in June!
I wish your mother all the best.
Derek.
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