Lost

Hi Bubba12  I am sorry to hear that treatment plans have changed. You get yourself ready for what you think will happen, to have that rug pulled away from you is frustrating. I agree though I do like doctors that are open and honest and straight to the point!

From what you have said it was the respiratory doctor that said that radiotherapy would not be any good for you. Respiratory doctors are not oncologists, they are not the experts on cancer treatments, oncologists are. I see this time and time again with respiratory doctors, and something similar happened with me. My respiratory doctor told me I had 6 months to live, so by the time I actually met my oncologist I was feeling defeated. My Oncologist was the one that took me under her wing, and I am still here 9 years later! 

You will see lots of posts from people on the group that have had radiotherapy and chemotherapy that have had very successful results. I know it is hard, but please wait until you sit down with your oncologist. They are the ones that will know know which treatment is best for you. xx 

So sorry to hear that it is difficult when your expectations are zapped but chellissimo is right wait until you see the oncologist who will know the right pathway to help you. I know it’s difficult but try to keep positive and remember you are never on your own when uve joined the Macmillan Community. I’m sure it will all be ok for you. X

I’m still waiting to see the oncologist, my respiratory doctor wasn’t very helpful and said I might have 5 years but it will get me in End!!  What an attitude to say when I was in a state of deep shock!! Waited 8weeks now and still haven’t a date for treatment or appointment with the oncologist!! 2 biopsies later! Can I ask what your treatment was and your prognosis? 

Thank you. Everything seems all up in the air and no urgency. Humour is the only thing i have at the minute, thank God

Thanks Chelle. This path is hard enough but consultant's telling you one thing and then it changes us really hard. I really appreciate your input. It has made me feel a lot better. I'm so glad for you that your respiratory doctor was wrong. All we can do is keep smiling x

The radiation oncologist is the only one who can assess the type and duration of radiotherapy which would be appropriate, while a medical oncologist will assess and manage any chemotherapy.  Other consultants really shouldn't have been speaking for either of them. 

It's very unfortunate that you've encountered a consultant who spoke way outside his scope of practice.

Do you know whether your case has been discussed at a multi-disciplinary treatment meeting?

• Loli thanks for reply. As far as I know its only been discussed at a multi disciplinary lung cancer meeting. I'm just so deflated at the minute. I don't know what to expect anymore as I was trying to prepare for surgery. It was a big shock when the surgeon said he wouldn't do it. I just sat there thinking 'they just gonna let me die because I can't have radiation either'. Not heard anything yet so I don't have any idea what the next step is x

I'm a bit used to the process now as I've had multiple types of cancer treatment and each one has required last minute tests before treatment could proceed.  It's very anxiety producing to know that even when a treatment plan has been mapped out, a test result days before treatment starts can bring everything to a screeching halt.