I was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer about six week's ago. After numerous tests, i.e. bloods, X-rays, CT scans, PET-CT scans and lung biopsy etc. it was decided this was early stage, not had spread and was just localised to the lung. After seeing the consultant yesterday, it was suggested that I have a lobectomy, but I will have to travel 60 miles for the surgery as I live in North Wales and this surgery is performed only in England. The thought of the surgery and having the upper lobe removed terrifies me, plus being being in hospital for up to five days so far away from family, also the recovery period.
The hospital I am being care for in is only 15 minutes from my home and has a wonderful dedicated cancer unit with radiotherapy and chemotherapy services, but unfortunately not the surgery option. I am now considering refusing the surgery and opting for radiotherapy instead. I am fully aware of the radiotherapy procedure and length of time it takes as I had breast cancer surgery and subsequent radiotherapy 32 year's ago whilst still living in England. I would much prefer this option for its convenience and location. I am also aware that the percentage of cure is slightly lower than surgery, but not that much and I am willing to do it.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this, I am due to see the consultant surgeon soon to discuss everything.
Hi, thanks for your message. Yes, radiotherapy does "knock you for 6", but I'm fully prepared for that having had past experience of it. I just know I would be much happier having the radiotherapy as opposed to surgery.
My reasons are not fear of surgery, as I explained to the Cancer Nurse Specialist, I still have problems with my right side after the breast cancer surgery all these years later, i.e. neuropathic pain and problems with my shoulder and arm, the breast surgery also involved an axillary node clearance because of spread to my axillary lymph nodes, and having surgery on my left side would effectively leave me with problems on both sides. The nurse did say that they have patients that have long term neuropathic pain years later after surgery. I live alone and I am very independent and do not wish that taken away.
After a long chat with the nurse, she gave me more confidence in telling me that radiotherapy alone on smaller early stage nodules is just as effective. The radiotherapy will be spread over four weeks, daily Monday to Friday with a break for weekends, so 20 sessions in all. The radiotherapy I had for the breast surgery was spread over six weeks daily with the last three days consisting of intensive treatment, whereby the radiotherapy machine was actually pressed onto the area. Needless to say, radiotherapy treatment in those days was a lot more primitive, but it saved my life.
Best wishes for your husband's treatment.
Ann
