Mars 2 trial partial pleurectomy

Hi and welcome to the online community

I'm sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis but it's great that you're finding this site a good resource.

I have no experience with this trial but if you type 'mars' into the search bar in this group you'll find quite a few recent posts discussing it. You could then respond to any that you feel are relevant to your mum's circumstances to find out how people are getting on.

When you have a minute it would be really useful if could pop something about your mum's journey so far into your profile as it helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Edit Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

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Hi Jocoju,

My Dad hasn't personally been through the trial and he's opting not to go for it anyway. He's physically fit and would be able to tolerate the operation but it's the fact that it's a HUGE operation and has a long recovery time. From what we've read and spoke about with the doctors and nurses, it's about 8-10 hours long, recovery is in ICU for a few days and is over a ten day stay in the hospital. After that I've heard it takes about 6-9 months of recovery at home. For some this is enough to extend their lives by a few years, for others, by the time the recovery time is over they are already showing signs of the disease again.

It's a big, big decision because of the pros and cons (quality of life v outcome) as I'm sure you're aware. There are a few success stories on this website of some that have had the more extreme form of the operation (I think it's the one where they remove the entire lung?) but from what I've read those are rare compared to the norm.

If it helps, my Dad and I were ALL for the operation when he was first diagnosed but the more we spoke to experts and others he decided it didn't feel like it was worth it. If there was a 50/50 chance or even a 40/60 chance it would 'get rid of the disease' for a considerable amount of time (read: 5 years.) then he'd have said sure. The facts are more grim than that but don't let that put you off... I know on here there are definitely a few that have had success with the trial.

Thank you for your reply and the reasons that your dad decided not to go on the trial.

 It really is a minefield of getting a balance of giving things a go for some extra time to it not exasperating the symptoms.

My mum is due to start in the coming weeks, as chemotherapy is offered first - she will undertake this and if she is then offered surgery we will review it again. 

Hope your dad is still keeping well. 

Best wishes

Hi,

I have today joined the forum, looking for information relating to the period after having had surgery -- recovery times etc etc.

I too was a very fit 73 year old until October/November 2019, felt rough Xmas eve 2019, diagnosed early January 2020 and offered the choice of  Mars 2, immediate EPD ( keep the lung whole - strip away Tumour and membranes) or do nothing.

I decided that surgery was best option, and therefore chose NOT to join the MARS 2 trial as there was no guarantee of surgery. I had the operation in Leicester February 6th - the operation lasted 3 hours and was "successfull" in that everything that could be removed, was removed. This was followed by 2/3 days ICU then 2 days "extra care" and then 2 weeks in hospital. I have now been at home for 4 + weeks.

I am surprised at the figures you quote of 8 to 10 hours! Yes it is a "big" operation, and I am now in the "trying to rebuild my strength and stamina" phase and am interested in other people's experiences of what to expect.

Interestingly, I and my wife were initially against the idea of such major surgery, but conversations with both surgical and specialist nursing staff persuaded us to opt for the "knife".

I have no regrets about my/our decision and realise that the Cancer will restart at some stage, but feel that the gamble was worth it.

At the end of the day, we all make choices and "reap" the rewards -- it is just a pity that this CoronaVirus has poked itself into my period of recovery --- 2020....not too good a year so far!

Hi,

I have today joined the forum, looking for information relating to the period after having had surgery -- recovery times etc etc.

I too was a very fit 73 year old until October/November 2019, felt rough Xmas eve 2019, diagnosed early January 2020 and offered the choice of  Mars 2, immediate EPD ( keep the lung whole - strip away Tumour and membranes) or do nothing.

I decided that surgery was best option, and therefore chose NOT to join the MARS 2 trial as there was no guarantee of surgery. I had the operation in Leicester February 6th - the operation lasted 3 hours and was "successfull" in that everything that could be removed, was removed. This was followed by 2/3 days ICU then 2 days "extra care" and then 2 weeks in hospital. I have now been at home for 4 + weeks.

I am surprised at the figures you quote of 8 to 10 hours! Yes it is a "big" operation, and I am now in the "trying to rebuild my strength and stamina" phase and am interested in other people's experiences of what to expect.

Interestingly, I and my wife were initially against the idea of such major surgery, but conversations with both surgical and specialist nursing staff persuaded us to opt for the "knife".

I have no regrets about my/our decision and realise that the Cancer will restart at some stage, but feel that the gamble was worth it.

At the end of the day, we all make choices and "reap" the rewards -- it is just a pity that this CoronaVirus has poked itself into my period of recovery --- 2020....not too good a year so far!