Lobectomy or not for mild/moderate COPD sufferer

[msmono]

Hi all,

I'm actually asking this for my uncle as I don't know if he will ask and I feel we need help and support. He has lung cancer - discovered whilst investigating for potential prostate-cancer secondary tumours. A primary lung tumour was removed but the surgeon has said that gold standard treatment is a lobectomy which would give best chance of lung cancer not returning. Without the lobectomy there is a 30% chance of the lung cancer returning. As he has COPD, my uncle is worried that a lobectomy might impact his lung function too much as he is already breathless. Does anyone know of any (not too technical) studies or information I could look at please? Thanks in advance for any replies, I know it takes effort especially as many on here are struggling with their own health issues.

[2greys]

Hi msmono,

I have been in a broadly similar situation. I have Emphysema and a large nodule blocking off Bronchiole in my right upper lobe plus a tumour in my left upper lobe. Lung function of 28% in March 2019, so maybe lower by now. I also have other chronic diseases, one being Ischaemic heart disease.

I had to undertake fitness for surgery tests. To which I failed. Whilst surgery was not actually denied to me, their were abysmal odds to survivability and the resulting lung function to be expected if I did. I would expect your Uncle would undergo similar tests to his suitability for surgery.

I elected to undergo Stereotactic Radiotherapy treatment, this has so far been successful and have been in remission for 3 years now, my latest report on a CT scan is in fact tomorrow. All said and done, I am truly grateful for that 3 years of good quality of life at the very least, despite having to be in lockdown for half of it.

I cannot really advise you any further. His Oncologist will spell out all the treatment options available to him.

[msmono in reply to 2greys]

Thank you so much for your reply and for sharing your experience. I wish you the best of health for the future ☺️

[2greys in reply to msmono]

I also need to add that my cancer was the more common form of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Mesothelioma are totally different cancers and so very much harder to treat. I do not think that it would be Mesothelioma being offered a lobectomy though.

[Hidden]

The proposed treatment may well impact your uncles lung function but then so will the lung cancer its a tough decision for anyone to go through when diagnosed with cancer and the treatment offered.

You /your uncle should be able to access information on the macmillan cancer support site, they also have an on line community.

Historically I have found Macmillan cancer support to be a wonder service to patients well worth making contact with them if they have not already contacted you.

Some links below for you:

macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf...

You /your uncle will be able to discuss any proposed treatment with his oncologist directly and if you are attending appointments with him that will help for the extra listening ears and note taking should you feel you need to.

Best wishes BK

[msmono in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I will check out Macmillan link/site. Thank you also for the advice for extra ears and notes. I don't know if he'll want this but I will certainly ask him. ☺️

[Hidden in reply to msmono]

Best wishes with everything.

[Alberta56]

Best wishes.