Best Decision

[jegandy]

I was diagnosed with lung cancer a couple days ago,I am finding it hard to decide between radiation and having surgery, i have been told i would lose 1/2 lung with surgery. I am also concerned about having to use an oxygen tank after surgery, just need some assistance in trying to decide best route to take

[Faith17]

Hi again.... John i noticed you wrote one for best decision and right decision. I can understand your anxiety being there a year ago. So this time I'll let you know how it went with me. 1. Primary physician sent me for a scan, which showed a tumor..... I immediately requested medication for anxiety lol.....then to pulmonologist who sent me for PET Scan which lit up thus indicting CA was present she then referred me to a surgeon who specializes in cancer surgeries. I was told that after surgery the tumor would be sent to pathology to determine which type of CA it is. Then your referred to an oncologist who determined what kind of cancer was found and if you need chemo or radiation. It's a long procedure but you get better with time and medication and you will be monitored by a pain specialists. I live in New Jersey and was lucky in the compassionate medical staff and great hospital that I've encounteted during this journey.God bless you🌸

[kgie1949 in reply to Faith17]

I was diagnosed with lung cancer in May. I went to my family doctor because I was losing weight. He ordered a ctscan on my chest which showed a tumor like mass. The doctor then order a biopsy which came back positive for cancer. From the family doctor I went to a local cancer center and saw an oncologist. Several more test were done, saw a lung surgeon who specialized in cancer surgery. Had the surgery, lost 1/3 of my right lung. The pathologist report came back, all the cancer is now out. No chemo or radiation just ct scans every 6 months for the next 5 years. Talk with the doctors, tell them your concerns, even get the psychological help you need. Cancer is a scary word to hear. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

[jpoehlmann]

This is a complicated issue and you should also consider what TYPE of cancer and what STAGE the cancer is. If you are still stage one, then surgery may be a quick and effective cure. But some cancers are best treated multi-tier, even with surgery.

What you will want to do is research the surgeons available, and get two opinions from oncologists to ensure you are heading down the most informed path possible.

In the end, make this decision in concert with your medical team.

[mariel143]

i was diagnosed 1a little over a yr ago with nsclc stage4 adenocarcinoma had surgery vats sugery on right side 1 whole lobe was removed cause the pet scan didnt show the whole lobe had cancer and a wedge was removed from another lobe no chemo or radiation was necessary as my thoracic surgeon removed all the cancer and tested the lymph nodes which were not cancerous i do not need oxygen i advise u go to a throacic surgeon who specialies in lung cancer my cancer is all gone tks to the Lord and my surgeon i go every 4 months for ct scans i have nodules on my left lung which my surgeon is watching have a long talk with ur surgeon to see what his advice is may the Lord be with u