Radiotherapy for stage 3 lung cancer.

[NTu21]

Hi there

My husband was refused radiotherapy; they are saying it's because the tumours are way apart; one in one lung and the other is in a lymph node.

I'm not convinced. I've heard other people had successful radiotherapy when they had tumours in different places.

Can anyone please shed some light on this or if they had similar or different experiences please let me know and what do you suggest I should do. Please help me.

Much obliged to you all.

NT21

[Jes77]

You could seek advice on targeted radiotherapy, such as cyber knife. It does seem the NHS do not recommend radiotherapy for multiple tumours or SCLC but I am also aware of many instances where it has been used to treat multiple tumours.

It is also true that every case is different and you need to feel you can trust your team. What else are they offering? Targeted therapies, immunotherapy? Those may be better. You could also look for a drug trial try cancerresearchuk.org/about-....

I am sorry you are going through this. Sending you support through the ether.

Jes

Supporting mum, 61yrs, never smoker, stage IV lung cancer.

[NTu21 in reply to Jes77]

Thank you Jes for your kind reply.

They have mentioned the trials but waiting for his biopsy's results.

I do trust his onchology team but I couldn't help feeling they should be able to give him some targeted radiotherapy with technology being so brilliant these days!!

I noticed that you are looking after your mum. Hope she's doing well. Is she on immunotherapy?

NT21

[Jes77 in reply to NTu21]

She has been accepted on a trial but it won't start until after her chemotherapy finishes.

I feel the same- so many great advances but non seem to be suitable so far. Which just seems so unfair...

Remember to look after yourself x

[NTu21 in reply to Jes77]

Hi Jess

I know exactly how you' are feeling. It's been tough as it is with all the uncertainties but it doesn't help when you feel they are not hot on the options. I've been mentioning radiotherapy since my husband was first diagnosed but they've been ignoring me. I feel they are not doing enough for him. His tumour was misdiagnosed for 2 years. They said it didn't look worrying at that time!!!!

I don't know what to do if they say no again to radiotherapy. I'm angry and losing the will to live.

Thank you Jess for your kindness and hope your mum's treatment goes well.

Take care

[livvyloot]

Hi, I had a tumour in my lung, which they away using a wedge, but it has spread to my lymph nodes behind my breast bone, too many affected at this moment in time so I'm going through chemo they are hoping that this will reduce the problems in the nodes therefore making a smaller section they can treat with radiotherapy. Why not ask the question of your team they may be able to go the same way. Good luck.

[NTu21 in reply to livvyloot]

Thank you Livvyloot

I am so grateful for your reply. It's very helpful. We will try and talk to the onchologist again. I just hope we get somewhere this time.

I also wish you all the best with your treatment.

Kindest regards

NT21

[livvyloot in reply to NTu21]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, hopefully they will be able to go the same way. Good luck. x

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi NT21,

I think you should ask for an explanation to ensure you and your husband understand their reasons behind this decision.Treatment decisions are not made by one doctor alone.They are made by a group of experts at a multidisciplinary team meeting and have the best interests of each individual patient at heart.You should also speak to the lung cancer nurse specialist involved in your husbands care may also be able to answer your questions.

Kind regards,

All the team at the Roy Castle Helpline