Stage 4 central mediastinal mass

[Guys17]

After a lobectomy 3 years ago, I now have a stage 4 central mediastinal mass. No reoccurrence in the lung or spread to other organs. I have been told that only palliative treatment is possible and offered (covid permitting) chemotherapy with immunotherapy. Has anyone experience of this cancer?

[simlut]

Hi Guys17, sorry you’ve had a recurrence. Has the Oncologist explained why surgery isn’t an option or radiotherapy? It is too close to your organs? Ask some questions so you understand why the Oncologist thinks this is the best and only treatment now.

You could get another opinion at this stage because if it is only in this one area I would want to ensure the best treatment as quick as possible.

My dad is Stage 4 but from diagnosis, so he’s having 4 cycles of chemotherapy Carboplatin and Paclitaxel and immunotherapy drug Pembrolizumab (Keytruda). He’s had 3 cycles and his 4th is on Friday then he will have a scan the 16th January to see if the treatment has worked.

I hope you get some answers and start treatment soon xxx

[Guys17 in reply to simlut]

Thanks Simlut. We have arranged another chat with the oncologist and now have ideas on what to ask. Do hope your Dad's result will be reason for celebration. Best wishes.

[simlut in reply to Guys17]

Thank you 😊 wishing you the best with your treatment xx

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Guys17So sorry to hear of your recent developments with your mediastinal mass, which must be quite a setback for you and your family.

As you may know the mediastinum is the centre of the chest, the space in between the two lungs, within this area contains the heart, aorta, oesohpagus, trachea and lymph nodes.

It is good you have made another appointment to discuss your options and what the treatment would be for you.

Sometimes there can be a combination therapy of both chemotherapy and immunotherapy at the same time.

Hope you hear from others who have experienced this and provide support and encouragement for you.

You may find some of these personal stories from those with mediastinal mass useful to read under our campaign section: roycastle.org/heather-chris...

After your appointment, please feel free to contact us if you wish to go over things, either by email at [e-mail] or our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Guys17 in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you so much for the information; it is also comforting to know there is someone we can ask those things we think of after the meeting with the Oncologist.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Guys17These links will take you directly to our booklet on chemotherapy and our leaflet on Immunotherapy if you are interested in reading these, it may also help direct some of your questions to ask with your oncologist.

roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team