Hello
My mum was diagnosed with NSCLC last April. She had three rounds of keytruda along with two chemos and after her first scan, it showed a good reduction in the tumour and lymph nodes. She then continued with the immunotherapy and just one chemo. After her second scan there was marginal growth, however her consultant wasn't overly concerned and wanted her to continue for another 3 rounds because he said that it could still work. I was worried because I felt that if there was growth after 3 sessions then I couldn't see how it would improve. Then on Monday, Mum had the results of her third scan - her consultant said that the tumour had grown and that he would like to see her on Friday to discuss other treatment options.
I know that they can't cure mum. but I am clinging on to the thought that she could have the cancer managed and live a few years with it.
Mum has also now developed a hoarse voice and is fatigued a lot, which seemed to be down to her treatment. I would like to know if there are other treatment options available? Are they able to try different chemos or immunotherapy drugs? My mum's biggest fear is that they will give up trying to treat her.
She does not have the type that can be helped by targeted therapy and her PDL was less that 1%, even though they still gave her immunotherapy.
I suppose I just want to know if there are other treatment options that the consultant can use. I am so worried that he will say there is nothing else available.
Hi this is exactly the same situation we are in with my mum even down to last April diagnosis! Our mum is going to see her specialist next Monday to discuss if there is a next treatment plan and we are putting every little bit of hope we have into hoping there is as it will completely devastate us if there isn’t 🥲🥲🥲 if we find out anything sooner I will post or message and please keep us updated as to your mums options too maybe thanks and good luck xxxxx
Hi there
I'm sorry you are also going through this and really hope that you get some positive news. I will keep you posted on what they suggest. My mum is 74, but really 'young' for her age and still working! She has always been so active and never been ill before, so it has hit hard.
Thanks for your support.
Sarah x
Yes me and my family too, our mums 65 and still very young and active etc, just can’t imagine life without her honestly it’s just soo sad , I am wondering what these trials are about and for as I’m wondering wether it’s worth our mum mentioning when she goes next week x good luck your side x I’ve found it’s just been so sad because of the COVID etc Cas they havnt really had the centres to attend to go and can’t with people Similar as I know my mums pretty much felt left to etc 🥲
Chat *
Yeah covid has definitely made it all so much harder. I am going to ask the consultant about trials when I see him with my mum on Friday. Where are you based? We are in Cheltenham and the department here seems to have a well-known oncology dept, which is reassuring.
Looking at info on line, it seems that there is a next 'line' option, which involves a targeted drug alongside chemo. Not sure if my mum can have this as she sadly tested negative for all the genetic markers. I will keep you posted. x
We’re in bury Manchester and yes I will be writing lots of questions down before next week so we don’t miss a thing x good luck and let’s keep each other posted xx
If the hospital insist that no companion/carer/ escort is allowed attend the appointment due to Covid please insist on phone or video inclusion
We have had to do that so my husband can feel involved
He stays outside but I phone him so he hears everything and can ask questions. It’s not ideal but I think it is important that carers are involved as much as possible
Thank you for that x