Dilemma. What would you do?

[Phyll]

I have pulmonary fibrosis caused by RA. I have a malignant nodule. The respiratory consultant says 'do nothing', as an ablation, which I had 3years ago, would damage my lungs so much that it wouldn't be worth it. She said ' I would be surprised if I saw you alive in a year'.However the radiologist and anaesthetist who did the procedure before, say they could do it, but it would be risky. Shall I have the ablation, or live with the knowledge that the cancer is growing in my lung?

[Oshgosh]

It’s a tough decision,is there someone you can discuss it with.i hope so,as this is a very personal decision.thinking of you

[Hidden]

Hi Phyll,

I’m so very sorry about your impossible dilemma. I think you meant to post this on the British Lung Foundation HU or NRAS (RA) perhaps? I know at least one person on NRAS who has PF due to RA so perhaps they will be better placed to advise. Wishing you all the very best, Twitchy x

[SherrySanford65]

Can you get another opinion? . If it were me, I’d probably go ahead with the ablation, if the other opinions support it. What can it hurt, knowing that the tumor is there which is inoperable?

[Hidden]

Phyll I agree with Oshgosh. This is such a personal decision. I, 100% believe in prayer. You might gather all the information you can handle, then take it to the Lord in prayer.

Btw, I want to say ‘Shame on the respiratory consultant’!!! SHAME on her! Can she predict the future? How horrible (unless you asked her) to say such a thing! Soooo many people are told horrendous things like that but out live what they were told. I feel a positive attitude is one of our best weapons and no one has the right to tell you such garbage unless you had asked their opinion (in which case, I would apologize for my tirade).

4 1/2 years ago the lab made a notation on blood work I had done, that I was looking at a ‘severe to fatal’ heart attack anytime within the following two years. It was a wake up call for me, for sure. But I’m still here! No heart attacks at all, no strokes, no problems. I changed my eating habits, (never was an awful eater) and paid more attention to exercise (I’ve always exercised, though not a gym rat), and it took two and a half years, but my cholesterol finally came back in great ranges.

This respiratory consultant really shouldn’t be saying such things to you. If they feel strongly about you not having certain procedures, that in their expert opinion would do you more harm then good, ok, give that advice. But what they said went waaaay beyond that. (In my opinion).

[Roarah]

Are you on a watch and wait or active survalance schedule right now. My DH's scans three years ago showed multiple lung nodes when he was scanned for rectal cancer staging. It was determined the best plan at that time was to deal with the rectal cancer solely and leave the lungs alone for a few months. At the three month scans there was no change in the nodes, and again at 6 month and 1 year still no significant changes. He is now only scanned yearly and knock on wood still no changes. If the node is slow growing it might make sense not to risk another ablation but if agressive the risk might well be worth it.

Good luck with your decisions it is a very tough spot to be in. I hope you find great guidance and I wish you well. Xo

[Jmiller623]

I really think you should get a second opinion. It really depends how bad the fibrosis is and what your reserve is. It sounds like the pulmonary consultant is throwing in the towel which I think is unfair. They should at least consult an oncologist and discuss what options are available. This discussion should be offered to you as the patient. If you’re struggling and your quality of life is not optimized at the moment, it is hard to argue with them but I think you deserve at least that.

Just wondering when you say malignant, do you mean it was biopsy verified in the past? Was it adenocarcinoma or squamous cell?

Sorry you’re having a rough time right now. It must be scary. Stay strong!