Surgery not an option

Sooz
0 Recommendations

My mother had a spiculated nodule (1 cm) detected in her right upper lobe (PET scan). Pulmonologist wanted to take her in for surgery to remove the upper lobe. She failed the Pulmonary Function Test due to her severe emphysema and COPD and is therefore not an "operable candidate". They also say they won't due the needle biopsy due to risk of lung collapse. How can it be formally diagnosed and staged without pathology? She has already made it clear she will not undergo treatment. Can anyone give us an idea of what her prognosis might be based on their experiences? Thanks!

3 replies

Chum

No idea what the prognosis would be without any treatment - but I wonder if other possibilities have been explored. What about Cyberknife (gamma knife, etc.)? Guided radiation might be able to get rid of the nodule in a relatively non-invasive manner. There are five machines located around the U.S. that can target such a nodule and get rid of it without harming the surrounding tissue.

I had VATS lobectomy surgery - and that went well for me, but I've heard of others who had just a wedge resection using VATS. Guess what I am saying is, if she was up for the surgery, but it was disallowed, then look for other ways to get the surgery. Go to a comprehensive cancer center - Johns Hopkins must be near you - and there are others. See if their fine surgeons will do what the pulmonogist said was not possible.

Courage

Chum

Marie400

My Mom had COPD and had been dx'd about 10 years prior to the lc diagnosis. She was not a surgical candidate because of the COPD, but she did have the needle biopsy and it caused no trouble at all for her. It was done in about 30 minutes.

As far as your Mom's prognosis, everyone is different. There is a gentleman who posts on this site, I can't remember his name, but he would not accept traditional lc treatments. Instead he changed up his diet by eliminating a lot of foods and replacing those with others. I believe he was dx'd about 5 years ago and is still experiencing a great quality life. Maybe someone will post his name for us and you can check out his posts.

I wish you and your Mom lots of luck -

sandy45

Hi
I also had COPD and was not a surgery candidate. I did, however have 3 needle biopsies before the cancer finally showed up. (it kept coming back inconclusive) I had no problems at all with the biopsies.

I opted to do the Radiation/Chemo routine and am still doing good , that was in 2005. The radiation had very little in the way of side effects. I understand that everyone has a different
reaction.

I agree with Marie, diet is super important and has worked wonders for some people.

Hopefully this helps a little. All my very best to you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

sandy

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