Unanswered questions: immunotherapy for lung cancer
I'm on the end of my Chemo & Radiation treatment for small cell lung cancer. My cancer doctor mentioned a one year autoimmune therapy but refused to answer any questions about it until the time comes. To the point that he yelled at me for asking the questions. I am so confused and frustrated. This entire cancer experience is new to me and even though I requested all my risks, systems, procedures, everything explained to me in the very beginning, I learned quickly, my requests were ignored. I'm seeing the top cancer doctors in my area. But, I'm looking at making a decision on to live or die. Please, any information will be greatly appreciated.
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Welcome to Mayo Connect @nanajan26, The targeted therapy medications (like Tagrisso) can be amazing when they work, but for some people they come with some scary reactions and side-effects. We'll be interested to hear what your oncologist has to say later this week. Are you feeling better off the drug, and are your lungs are returning to normal?
Yes, I don't have any of the side effects & my pulse ox has been very good. Anxious about the future
Hi Lisa,
I did change doctors but they are all in the same group and I got basically the same responses with respect. I’m still having some bad days even though it’s been a month since my treatment ended. I think it’s more from the radiation and the internal radiation burns.
My lack of trust in the doctors and what I read and heard about the med they have to use for the immunotherapy, I won’t do it. If I went through it for the two years they want, it will give me 56+ months/approx. three years (maybe more) and I’m already 70 and it’s very difficult to get around.
I have to make a definite decision within the next few days.
Thank you very much for the info and feedback.
PS. Lisa
Yes I had seen that first doctor several times before he acted up. A woman who had been a nurse for 33 years told me she witnessed this doctor yelling at a 75 year old woman because she decided against chemo. But he’s a high rated doctor in his field.