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81 yrs. surgery done. 50% lung capacity. Evaluating treatment.
I am 81 yrs old, decent health. Right lower lobectomy 2012. Upper left large wedge lobectomy, Sept 2025. Adjuvant therapy advised, one positive skip lymph node.
Treatment recommended: chemo & PD-L1 drug 12 months.
Some minutes of the day I just want to ride off into the sunset, enjoy my days. Most times, I want to start the treatments, but the side effects, ugh. Any advice about the important things to think about here?
Many sage persons and postings in this support group have already lent me valuable experience and advice.
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Hi,
Congratulations on your good health! It sounds like your procedures worked out well. It's hard to decide what to do when you are facing issues such as you are. My husband had lung cancer and due to almost dying from the side effects of Keytruda he elected to have no more treatments. We had 14 more years together with him having lung cancer. He's in Heaven now and I know we'll eventually be together again.
81 is not young. You might just want to enjoy your life while you have it. I would suggest taking your situation up with God. He's the one in control of life and death anyway. Just talk to him like he's your best friend and he is! He made you and he can fix you! I'll say a prayer for you also.
I wish you the best.
PML
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2 ReactionsI am 84, still independent and am about to start proton radiation for a new nodule. This the 5th nodule I am treating in the last four years (2 VAT wedge resections, SBRT for 2 nodules).
I have multifocal lung cancer and am getting tired of these things. I also have pulmonary fibrosis and had pneumonitis after SBRT. So now I also have 55% lung capacity with severe DLCO reduction. I am on O2 for exertion and sleep...but I have portable O2 to get around.
Deciding not to treat is a harder decision than treating because that is a "final" choice to let it go and then what happens? I am not in pain with my lung cancer. I don't look sick.
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1 Reaction@pml What a helpful response you have shared with me. My blessings to you, your husband & our God in the knowledge of eternal life offered us by Grace.
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3 Reactions@redpowerranger , It's unfortunate that you are facing this again, but good that you had 13 years between incidents. It sounds like you are in doing well other than the cancer. Treatment decisions can be so difficult, and it's never a one-size-fits-all answer. It sounds like a frank discussion with your oncologist is in order.
What are the treatment side effects that you may face? Are there lighter alternatives to the treatment that's been proposed that may extend your life, but not necessarily cure you, allowing for a better quality of life with the time you have remaining? If you choose no treatment, what does that process look like, and what can you expect?
Remember that this is ultimately your decision. It's your body. You likely have people in your life that care for you very much. Do you think your family/friends can support your decision?
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3 Reactions@redpowerranger Thank you very much....I begin each of my mornings speaking with my best friend, Jesus! I never feel alone, and I am made stronger by my faith, and belief that if he cares for the sparrow, he cares for us! I understand by Him that this life takes us to the next, and by the wonderful Grace you mention, there will be no more tears, sorrow, or sufferring. So much joy to look forward to.
@lls8000 Thank you. A useful site for individuals to use and yes, wisely make our individual decisions.