Connect
← Return to Needle Biopsy for Bone Cancer
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
The needle biopsy went w/o incident after another postponement. It confirmed that the lesion on my 6th right rib is metastatic. I reviewed the results with my PCP but not yet my oncologist. I plan to consult with my surgeon as well. I need to collect as much information as I can in order to make decisions about my treatment plan going forward. Is my cancer aggressive? What is the prognosis...the time line? I have been advised that my metastatic cancer is incurable. So, what is the goal of immunotherapy, delay of progression? If recommended, how do you balance side effects and quality of life remaining? Until my questions are addressed, I am anxious.
Replies to "The needle biopsy went w/o incident after another postponement. It confirmed that the lesion on my..."
@spooz2 it’s been awhile and I hope you’ve gotten some answers that you needed. What type of cancer do you have and where did it metastasize from?
Connect
@spooz2- Hello, it's nice to meet you. I have stage 4 multifocal adenocarcinoma of the lung. It's an NSCLC. If your cancer has metastasized then I think that you need to consider it at least somewhat aggressive. And I don't blame you one bit about hesitating to make decisions based on the few answers to your questions. The goal of your immunotherapy is probably both, to treat your disease and help prolong your life, or help with any pain that you might have. I think that the best way to balance your life with any side effects is to try the therapy. If it works to prolong your life with little or no discomfort then go for it. I would! If the side effects are too much or not doing anything for you then I think that it might be time to seek palliative care, helping with any side effects of your disease like pain.
There is more to palliative care than pain management though. I think that this describes it best:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/palliative-care-and-hospice-care/
This is a very tough time for you. I really don't look forward to hearing those words. Although my time is yet to come from my cancer I have had a lot of time to think about your questions, as I am very sure that everyone who has had cancer probably has. Since your doctor has mentioned that your cancer is terminal your questions should be asked and answered in a very honest and hopefully compassionate way. He might not know your timeline but he needs to give you the best guidance that he can.
Have you discussed any of this latest information with your family and support system?