1. < Lung Cancer

Wait times

Posted by kamoto @kamoto, Jun 7, 2022

Got my call back from Oncology screening. July 16th is my initial appointment. Holy smokes. Since Mayo prioritizes appointments, that means my case isn't so bad (Stage 4 Lung with Mestatasis) or I'm a goner soon so why bother. I know Mayo is internationally respected and draws patients from all over the world, and I understand their need for business, but if we are delaying US citizens care for people in other countries, not sure I'm a fan of that.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.

tmauko | @tmauko | Aug 18, 2022
In reply to @merpreb "Diane- I have what is called multifocal adenocarcinoma lung cancer. All the lesions are considered primary..." + (show)
@merpreb

Diane- I have what is called multifocal adenocarcinoma lung cancer. All the lesions are considered primary so there isn't, as we know it, metastasis. But I don't get off that easily because it means that this cancer causes lots of lesions to grow. Some grow and keep growing into cancer and some stay the same and some disappear. It's indolent cancer and when it grows it usually begins as ground glass and then changes.

My next CT will tell if my GG has changed and grown. This will be my 6th lung cancer. My treatment of choice, based on many conversations and research is SBRT. It's targeted radiation that minimizes damage to surrounding tissue and other organs. This would be my 3rd. Fatigue would be the major side effect and possible skin burns (not serious). I had a slight sunburn on my back the last time. But it wasn't painful. That was 5 years ago.

Thank you for your kind concern.

I am glad that your y90 treatments work for you. There have been so many advances in cancer treatments that spin the brain! But in a good way.

Merry

Jump to this post

Hi Merry, I too too have had lung cancer for the past 10 yrs, however, was always stable until Oct 2021, something happened and now I also have pleural effusion. The mass on my left lung is very slow growing, but it is growing and growing towards my spine. I will be asking for a second opinion from the Mayo clinic in hopes they can give me alternatives. I am currently in Ontario Canada seeking treating from Princess Margaret. My doctors seem to be all over the map and it has become frustrating. Can you tell me a bit more about SBRT, never heard of it. I am trying to educate myself as much as possible. I have an appt schedule with my radiologist on Aug 30th here in Toronto, and I would like to bring up this treatment to them. Thank you

Tanja

REPLY
1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Aug 24, 2022
In reply to @tmauko "Hi Merry, I too too have had lung cancer for the past 10 yrs, however, was..." + (show)
@tmauko

Hi Merry, I too too have had lung cancer for the past 10 yrs, however, was always stable until Oct 2021, something happened and now I also have pleural effusion. The mass on my left lung is very slow growing, but it is growing and growing towards my spine. I will be asking for a second opinion from the Mayo clinic in hopes they can give me alternatives. I am currently in Ontario Canada seeking treating from Princess Margaret. My doctors seem to be all over the map and it has become frustrating. Can you tell me a bit more about SBRT, never heard of it. I am trying to educate myself as much as possible. I have an appt schedule with my radiologist on Aug 30th here in Toronto, and I would like to bring up this treatment to them. Thank you

Tanja

Jump to this post

Good morning Tanja- SBRT is a specialized type of external beam radiation ( https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/radiation-therapy/external-beam) that allows highly precise delivery of high doses of radiation to small targets. Typically treatment with this technique is completed in 3-5 treatments over the course of 1-2 weeks. This is opposed to the daily standard external beam radiation treatment that is typically given over the course of multiple weeks. This is especially helpful and successful for the treatment of lesions in people who have limited other options. I've had 2 successful ones (cancer gone) and most likely one coming up.

Does this help?

REPLY
tmauko | @tmauko | Aug 24, 2022

Thanks Merry, I wonder if our doctors here administer this type of radiation and if there are specifics that need to be met in order for this type of radiation to be given. So far I have had no radiation and they are telling me that they will not; will no real explanation. This is why I am looking for a second opinion. I am currently going through the process of requesting an appt at the mayo, fingers crossed. Thank you

Tanja

REPLY
1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Aug 24, 2022
In reply to @tmauko "Thanks Merry, I wonder if our doctors here administer this type of radiation and if there..." + (show)
@tmauko

Thanks Merry, I wonder if our doctors here administer this type of radiation and if there are specifics that need to be met in order for this type of radiation to be given. So far I have had no radiation and they are telling me that they will not; will no real explanation. This is why I am looking for a second opinion. I am currently going through the process of requesting an appt at the mayo, fingers crossed. Thank you

Tanja

Jump to this post

Best of luck. And you are very welcome.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.