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NSCLC Tough choice - radiation or surgery?

Lung Cancer | Last Active: Oct 1, 2022 | Replies (8)

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@colleenyoung

@kkckkjm, I hope you saw the helpful suggestions that @lls8000 and @marcia115 offered. Marcia mentioned getting a cardiologist involved, which tipped me off to let you know about cardio-oncology.

Mayo Clinic offers expertise in addressing heart problems (called cardio-oncology), potential or current issues. The Cardio-Oncology Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cardio-oncology-clinic/overview/ovc-20442193) evaluates people prior to cancer treatment and patients who have experienced side effects due their treatment.

Might they have a cardio-oncology specialist where you receive care? Did you make your decision in the meantime?

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Replies to "@kkckkjm, I hope you saw the helpful suggestions that @lls8000 and @marcia115 offered. Marcia mentioned getting..."

Hello and thank you all for your comments. I did already have a biopsy done but the tissue sample, while confirming malignancy, was to small to make a biomarker analysis. The removed right lobe had EFGR but that doesn't mean (I've been told) the same cancer is in the left lung. I have switched to Mayo and another national cancer center for 2nd and 3rd opinions from that of my original team. Three centers, 3 different perspectives and recommendations. I have narrowed it down to 2. Radiation is off the table. Surgery (wedge resection rather than lobectomy) is 1 option, then determine type of cancer with all the tissue. The second option is do another navigational bronchoscopy to attempt to get more nodule tissue to type the cancer, and also sample lymph nodes for spread. It was a difficult navigational situation the first time so I'm not so inclined to do that procedure again as it is risky with uncertain results. Or I could just start targeted therapy under an assumption it is the same EFGR cancer and see if the medication reduces the nodule size. It is alot to consider.