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← Return to Routine CT Scan 12 years after RCC-Tumor Lower Left Lung - Nvr Smoked
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Routine CT Scan 12 years after RCC-Tumor Lower Left Lung - Nvr Smoked
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Nov 20, 2023 | Replies (34)Comment receiving replies
I made it to see the Oncologist and now have a diagnosis and a treatment plan. This is inoperable, metastatic, stage 4 renal cell carcinoma that has spread to and now is at 3cm diameter in my left mid lobe of my lung .
The original tumor was removed via right partial nephrectomy over 10 year ago. Unfortunately, my oncologist has deemed the tumor inoperable at this time. She has elected to try a targeted drug therapy using (Yervoy and Opdivo) I don't really understand it completely, but from what I have read is stops blood vessel growth in the tumor (if it works). If is doesn't work, she said, "there are other drugs to try." But the wait to see is disconcerting. I asked the doctor about life expectancy and she said "I will be able to tell you how long you have to live in three months." This was a very shocking thing to hear and has been the subject of much worry. The wait, is the issue. I want to know, ASAP, if this treatment is working. And the oncologist seems to be a bit unemotional and/or uncaring. But, I feel like I do not have time to waste on getting other doctors involved. So, I guess I will just have to deal with her cold nature. I start my first treatment on Monday (12/12/22). I having Christmas early today with my family and I hope I can make it through without turning into an emotional basket case. Thank you all for allowing me a safe place to share my feelings. Your replies have been wonderful at helping me to understand I am not alone. Have a good Holiday Season everyone. Chin up! Face forward! Fight!
Replies to "I made it to see the Oncologist and now have a diagnosis and a treatment plan...."
@douglasfeb15, I'm tagging a few other members who have had the Opdivo (nivolumab) plus Yervoy (ipilimumab) treatment combo like @sammy15 @jimthomasintl and @max326. I'm also tagging @deek15redpeppers @panamaj @jimchardy, who have experience with renal cell carcinoma that has spread to the lungs.
Douglas, how did the first treatment go last week? When do you get the second treatment of Opdiva and Yervoy?
Douglas- I am so sorry to hear your news. And having an unemotional doctor to deal with at the same time makes me angry. Have you thought of getting a second opinion?
In my view, your doctor can not tell you when you will die anymore today than he will in 3 weeks or three months. No doctor should answer this question. But I do understand your reaction.
As of this post, you have had your first treatment. How did it go? You can still get a second opinion, you know!
Please stay with me here so I can hold your hand and help you through what will be. OK?
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So sorry to hear this. Wishing you all the best with the treatments. Researchers have come a long way with targeted therapy drugs. In many cases more is needed to extend our lives, but it’s giving many of us a good quality of life for the years that we have.
It will take some time to know if the treatment is working, I’m guessing that you’ll be monitored closely in that three month time frame. My cancer is different than yours, but I started feeling better in days, so I knew it was working almost right away. That gave me much needed hope. Everyone isn’t that lucky, but you need to keep on and give the meds a chance to do their job. It certainly is not easy.
Its acceptable to be scared, this is a scary time, and it’s ok if your family knows that too.
Enjoy your day with your family. Take care, Lisa