Adenocarcinoma - newly diagnosed

Yes. I did. I have Adencarcinoma nscl I also found out today on my PET scan that I have two lymph nodes that showed up.

Hi Donna,
I wanted to check in with you. I'm sure you're swimming in information and overwhelm. Did you learn what type of cancer you have and what next steps will be? How are you doing?

It will be interesting to see what the Beaumont doctors say. Hopefully they are able to provide you with at least a little clarity. If they feel that both (surgery and SRBT) really are good options, then you’ll know that which ever you choose is a good solid plan.
Take a deep breath, there isn’t a bad choice if it helps you get to good health. Wishing you the best!, please keep us posted.

I have no idea. I’ll have to ask. Thanks!

I am currently going through part of Karmanos and will be getting a second opinion from Beaumont.
Karmanos says surgery or SBRT radiation. I have to choose.
That’s the tough part. Do I know enough to choose? Will I choose right? Will I choose wrong?
Stressful.

Hi,

You'll want to make sure they did a full biomarker test. The biomarker test finds out what mutations/DNA/RNA and proteins the tumor has. That can make a huge difference in the treatments offered. I would definitely ask the doctor about it and look into where the nearest Center of Excellence for lung cancer is for you.

Best warm wishes to you!

I came away feeling that not all doctors have the same compassion and expertise, and my local hospital has shown some cases of putting profits over patients. I searched "best hospitals for lung cancer surgery" for my state (and, since I was fortunate to be retired with insurance, I was able to also search nationally) and reviewed the info from US News & World Report. I'm not sure if that was the best way, but it did match what I had gotten from other sources and given me the confidence to step away from the first surgeon.

Keeping you in my thoughts. Please keep us posted.

@mayocid1, I'm sure this is all overwhelming. There is so much to absorb, and it's all new!
I know unfortunately there are sometimes financial limitations, but a second opinion does sound like a good idea for you. Being near a large metro area has its advantages when looking for a cancer center. Looking at NCI (National Cancer Institute) accredited hospitals in the Detroit area, I see listed: Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State and the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. I have also heard wonderful things specific to lung cancer at Henry Ford Cancer Institute. Of course, it takes a good match between the doctors and patients, you need to trust them, and there are too often financial considerations and limitations.
"Lung Cancer" is a classification that is very broad. There are many different types, and some types are identified by biomarker testing that is done on biopsied tissue, fluid, or blood. These types are known as cancer caused by a mutation in the cells (EGRF, ALK, ROS1, ...).

There's a fine line between feeling armed with information and overloaded. You're not expected to know everything all at once, take the info in small bits, and take time to digest a bit too. Are you feeling ok with the plan?

What my Dr at Mayo explained to me is that the standard is to take the entire lobe. Then they know it’s the best chance to get all the cancer. In my case, because my Lung function test showed some diminished function, they decided a segmentectomy could be done with enough margins to get all the cancer and spare more of my lung. If my LFT was really good they probably would have opted for the entire lobe. I fought with myself the entire time as to whether surgery or SBRT would be the best for me but when my surgeon offered to set me up with a radiology oncologist and said they would probably tell me the same thing- that surgery is the best option to get it out and give me many more years, I didn’t need anything more. Have you checked out these hospitals in Detroit? I hope you get the best help!

Thanks.
No, they did not mention that.