Decided not to have treatment for adenocarcinoma in both lungs.

I’m in my sixth year after NSCLC and recently a scan showed a slight change in my middle right lobe. I had surgery for the two previous cancers but I can’t have any more, now I’m trying to make a decision about what to do, I know that I can’t do chemo and I’m not sure if radiation is an option for me. I admire your courage to make this decision for yourself and I understand your decision to do this, you’re living your life on your own terms and I hope that when the time comes I will be able to do this, quality over quantity makes good sense for some of us, I will be 75 in a few months, God only knows how tired I am, God bless you and keep you safe.

Hi bgayle,
I admire you for doing what you feel is right for you! That's important. My husband had lung cancer and after reacting and almost dying from the treatments; i.e. Chemotherapy and Keytruda, plus they put the wrong medication in his CT scan and caused him several months of brain fog, he said no more treatments! It worked out good for us because he lived for 14 years with lung cancer. He continued to see the doctors and take his medications on a regular basis. We lived a quiet life style which was normal for us and stayed away from crowds where one could get illnesses. My husband died in 2024 but we had those wonderful last years together! You have to decide what is right for you. After all, it's your body and your money; not the doctors' or hospitals'. It sounds like you have made the right decision for yourself!
I wish you the best.
PML

@frouke Hi, I'm so sorry that you have lung cancer! My husband had lung cancer and that's not easy to cope with. My husband couldn't do Chemotherapy either or Keytruda. He almost died from them. He never had radiation but my neighbor who also had lung cancer did have radiation and it was very strong and had bad side effects for her. Before you decide on any treatment do some research on the side effects. You can get the best information on the Mayo Clinic Website.

What really helped my husband the most with his lung cancer was prayer. We prayed everyday and also read the Bible everyday; The King James Version. God was there for us through the whole thing. My husband also ate healthy which for him was good quality red meat and fresh fruits and vegetables. My husband died in 2024 and I miss him terribly, but I know he's up in Heaven and we'll be together again eventually in God's time.

Pray about your cancer and I know you do. God will be there for you. I'll say a prayer for you also. Keep me posted on how you are doing. I'd like to know.
God Bless You!
PML

@pml, Thank you dear friend for your support, I pray every day and talk with God about my health and family and all the challenges that I face, I honestly can feel the strength inside me and I know that God is listening to me, always guiding me through everything, I truly never feel alone anymore and I’m so thankful, amen, Frouke.

Choosing when to stop treatment is a victory over the cancer in its own right. I hope when my time comes I can make the same decision with the grace you have shown.

It may be too soon to call in hospice, but, not to interview hospice services so you know who to call when the time comes. When we learned my mom could have no further treatment, we interviewed three services in our area. Only one of the representatives spoke directly to mom and looked her in the eye. That's the one we went with when time came.

@frouke I do the same thing! I pray many times of the day and talk to God also about my problems and issues. I feel that he is listening to me. I get a lot of prayers answered too! Big ones and little ones. You are right. It takes the lonliness away and I am so grateful for that! I'm glad you are doing so well! Keep in touch.
PML

Welcome @bgayle, I'm sure the decision wasn't easy, but it was clearly the right one for you. It's encouraging that you are doing so well six years post diagnosis.
How did your family react when you decided not to treat the cancer? Did you have the support that you needed?

@lls8000
I live alone, a long way from family. My friends and family understood that 1) I felt well and still do 2) at diagnosis I understood that no treatment would cure me 3) I wanted to continue with good quality of life and that is what I still have. 4) I am 82, have had a good life and don't have reasons to prolong my life if the quality is poor.
I feel supported by those who are important to me. I have always been lucky in life.
Thanks for replying to me. Ask me more if you like.

Hi. I’d like to ask you what stage your cancer was and if it metastasized at all? Was that part of your decision to not do treatment? Thank you.

I had tumours in both lungs when I was diagnosed but no metastasis elsewhere. I decided then that I didn't want chemotherapy or radiotherapy. I have been monitored by oncology since and have had radiotherapy. I wanted and still want the best quality of life I can have. I am 82 and don't have any overwhelming need to prolong my life. I am happy with my decisions so far.