Living with lung cancer - Introduce yourself & come say hi

Hi @sura, Welcome to Mayo Connect. You are not along in this. There are many people here I know our first instinct with cancer can be, "get it out", but it can help to take a pause and evaluate what options are available. I agree with your first instinct, that surgery is a major decision and can lead to ongoing pain. But it is also sometimes necessary if a cure is possible! I'm glad you are getting a second opinion, that's a great idea in these cases. Some larger intuitions will also have a tumor-board where experts from many fields (surgery, pathology, oncology, radiation oncology) will come together to provide input into treatment recommendations.
How did the call with the surgeon go? Are you comfortable with a 6 month scan schedule? Did you possibly discuss a 3 month scan schedule, just for this first time?

Hi @thieschafer, I have an ALK mutation, and have been taking a first-line targeted therapy for 43 months now, but who's counting. That's longer than the median for this particular drug, so I'm appreciative of the science behind these drugs. Some of us get lucky and go beyond expectations, I'm hoping that you are one of those. Learning to accept that there are things that we just can't control can help, but it's not easy.
I'm hoping that you do well on the Tabrecta, with minimal side-effects. Did your doctors test your tissue from your original surgery for biomarkers, MET?

Good idea.

Mine was staged pT1c pN0

I just messaged my pulmonologist that I want an oncologist consult.

It was an adenocarcinoma stage 1A3.

I had a 1.5cm Adenocarcinoma removed in a lower left Lobectomy in May 2023. So from someone relatively new to lung cancer, I have learned that surgeons are great for surgery. That is not likely to be your scenario, so get an oncologist asap is my thought. I would think that is who will oversee your treatment in the short term at least. I can’t imagine what value a six month hold would provide.

How terrible. Can you share what kind of cancer your original tumor was?

I have recently had a CT scan of lung and found 3 adenocarcinomas had grown - unfortunately my previous CT scan was 7 years prior - no one informed me that I was to have annual CT scans! Anyway, met with thoracic surgeon who does not want to do surgery or anything yet. I am not sure I am all right with that. we have scheduled a next CT scan for 6 months from now. Three of the nodules are fairly large - 9mm, 11, 13mm. I know that some docs recommend targeted radiation at this point. I do plan to have a 2nd opinion. and i have a follow-up call with the thoracic surgeon this morning. I will admit i am quite fearful about lung surgery for resection or whatever.....if anyone has thoughts on this, i would love to hear them. it feels so alone & frightening.
s michaels

My results from my CT scan on 12/15/2023 showed NO obvious findings of recurrent disease. I have had no reaction to imfinzi infusions and tolerated it very well. God is good!🙏

In December of 2022, I had a 2 cm tumor and an upper lobectomy was done. All lymph nodes were negative for spread. 6 month later CT was fine. Then in November 2023, I had a suspicious CT then a brain MRI, PET and Breast ultrasound. Also of which revealed stage 4 lung cancer spread to lymph nodes and breast. Treatable but not curable.
A MET marker was discovered and I am about to start taking Tabrecta. I am hoping this will prolong my life at least for a couple of years. Anyone else taking targeted therapy?