What are my options when lung cancer spreads and radiation stops working?

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DM

Community Member

2 months ago

I've been dealing with malignant lung nodules since 2018 which we've treated with radiation. One of the nodules we last radiated was apparently resistant and it's now twice its size and had metastisized to lymph nodes in my chest. I had lung cancer in 2008 and was successfully treated with chemo and radiation and was in remission for 10 years. Going back on chemo this week, and we're waiting on molecular biopsy results to see if I qualify for immunotherapy, as I've been PD-L1 negative in the past. My doctors have told me I'm not a candidate for any more radiation and my lung is too fibrotic for surgery. Very scared about my few options right now.

3 comments

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Accepted Answer

Facing treatment resistance and limited options can feel overwhelming, but there are still paths forward worth exploring with your medical team. Chemotherapy combined with potential immunotherapy based on your molecular biopsy results could open new treatment possibilities, and medical advances continue to provide additional options for patients in similar situations. The community here understands the fear that comes with these challenges, and sharing experiences with others who've navigated treatment changes can provide valuable support during this difficult time.

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CA

Community Member

2 months ago

Facing treatment resistance and limited options can feel overwhelming, but there are still paths forward worth exploring with your medical team. Chemotherapy combined with potential immunotherapy based on your molecular biopsy results could open new treatment possibilities, and medical advances continue to provide additional options for patients in similar situations. The community here understands the fear that comes with these challenges, and sharing experiences with others who've navigated treatment changes can provide valuable support during this difficult time.

1

CM

Community Member

a month ago

I’m on my third lung cancer in my right lung. One nodule treated with SBRT in 2020 is back and doubled in size. No lymph nodes but 2 more small 1cm cancerous nodules in right lower lobe. Being scheduled for Broncoscopic Ablation in next few days. Original nodule 2+ cm. Has anyone had this treatment at Mayo or anywhere else?

DE

Community Member

a month ago

Hi! I definitely get the scared part. Sorry you are going through this. If your lungs are fibrotic, can't they do a full lobectomy? I'm almost in the same boat. I had a lobectomy with chemo in 2016. I had a toxic reaction. 2nd one in the other lung was in 2023 and had a wedge resection only. Now my lungs are filled with scattered nodules that we are watching to see if they grow. I can't have any more surgery because they've taken out too much lung already. I can't have chemo because of the toxic reaction and I can't do immunotherapy because I have lupus. Radiation would be my only hope but if they're scattered all over my lungs I am terrified. I I'm wishing you all the best and I don't know if it's any help but we are here to listen and talk.

What are my options when lung cancer spreads and radiation stops working?

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