Is SCLC treatment worth it if it's likely to come back?

Making decisions about cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when facing uncertainty about outcomes. Many people in this community have wrestled with similar questions about whether treatment is worthwhile, and these feelings are completely understandable. While treatment decisions are deeply personal and best discussed with your medical team, connecting with others who've faced similar choices might help you process these difficult thoughts - consider sharing more about what specific concerns weigh heaviest on your mind.

They have so many more treatments for SCLC I have it I’m doing immunotherapy ! Mine is stage 3 and I get down sometimes but I have to think positive I’m 64 I was forced into retirement because I drove truck and my back is fried. I don’t take any pain pills except for tramadol and if you don’t want to do the treatment, don’t do the treatment you’ll figure it out.

There's lots of things you can do to help fight cancer

Stay off the internet! Mostly lies ! I have SCLC I did 4 3 rounds each and 35 radiations you have to have a positive attitude and think that it’s not gonna come back. I am waiting for my CT scan and my PET scan to see what’s happening and I’ve already did four rounds of immunotherapy so I stay off the Internet cause it’s all bullshit anyway.

Lea I’ll be praying for you!

I think they care and try everything they can to save lives. Also,each of the treatments reacts differently to each individual person because of our health and age etc..

Hey Darlin Happy Saturday! I am 70 years old, was diagnosed with SCLC in 2022 and I too was not a candidate for surgery. I went through chemo, radiation and immunotherapy which I have completed all. Short answer to your question is it worth it: yes! I'm still here and living my life. My energy level is lower than it was but I walk my dog 4-5 days a week and can still do everything just at a different pace. Your life is still worth living. Please don't ever give up! Sending prayers your way!

I was diagnosed with SCLC last August. I underwent surgery, but the cancer has spread to several lymph nodes. I have received chemo and radiation and will start Immunotherapy, after I have CT scans done early next month. So far, I have been able to handle the side effects of treatment. However, if I can not tolerate any future treatment, I will stop it and let nature take its course. I am 74 and have other health problems, so I may feel differently if I were younger and healthier.

Had 30 rounds of radiation and 3 rounds of chemo too sick t

To do last round of chemo. Pet scans and brain scans are good for now

Hi Richard W, I'm surprised you had surgery with SCLC. I have SCLC and asked my Oncologist about surgery and the answer was no because the cancer is so aggressive. Possibly I misunderstood you? Wishing you well.

Joan Holden, you are so strong. I'm wishing you well. I was diagnosed in February 2025 with SCLC and began chemotherapy immediately. The cancer was killed after 3 or 4 months of chemotherapy - we had a great 3 or 4 months before it came back, and then back to chemotherapy. But by then I was so worn down that after 1 complete round and a few into the next round, I just could not handle to sickness from the chemotherapy and simply quit. Have been recovering ever since. You, Joan, sound so strong. I'm just not able to put any more chemotherapy in my body. I'm just done. However, it's scary to know how aggressive the SCLC is and I'm doing nothing right now to fight it off. I was not offered anything but chemotherapy and haven't gone back to my Oncologist since 1/2026. I was referred to Hospice which I will be joining soon. But I want to know what else is out there other than chemotherapy. Ketruda says they have had some success with SCLC. There is not much study done with SCLC because it is so aggressive. Wishing you the best Joan 😊 well

Have you discussed immunotherapy with your oncologist? Imfinzi? Tarlatamab?

I was on the immunotherapy drug tecentric along with chemotherapy. I did chemo 4 rounds 3 days each and immunotherapy with it and continued it for 2 years every 3 or 4 weeks for 2 years. The cancer shrunk to where it's not measurable and has been that way for 2 years now. Everyone responds differently to treatment.

I had surgery because it was thought that the cancer was confined and hadn’t spread to any lymph nodes. I am now receiving Immunotherapy. Will have CT scans done next week to see if the cancer is spreading.