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Stage 1 lung cancer with copd

Worriedsisters
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My 84yrs old dad has a just had results of Ct scan which shows right upper lobe 3cm lung tumor which has been there at least since Nov last year as they have looked back at previous xray and it can just be seen then . They can’t needle biopsy and can’t use bronchoscopy due to position of the tumor . Due to extensive copd and emphysema they can’t offer any treatment . So basically he’s been told that it is a case of managing symptoms only . If he was younger and fitter he could  have surgery and have decent chance of cure as it doesn’t appear to have spread . Finding this difficult to get my head around . This cancer will get bigger and spread and nothing can be done to even try and stop it . Does anyone else have experience of lung cancer and no treatment due to copd . What can we expect ? How quickly will it progress without treatment ? 

  • Hello Worriedsisters

    I'm so very sorry to hear about your Dad's diagnosis. I'm sure that it was hard to hear the news that he has lung cancer. To then be told that due to his other health conditions, the team doesn't feel that it's safe to offer him any active treatment must have been even more difficult to take in. It's understandable that you're finding it difficult to get your head around this. 

    What have the team said in terms of monitoring your Dad and managing symptoms as things change? Were you given the contact details for a clinical nurse specialist? Don't be afraid to contact them if you have concerns about your Dad's health. 

    It may help to have a chat with one of our team of nurses. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can along with helping you think about any questions you might want to ask the team about your Dad's care. If you'd like to speak with them, they're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I do hope that your Dad, and the rest of the family, are well supported with managing his health. Do keep in touch. We're here to listen and offer any help we can. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    My mom has very severe copd and  a 4cm lung node. We were told there is no treatment available due to the severity of the copd. We are living in a grey are not knowing if the desease is spreading ,  or  what the future holds. It is really hard  to not know what is happening  or if it is spreading.

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    Hi, I am so sorry you are going through this. It really is a testing time with the unknown. My dad was diagnosed november 2024 with stage 1, although he had COPD he was deemed fit enough for a lobectomy, January 2025 we was given the all clear. Fast forward to July 2025 and his first check up we was told it was now stage 4 and could only offer palliative chemotherapy which he took. It took the majority away and he had a 3 month break. Four weeks ago we was told it had spread to his bones when he was being discharged from hospital with pnuemonia and requiring 24/7 oxygen, its gone around his body and they've gave him upto 3 months. Sunday he took a turn for the worst and is currently on a syringe driver but alert. 

    My friends auntie was diagnosed 6 years ago with lung and kidney cancer, no treatment and shes still going strong to this day. It goes to show that no 2 people are the same. 

    Love and thoughts are with you.

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