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Mum diagnosed with stage 3A Non small cell lung cancer

Shellbaby67
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Hi 

well it’s only 15 months since I lost dad to lymphoma at 73, now mum has been diagnosed with stage 3A NSCLC. Dad only had 2 courses of chemotherapy and developed blood clots and pneumonia and passed away only 4 months after diagnosis. Dad had asthma and suffered with his breathing for most if his life - I don’t think the chemo suited Dad but it was the only treatment option available. Mum has been offered radiotherapy but doctors advise 2 course of VP chemotherapy to shrink the tumour before commencing with the radiotherapy. My mum and the family have a dilemma as to whether mum should have the chemo - mum has COPD and gets frequent chest infections resulting in her having to take antibiotics and steroids regularly. I need people’s option or experiences as to whether mum should have the chemo or opt for radiotherapy alone due to chemo lowering mums immune system impacting on her COPD. Please help 

  • Hi Shellbaby. 

    Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry to hear about you losing your Dad and now Mum being diagnosed with NSCLC. 

    It's understandable that you are all concerned about the best course of treatment for Mum, particuarly given that you feel your Dad's treatment didn't suit him. Your Mum's consultant will have taken all her medical history into account when advising on the best course of action and ultimately they are the ones best placed to advise how to proceed. 

    If you, or Mum, would like to talk through some of your/her concerns then we do have a team of nurses here at Cancer Research UK that you can call. They are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Sending our best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

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    Hi. As the moderator said, your mums doctor is the best person to make that decision. It's usually not just a cut and dry decision. A person with COPD may be able to have chemo, but they usually have to be in fairly good shape in all other areas because it's so hard on the body. My mum had lung cancer and COPD, but she was also 79 and had just had breast cancer and radiation one year prior (which in her case was particularly hard because she she had severe mobility issues). She had also had numerous hospitalisations for her COPD over the three years prior to diagnosis, so she had significant breathing issues. Therefore, in my mothers case, the oncologist really didn't think that chemo was a good option for her. So each case is very individual, and I'm sure the right decision will be made with regards to your mum. All the best. 

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    Hi shellbaby. There are a lot of different types and strengths of chemotherapy most people think of the worst case they can, also some people have very little side effects (some are not so lucky) I think it's a case of try it and see. What ever you do good luck.

    Billy 

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