Lung Cancer Free after surgery is Adjuvant Chemo worth it?

My Dad was diagnosed with Non Small Cell Lung Cancer on 1st April 2018. He is 66 years old and has smoked for 55 years. His 68 year old sister died 18 months ago of Breast Cancer and his Mum died at the age of 71 of Bowel Cancer. I am heartbroken and would like some advice on whether he should have Adjuvant Chemotherapy as he had a successful Open Surgery Operation to remove the 2 lower lobes in his right lung on 5th May 2018. Technically he is cancer free now so are the risks of Chemotherapy worth it?

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat!  We do like your choice of username  (I.Hate.Cancer) and I am sure everyone on the forum will feel the same way as you about cancer.

    I am sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis but I am pleased his surgery was successful and that he is technically now cancer free. I would talk to your dad's consultant about his chemotherapy options but if his medical team have recommended it, it would obviously be advisable to follow their guidelines as they know your dad's case best. So don't hesitate to ask them any questions you may have and to place your trust in them. I am no medical expert myself, but I have read on the forum many cases where despite successful surgery chemotherapy was recommended to make sure the cancer would not return. Your dad's surgeon would be best placed to know whether this is the case here.

    If you want to talk things through, feel free also to give our nurses a call. The number is free if you live in the UK and you can ring them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

    Best wishes to you and your dad and I hope he recovers quickly from his surgery,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator