Unsure after appointment

So my dad saw Respiratory consultant today, stage3b lung cancer- T4 N2 ( he disagreed with N3 shown on CT) M0. Large tumour at 8cm, some weight loss and fatigue. The consultant seemed to be leaning away from chemo or even a biopsy due to being invasive. I was puzzled, how do you decide on any treatment if no molecular testing done?! He said have to weigh up risks and benefits but next week will have MDT meeting. Dad  stills cooks for himself, does household chores and a bit of gardening, ok can’t operate but surely that’s not it, no treatment at all??? We asked more questions and then he said he would write referral letter today to see oncologist who deals with the treatment side, perhaps palliative to help alleviate the fatigue and weight loss. I’m going to ring the cancer nurse tomorrow just to clarify a few things. I wonder sometimes if Dr’s become desensitised, is dad just another patient who fits neatly into ‘ a diagnosis box’?

  • Hello Linda63, 

    I can understand why you felt puzzled. I hope that the MDT meeting will provide some answers. I think it's a good idea to ring the cancer nurse to clarify a few things. Have you managed to speak to them and have they given you clarification on this? I hope that your dad can have a treatment plan in place soon. 

    I hope that you will meet other forum members who have been affected by advanced lung cancer. There is information on stage 3 lung cancer on our website which you may want to have a look at. I thought I would also mention  's My Mum thread  - this member's mum has stage 4 lung cancer so feel free to respond to their thread if you wish to talk to someone who understands what you are going through at the moment.  It does help to talk to others who are also dealing with similar issues looking after a loved one with lung cancer. 

    Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm if you have any questions at any point. 

    I hope that you have a few more answers by now and that they will be able to offer your dad some form of treatment. Fingers crossed for you there is a treatment plan in action soon!

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator