[Thermal Ablation/RFA]

My Mom's Tumor is stable and smaller now but I want to try and get rid of all of it. I beleive she still isn't a "traditonal surgical candidate". So I'm looking for info on less invasive surgical treatment options. Does anyone have any experience/info with Thermal Ablation or RFA? Or any other options you can think of?

thanks

[Surgical Candidate?]

We got Mom's PET/CT Fusion results on Thursday and they were very promising. They showed 'marked improvement' of the Tumor and nodules disapeared! Also, they said no Metastatic disease identified in Pelvis. Based on these results I am wondering if she is a surgical candidate now? The Dr. said she would look into it but doubted it. Mom originally wasn't a candidate b/c of the size and location of the Tumor. Since then it has shrunk quite a bit. But they also 'thought' she had metastic disease based on nodules in lung and activity in her hip. I'm still skeptical of the metastic findings in her hip b/c she had a fracture in her hip at the time of the tests. And since the nodules 'disapeared' I am wondering if she really has Metastic disease. And again, the Dr. said she would look into this. But I like to do my own 'looking' to make sure my Mom makes informed decisions.

So, I am wondering what everyone's thoughts are on my Mom being a surgical candidate and if so, is the surgery worth it? What I have read is that surgery is usually the best option for fighting this horrible disease. A few other factors- Mom is scheduled to have Colostomy reversal surgery May 1st; Mom is losing weight and Dr. thinks she may not be strong enough for lung surgery; Mom still has pain/problems with her hip so does not want to suffer any more pain/problems BUT wants to stay alive as long as possible.

Thanks in advance for your advise.

Jon

[Looking for some advice]

I just wanted to thank everyone for there kind words and to let you know I have finally posted my Mom's profile. I hope her Oncologist appt tomorrow goes well.

thanks

Jon

[Looking for some advice]

Hi- my mother is 56 and was diagnosed with inoperable NSCLC in Aug 2005. She had one round of chemo and 5 weeks of radation with VERY bad side effects. We have recently found out that new nodules were found in her lungs and has mestacized(sp) in her hip. She is starting the first of 15 radiation treatments tomorrow and her dr is suggesting she start taking Tarceva. So I am lookin for advice/feedback on Tarceva,other treatment suggestions, helping with side effects, etc. We are very scared and are looking to educate ourselves as much as possible to fight this horrible disease.

thanks very much,

Jon