Close Friend Posted August 9 Share Posted August 9 I have a friend, 60 yrs old, excellent performance status, nonsmoker, no other chronic illness, with few weeks of dry cough, led to new diagnosis of Stage 4 Lung AdenoCA, metastatic to brain, negative molecular markers, low PD L-1; received true beam XRT to brain lesions; has been offered treatment with Pembrolizumab and chemo with carboplatin+paclitaxel. She is worried that chemo will only make her feel way worse than she does now, and not add meaningful time to her life - so much so, that she is considering foregoing chemo. Can anyone in a similar situation, please share their experience. And if anyone knows of any clinical trials that explore adding surgical/ radiation therapy options to chemo in hopes of improving survival. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen_L Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 @Close Friend Sorry this got lost in the topics.( I think most people post on the main page so regulars may not always look elsewhere-- me included.) Your friend can contact the Lungevity Lung Cancer HELPLine 844-360-5864 for ideas about trials. The GO2 LungMatch resource may provide other ideas. A second opinion would be a great idea. Check the NCI list of cancer centers-- that will be a good start. Each of us has to make our own decisions about the kind and length of treatments we pursue. It is a very difficult decision, which each person makes from their own deepest beliefs and ideas about what makes a life worth living. I've known longterm Stage 4 survivors-- 12 years, 16 years-- who pursued every treatment they could. And, I recently met a 70 year-old who was deciding she was done with any treatment after a year and a half. It's important for your friend to remember that everybody experiences chemo differently. I had few side effects (carbo & paclitaxel, no pembro), but I was not on the chemo your friend was offered. I have decided on my own personal limits of treatment and have let my husband know. I try to live each day seeking joy in small moments and satisfactions large and small in the way I live my life. I try to learn, be of use to others, and be outside, which I love. I hope your friend can identify what matters for herself and pursue them. She is lucky to have such a good friend as you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edivebuddy Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 Close friend was answered in a different thread by some. Do hope the friend is doing well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.