Need Ideas on Lung Cancer Treatment
I could use some advice from the group on my upcoming treatment. I was
diagnosed in August 2006 with lung cancer: stage 1B adenocarcenoma. CT Scan
found a 3
cm tumor in my left lung and 1
cm tumor in my right lung. Docs
seemed puzzled as there was no sign of spreading from either so theorized
they were independent primary tumors, rare, but not unheard of. I had my
lower left lobe removed surgically in October, all went well with no
evidence of spread or lymph node involvement.
Since my recovery from the last surgery went well, and my lung capacity is
pretty good, I will be having lobectomy on my (upper lobe) right lung next
week. This surgery, like the first, seems to be a no-brainer, just about
everyone agrees it’s the best hope for a cure. Hopefully, this procedure
will remove the remainder of the cancer and I can begin healing.
My oncologist can’t wait to get me started on chemotherapy (Carbo and
Taxol). This is where the choice does not seem as clear. It’s purpose
would be precautionary, to kill any cancer cells that broke away to find a
new home somewhere else in my body. Not all knowledgeable medical
professionals embrace the value of Chemo in this application. Some people
believe a strong immune system is the best defense against the remaining
rogue cells, not to mention the myriad nasty side effects Chemo can cause.
I would prefer to try to enhance the ability of my immune system to fight,
through diet and exercise, whereas Chemo will almost certainly compromise my
immune system at time it is most needed.
Does anyone have any first-hand knowledge, verifiable statistics or reports
on the efficacy of using Chemo as an adjunct to apparently successful lung
surgery for cancer? Are there other targeted or immune system oriented
treatments that might have better results with fewer side effects?