I have stage 3 NSCL but has not spread. Can surgery be performed to remove my cancer?
Answer Summary
Members shared their experiences with stage 3 NSCLC treatment decisions, with many explaining that surgery is typically not an option once... Read more
My surgeon said that if the cancer is in the lymph nodes it is already spreading. They do not do surgery for cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes, because it is not curative. He told me that since my cancer was in the lymph node it would only be a matter of time before it showed up somewhere else, most likely the spine, brain or liver. The only “treatment” they offer for cancer circulating in your body is chemo. The radiation can attack specific tumors but does not address the stuff flowing through the body.
I have stage 3 and it depends on where the tumor is located at. Mine was inoperable due to location so I did radiation chemo and immunotherapy.
That is awesome!!! I am hoping for a positive outcome. Had my last Chemo Thursday 3-31, have 3 more radiation treatments. I am continuing with twice weekly IVs of vitamin C 100g. We start immunotherapy with Durvalimab(Infimzi) early May. Will have IV once a month for a year. Will have a brain mri & CT scan last week of April before immunotherapy starts.
You are right Ben. I have 3A radiation and chemo now immunotherapy. Gone in lung and lymph nodes shrinking
When you say stage 3 that indicates regional spread to lymph node. This is my situation. The surgeon told me once the cancer is in the lymph nodes they will not do surgery as it would not be effective. This is their standard protocol. Not sure it is right, but typically once the cancer is in the lymph system it is moving throughout the body and removing the tumor would nor change that.