It's Getting Real - Pops has Stage 2b Lung Cancer

[thestrangebrew1]

During some kind of checkup back in April they found 2 masses, one in each lung. A few biopsies later, he was recently diagnosed with stage 2b lung cancer. I've had some acquaintances who've dealt with the crap, but no one in the family I'm close to has had to go through it. Because of this, I never really processed the gravity of the situation. He just got his port put in yesterday, and starts chemo next week I believe. My parents have a hard time explaining the process, and I haven't been able to attend any of his appts, so I'm a bit unclear of next steps. I'll know more this weekend when we get together. But yeah, it's finally hitting me...Not even sure what I can do or how to feel right now.

 

[Brainonska511]

Sorry to hear that. Do make sure he gets comprehensive genetic testing of his tumor as part of the standard of care (this doesn't always happen). There are like 8-9 mutations that have targeted therapies available that could potentially improve outcomes (and it's also important to know, because some of those mutations don't respond as well to immunotherapies).

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Sorry to hear that. Do make sure he gets comprehensive genetic testing of his tumor as part of the standard of care (this doesn't always happen). There are like 8-9 mutations that have targeted therapies available that could potentially improve outcomes (and it's also important to know, because some of those mutations don't respond as well to immunotherapies).

Thanks for the tip. I'll make sure he gets it done. I didn't say in the OP but they found 2 masses, one in each lung. Initial plan was for them to do surgery to remove them, but one of them has gotten into some lymph nodes or something like that so now he'll be doing chemo and radiation.

 

[Brainonska511]

Thanks for the tip. I'll make sure he gets it done. I didn't say in the OP but they found 2 masses, one in each lung. Initial plan was for them to do surgery to remove them, but one of them has gotten into some lymph nodes or something like that so now he'll be doing chemo and radiation.

I see. It's been a little while since I worked in this space, but I think the targeted therapies (and immuno therapies) are mainly for stage III/IV disease (basically, unresectable and/or metastatic). Even still, good to have the testing done if there is a biopsy pre-surgery, because they could find during surgery that it needs to be restaged higher, and the testing can have a turnaround time of 2-3 weeks from the biopsy date in even the most efficient systems.

 

[lxskllr]

All the best to you and your dad. Hope it ends up being fixable.

 

[iRONic]

((((OP))))

Fuck cancer!🖕

 

[Geekbabe]

I am so sorry to hear this news 😢 Cancer, the club nobody wants to join! Please make sure he gets the best Oncologist you can find, you can even do remote consultations with lung cancer specialists. Also as previously mentioned make sure he was the testing done to see if he has any actionable mutations.

Above all, have hope, I was stage IV at diagnosis…10 & a half years ago!

 

[iRONic]

GB, you are a fucking warrior and an inspiration to anybody who gets this shitty disease!!
❤️❤️❤️