Dear Karen:
My husband died last week from NSCLC (adenocarcinoma) which was discovered
"accidentally" by the time it had reached stage IV, namely mets to both lungs
which is the case you are describing. The tragedy is that very often, as in
my husband's case, there are no symptoms and x-rays do not show early lung
cancer--only CTs. Given the extent of spread when your father's
adenocarcinoma was discovered, the only treatment option open to him would
probably have been chemo (you can't do surgery and radiation when both lungs
are invoved--especially having spread to the mediasternum). What's more
NSCLC (which is what adenocarcinoma is) is particularly resistant to chemo.
Believe me, I researched every treatment in existence including trials. There
are a few very new tests available to try to catch early lung cancer like the
low dose helial CT, but you have to suspect it. Frankly, I think given the
growing number of lung cancer cases--from people who have never even
smoked--I think this new test ought to be as common in a total physical as a
mammogram or PSA.
I am very sorry for the loss of your father, especially so rapidly,
but from what I know, finding it earlier wouldn't have made a difference
unless you had found it REALLY early when it was confined to one lung. All
the best. Bess
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