Has anyone had radiation or surgery to a large mass in their lung?

General Blog
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Jaclyn's lungs have tumors scattered in them. There is a 4 inch wide one in her upper right lung and it's pressing against her heart. Jaclyn's Oncologist says he is going to check and see if surgery or radiation is possible to keep that tumor from getting any bigger or get it removed before it does damage to her heart. She is on Votrient and the doctor says, that mass was just to big for votrient to do anything with and it is growing. Any feedback is appreciated and I wish all you warriors and their families the best of luck. Thanks Lynda

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It all depends how much healthy lung tissue would be left after a surgery. Lung tissue doesn't grow back so there is so much they can remove...

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My son has had tumors surgically removed twice from his lungs, never had direct radiation to the lung area. Given the location you may or may not have the option of surgery. If there is anyway you can afford it (inurance won't cover) I'd look into cryonic abation therapy - gooogle Dr. Jason Williams, Gulf Shores Alabama. My son has had what we believe is good response to this therapy, but beware the cost is outrageous.

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Hello Lynda,

I had one thoracotomy, and 3 removals of lungs mets by radio-frequency, but they were little ones.

I think that radiation is possible in Jaclyn's case, cyberknife, Novalis or others new 3D machines.

Good luck for you.

Anna

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My husband had his largest tumor in his lung, 13cm, radiated as it was pressing up against his esophagus. The radiation was "successful" in terms of tumor shrinkage and it pressing up against the esophagus, however, he had a horrible case of esophagitis which was very painful but he ultimately recovered from. I'd certainly ask what the risks are to the heart in doing this and how close they would be getting with the radiation. We now have a cyberknife clinic here in Seattle which might be something to consider as from what I understand, it is more precise that standard radiation.

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Thank you all so much, I will share all the information with Jaclyn and I'm sure it will help her keep hope alive. She has really been down since the last scan...you all are so great. She goes to a heart doctor next week apparently to find out how much effect the tumor is having on her heart. Please keep her in you prayers..Thanks Lynda