Dear GRACE,
I believe my husband is at a window where he may have the opportunity of going for a cure through surgery, but I am confused about one (well, many) things.
I have read that surgery is often not attempted on someone who has had the maximum chest radiation. Is this true in all cases? My husband's latest CT showed a mass-like pleural thickening. Three months earlier, he had a clean PET/CT.
I'm trying to get him into Banner Anderson in AZ to have a team take a look at him. Is it even reasonable to ask about surgery after radiation? I'd like to know what are the options for treatment, and what questions to ask.
Our current oncologist is not very hopeful, and we want to be more aggressive in treatment if there's any chance it would help.
God bless you all,
Holly
Reply # - August 21, 2012, 08:31 PM
Reply To: Surgery After Radiation?
There are always extenuating cases that defy the general rules, including the idea that surgery can't or shouldn't be done in someone who has received "full dose" radiation.
I think it's very reasonable to explore with another team whether surgery or other options are worth pursuing.
-Dr. West
Reply # - August 22, 2012, 04:46 AM
Reply To: Surgery After Radiation?
Thank you so much, Dr. West.
Again, helpful as usual:)