What questions to ask at follow up lung cancer appointment ?

[meganhoov]

A friend has a diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer in the left lung and small cell cancer in the right lung. One round of chemo and radiation done. A recent test showed small cell is still at 9 centimeters and the left lung spot is "2.2 x 2.5 cm cavity lesion in left upper lobe now filled w/complex fluid w/surrounding hazy densities"  What are questions to ask the doctor when she goes in for follow up appointment?

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello and welcome to MedHelp's forums and we appreciate your question. However, we ARE sorry you have to ask it.  We hope your friend is doing well. We apologize for a delay in responding.  Has your friend since met with her doctor?  I would question if you should see any changes after just one round of chemotherapy.  And at what point a second approach should be taken.  I think managing expectations is important for the doctor to discuss with your friend. When do they expect a significant change? Generally, small cell lung cancer does respond fairly quickly to chemo. But every patient is different.

Here is some information on treatment for small cell lung cancer. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lung-cancer-small-cell/types-treatment.  

Please give us an update on your friend!