The Colon Club

Posted: **Mon Sep 24, 2018 11:16 am**

Hey zephyr,
Thanks for taking the time to respond to me with the details of your surgery I really hope your news is good and the second surgery goes ahead as planned. The U.K. doesn’t do surgery on multiple mets but it’s really the only chance of cure I reckon. All the very best, sending you strength.

Posted: **Mon Sep 24, 2018 12:26 pm**

Is this done in the US at all?

Posted: **Mon Sep 24, 2018 3:23 pm**

I contacted my aunt who has our family friend's doc information to see if they do laser lung surgery. My aunt had mentioned that when our family friend was having SIRT done to her liver, that they have advanced laser technology. So, what were the chances that of all the cancer centers in the US that don't use laser-assisted lung surgery, that our family friend's cancer center does? IT DOES! Holy cow! And funny how I stumbled on it at what seems an unrelated webpage: https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/abo ... ung-cancer

I am feeling far more optimistic than I was four hours ago when I discovered my husband has "There are scattered nodules measuring up to 4 mm including in the RIGHT lung on image 59, and LEFT lung on image 44 and 46."

Posted: **Tue Sep 25, 2018 12:14 am**

mpbser wrote:So, what were the chances that of all the cancer centers in the US that don't use laser-assisted lung surgery, that our family friend's cancer center does? IT DOES! Holy cow! And funny how I stumbled on it at what seems an unrelated webpage: https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/abo ... ung-cancer"

This is remarkable technology that is also available at other hospitals in the US but I’m sorry to say that it’s not the same as the YAG laser. That does not mean that it won’t be an answer for your family only that it’s not the same thing. Every case is different - follow every lead, talk to multiple providers if you can, and bring in specialists from different disciplines if possible. Among others, I consulted with 2 oncologists, 3 thoracic surgeons, and a pulmonologist. Those doctors consulted with other colleagues - oncologists, CT surgeons, and radiologists. You never know where a road will lead.

Posted: **Sat Feb 09, 2019 3:46 am**

zephyr wrote:I am currently in Coswig, Germany, recovering from surgery on my right lung. Dr. Drewes was ill so Dr. Kern did my surgery. He’s terrific.

My mets were considered inoperable in the States, both because of number and the location of two central mets deep in the lungs.

My right lung was cleared of 8 nodules: 1 was scar tissue of sorts (possibly a met wiped out by chemo), 2 were benign, and 5 were active metastases. The lymph nodes were clear. I did lose my right middle lobe because one met had grown too large to resect without damaging airways and such.

I’m one week out from surgery. Would I do it again? YOU BET! Sure, there have been some tough periods but overall I have no complaints. The people here are so kind, so patient, so caring. The communication barrier has been a problem at times but manageable.

The plan now is for me to return home, have a few rounds of chemo to shrink one particular nodule on the left side - another deep central one - so that it can be removed without damaging other stuff, and then return for surgery on my left lung.

I hope something in this post will benefit someone else. If anyone would like more info, please feel free to PM me. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

hi how much was this. I'm told not operable in UK as Mets didn't shri k. I have 8 over both lungs

Posted: **Wed Feb 13, 2019 7:31 am**

The cost (as of the Summer of 2018) is about 15,000 - 18,000 euros per lung, depending on the complexity. You'll need to wait 6 weeks between surgeries so consider the added expense of staying in the area between surgeries or making land travel arrangements to get back to the UK. No planes - there is a risk of lung collapse if you try to fly too soon.

Posted: **Tue Mar 05, 2019 4:40 am**

Hello Zephyr. I do hope you are continuing to move forward positively and are keeping well. I have watched you from afar and wanted to private message you but for some reason(mainly ‘cos i’m hopeless and a techno phobe) I am not able. Really interested in your experience in Germany as i’m hoping to get there. I have been accepted by Dr Drewes with certain provisions, one blip which I am currently trying to navigate and fight the system in the UK. If there is any way of private messaging you and you are able to spare the time I can share my experience so far and hopefully get some helpful tips. With thanks

Posted: **Thu Mar 07, 2019 2:20 pm**

mshomesy wrote:Hello Zephyr. I do hope you are continuing to move forward positively and are keeping well. I have watched you from afar and wanted to private message you but for some reason(mainly ‘cos i’m hopeless and a techno phobe) I am not able. Really interested in your experience in Germany as i’m hoping to get there. I have been accepted by Dr Drewes with certain provisions, one blip which I am currently trying to navigate and fight the system in the UK. If there is any way of private messaging you and you are able to spare the time I can share my experience so far and hopefully get some helpful tips. With thanks

I'll try to email you through the Board.

The Colon Club

Any surgeons doing Laser surgery?

Re: Any surgeons doing Laser surgery?

Re: Any surgeons doing Laser surgery?

Re: Any surgeons doing Laser surgery?

Re: Any surgeons doing Laser surgery?

Re: Any surgeons doing Laser surgery?

Re: Any surgeons doing Laser surgery?

Re: Any surgeons doing Laser surgery?

Re: Any surgeons doing Laser surgery?