My Mum Has Just Been Diagnosed Stage Iv Non Small Cell

My Mum was last week diagnosed with Stage IV Non Small Cell Lung Cancer.

The consultant says she has had it for approx 7 months and that there is a mass in the top lobe of her right lung and small nodules in the other. Because of the nodules in her other lung, they have classified it as stage IV - There is no other involvement.

She starts Chemo this Thursday and although initially I was positive towards the outcome, I am now starting to think negatively and feel very scared.

My Mum is only 58 and I naturally want her to be around a lot longer than a few months.

The consultant won't give her a timed prognosis and says she is otherwise fit and healthy and that they would concentrate on keeping her that way.

I would appreciate any advice anyone can offer here. Maybe someone has encountered something similar to my Mums diagnosis? I really don't know what to expect or indeed what is possible in this instance.

Thanks in advance.

I think your doctor is exactly correct in not telling your mum a timed prognosis.  I believe no one can predict how long someone will live and how she will react to the treatment. Being healthy is a big plus. If she maintains a positive attitude, gets good care and is paying attention to what her body needs, she has a good chance of beating this back. I know because that is what I have done. 

I was diagnosed with Stage IV, nsclc, adnocarcinoma, 31/2 years ago, 2 weeks before I turned 50, and I am doing great, great, great!. I had a tumor at the top of my right lung, but also had mets to my bones, liver, lumph nodes and brain. (diagnosed when my left leg broke). My first scan after finishing my chemo and radiation was totally clear. I went into remission on Iressa for 1.5 years.  It reoccurs every year or so on my liver, I do more chemo and it clears up again. I am now doing chemo on a schedule with more weeks off between treatments as maintenance and will do this until they come up with another Iressa that works for me.  I feel great but do get a bit tired on some days especially after chemo. I have shortened my work hours this year (hard for a type A person!)  so I can enjoy life while I do feel great. I am planning trips to Switzerland and Paris this year. And I fully intend to be around for a long time.

The statistics are horrible for this diagnosis but remember they include the people who were wheeled into the hospital and were not otherwise healthy.  I fully intend to beat all the statistics and more of us are doing so.  On the other hand, it is striking more women and more non-smokers. I have a huge support group around the world. My husband (who does get scared still) and I put out a regular email to be open about what we are going through and how others can take comfort from our positive experiences. Having the best oncologist in the world helps!

Your mother needs to let anyone who want to help her do so.  My friends fed my husband, babysat me when he worked, slept on my floor so he could get a good night's sleep, and on and on. She needs to eat as well as she can to maintain good nutrition and not only get rest but keep excersing as well to keep her body fit.

On 8/28/2007 prest wrote:

My Mum was last week diagnosed with Stage IV Non Small Cell Lung Cancer.

The consultant says she has had it for approx 7 months and that there is a mass in the top lobe of her right lung and small nodules in the other. Because of the nodules in her other lung, they have classified it as stage IV - There is no other involvement.

She starts Chemo this Thursday and although initially I was positive towards the outcome, I am now starting to think negatively and feel very scared.

My Mum is only 58 and I naturally want her to be around a lot longer than a few months.

The consultant won't give her a timed prognosis and says she is otherwise fit and healthy and that they would concentrate on keeping her that way.

I would appreciate any advice anyone can offer here. Maybe someone has encountered something similar to my Mums diagnosis? I really don't know what to expect or indeed what is possible in this instance.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Prest,  I also have the same diagnosis with no other involvement.  When I first learned about it, the onc gave me 6-12 months because I was in otherwise good health.  I refused the standard chemo/radiation and was started on Tarceva.  It will be one year on October 28.  I am still working full time and other than being tired at the end of the day am doing just fine.  I eat a lot of vegetables and take pomegranite every day.  I also take a pill called muco-fen dm that helps keep my lungs clear.  When I asked the onc about my prognosis the last visit, he said he wouldn't commit to any date because I was doing so well.  Have never spent a day in the hospital.  There is hope.  I have a great many people praying for me and just there for me and that helps tremendously.  I truly believe that without the prayers I wouldn't be doing this well.  I wish you and your Mom all the luck in the world and I will say a prayer for her.  Whatever you do, no matter how grim things SEEM to be, faith will take you through it.  God Bless. 

I was surprised to see your message and how well you have done.  My dad has Stage IV with mets to brain.  I'm hoping for him to have the quality of life you have. 

Can you please tell me what chemo and radiation you've done?  Also, when did you start on the Iressa,  after chemo?

Thanks