Many Questions

I have so many questions. My brother who is 42 has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It has spread to different organs, including the brain and adrenal gland. He has moved in with me and some days are really difficult. The dr's can't seem to tell us how long he has. They seem to think that at best it might be a year. But a lot of people live a lot longer than that. Since it has spread so much - I wonder if there is any hope? I am worried about how this is affecting my 16 year old daughter. Life has been tough for her already and this is just an added stress. I feel overwhelmed sometimes - so I know that she must feel that way as well sometimes. But other than talking to her I don't know how to help her. Any advice?

I too have stage 4 lung cancer. Diagnosed 2 years ago. From my experience doctors really can't predict 100% a cancer patient's life span. There are too many variables. I was a lifetime nonsmoker athlete. Therefore I was considered very healthy for my 47 years. I should be dead by now according to all the literature I read on life expectency. So I believe your brother's health is quite relative to his overall health status. Per his brain cancer. Please investigate gamma knife radiation versus whole brain radiation. Also, per your daughter: please emphasize LIFE and all of its beauties and mysteries including NATURE. This can be a positive learning experience for her. Certainly she will confront cancer in one way or another in her life in the future. CELEBRATE LIFE. I'm still functional and alive. I get happiness everyday loving my husband and receiving his love; enjoying my pet cocketiel that I've had for 23 yrs. and observing nature all around me where I live. I enjoy the birds, ducks, lizards, dragonflys, butterflies outside my house (I live in FL). I watch comedies on dvd and nature shows. Hopefully your brother can still find enjoyment in the simple things in life. I try to teach this to my family all the time. Your daughter (and you) can learn a lot. It's a terrible disease. I feel like I'm living a nightmare. I still sometimes can't believe it. BUT I thank God everyday for life. AND, I talk to him everyday. GOD BLESS YOU and your whole family. Research on the internet and ask the doctors lots of questions. I have a terrific doctor but I still went to Texas and NC for more opinions. Keep the faith... Maryu

My dad recently passed away from Prostate cancer-supposedly it was the primary. He was 65 I have learned a lot about cancer. The one website that I had got the most info from was the RA BLOCH FOUNDATION there is a phone number there that is a government based program that you can call to find out more info about the type of cancer he has etc...I found this website very informational...it might help you as I know it helped me trmendously on any questions I had.

Hi maryu. My husband age 41 is a stage 1v lung cancer patient. Doctors have given him couple of months, we want to find out as much as possible and try all that we can so his life can be extended. Your message has given me some hope. You said your dr is very good. Can you please give us his name. Thanks.

My son's doctor told him when he was diagnosed that no one know when a person is going to die, only God. Your daughter will grow from this, it is hard now, later in the future when she is older she will be a better person from this learing experience. And the way you handle this will depend on her reactions.