What To Expect

It makes me sad to know that whoever is reading this is probably suffering themselves or through a loved one.

A dear cousin of mine has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It has spread to both lungs, spine, thigh, and hip. She started chemotherapy today and I will be the primary caregiver. I am terrified of this responsibility and of losing someone I love. I am 57 years old and have, fortunately, never lost a close relative or friend.

I need to know what stages a patient is likely to go through........... is the end inevitably painful? Does a patient usually become bed-ridden? I don't have any concrete idea of what to expect.

I also need to know how to prepare my cousin's 83 year old mother for the future. She lives with my cousin and knows that she has lung cancer, but does not know how advanced it is. There are no other children.

Can anyone help me with advice?

Thank you and I wish you all courage and strength.

Lynna

Hi Lynn D.
My name is John. I just wanted to write and say I to have lung cancer with brain Mets. I am 52 and had brain surgery. I was diagnosed a year ago this month. After surgery had almost 3 weeks of radiation on my head and about 4 months of chemo on my lung finished in March of this year. Also just finished 32 radiation and 8 chemo treatments on my lung have to wait till December to get PET scan.

I guess I’m not answering your question about your family member but believe everyone handles things different. I think a lot has to do with your mind as to how you fight this rotten thing. Anyway I was just inspired by your note and wanted to say hello and hope in some little way I was able to help. If you would like to respond that would be great so please you and your family member stay strong and I will be thinking and praying for the both of you to have the faith and strength to go on. Bye for know

John M.