My Dad Just Diagnosed With Nsclc

my dad was diagnosed last week with stage 4 nsclc, this has been such a roller coaster week, his surgeon who had the initial pet scan done, told us 6-8 mo, we met the oncologist yesterday and he said that is a valid assessment if no treatment is done. my dad plans to have chemo/radiation..the oncologist stated that could extended his life 3-5 years, so that made us feel a little better. but i still left the office feeling void, empty, with no answers, i guess there aren't any real answers. his chemo is taxol/carboplatinum..any experience with these, advice, side effects..i just feel so confused..i found this web site and hope i can connect with others, for support, advice..this is my second posting..i cant find the first one! not sure where it went...thats been my week! totally loopy!

My father was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in August 2005 (around the same time Dana Reeve was diagnosed). It has been eight months and I spoke with my father toady and I asked him how he is doing and he replied 'I am really feeling great!' I strongly encourage you to get second opinions and to look into clinical trials. My father started out on a clinical trial and his cancer has not spread...he is stabalized for now.

Read everything you can...go to all the doctor visits ... ask questions, take notes. I found that this really helped my parents because it is all so very emotional.

Greg Anderson a man who was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and has beaten it has written some great books. Hope is so very important. People do beat lung cancer...why not your father and my father.

Good luck to you and your family ... I know that it is so very hard ... You are in my prayers.

Just wondering how your dad is doing. My dad was diagnosed with stage IV in July 2003. He's been through what seems like a million treatments. His most effective was his first which is what your dad is on now. Really worked for him. Since then, it's been maintenance, trying new chemos to keep it from spreading further. He just started Tarceva, the oral pill. We'll see how that works.

I know it's overwhelming. My dad was given 1-2 years and it's been almost 3. It's been quite a battle, but he's hanging in there and hasn't given up hope. He's had a lot of bad days, but also a lot of good and he wants to keep fighting.

Let me know how he's doing and if you need any advice!

My father was just diagnosed in July. He has had 10 sessions of full brain radiation, and was to start Taxotere this past friday. Well he was allergic to it, so we go back this friday to see what his options are now. They told my dad that without any treatment at all he would have 6 weeks, with just radiation, 3 to 4 months. And with chemo in addition to the radiation, 8 to 10 months. I don't know too much about lung cancer, but I'll tell you I have been reading alot of uplifting postings that get my spirits up, letting me hope for just a few more months with my dad, maybe a few years. Just hang in there, I know first hand its a real roller coaster, but if anything, you need to be strong for your dad! Good luck and let me know how it works out for your dad.