My 59 year old sister has just been diagnosed with lung cancer that has metastasized to her brain and spinal cord (and possibly to other areas of her body). The doctors say she cannot beat it because the cancer is too advanced. They are calling it adenocarcinoma. She suffers from severe headaches because the spinal fluid puts pressure on her optic nerve. They are considering putting a shunt in to reduce the build up of fluid. She is getting radiation treatments to the brain and taking Tarceva daily. Has anyone else experienced these symptoms? I am concerned that the surgery to put in the shunt will advance the growth of the cancer. If any of you know anything about this, please advise me. Also, how long can I expect it to take before she begins to experience the side affects of the drug Tarceva? I have been reading about some of your successes with this drug and am praying my sister still has a chance at life.