Hi Theresa...
I was diagnosed in August as well...I had my top right lobe removed and then the doctor told me had they known I was a stage 4 they would never have operated...that was Sept 14...I still have not had any treatment to date...I feel fine except for some shortness of breath..probably due to the lobe removal..they tell me I'm terminal too...I won't listen to them though..I'm 46 a non smoker have 4 kids and have decided to begin living...I'm going to do everything I've ever wanted to do...and have some fun....I feel for your sister-in-law and you...I know what she's going through...a little harder for me to understand how you are feeling but I have to tell you that care and concern go a long way with us lung cancer patients..we so appreciate it. I'm seeing the drs today (they had a big meeting on Friday) they wanted to talk about whether or not they will offer me treatment yet...this just sucks...so in the meantime I'm doing anything I can...practising visualization, naturopath,..anyone know a witch doctor? I'll try ANYTHING at this point. I went to my doctor for over a year complaining that something wasn't right (I was really tired and every now and again would have some shortness of breath so thought I was developing asthma...didn't have a cough but had colds (runny nose etc) ...he kept telling me i was okay...so when they told me I was terminal my response was..."well you guys couldn't even diagnose me so how do you expect to do that now?"...I swear to God that every yearly check up should involve a regular CT scan...this would have saved my life...whats the use of going to a yearly check up if the doc tells you that you're fine when you're not....anyways Theresa...I am the same as your sister in law except I had surgery and no treatment...I'm feeling just fine....even started my Christmas shopping and told my parents I'm driving them to Myrtle Beach for a weeks holiday (my mom can't fly) we live in Canada...so we'll do that next week. Good luck to you and your sister in law...I hope she feels well for the next 30 years! I know I'm going to! Attitude is everything!
andrea