Hi Nicole:
I am surviving stage 4 NSCLC for now over two years. Early on the doctors gave me but a couple two to three months to live as the chemo was not working. Thankfullyt I was directed by close friends to contact http://www.rationaltherapeutics.com/ . Rational Therapeutics™, Inc. (RTI) is a free-standing research laboratory located in Long Beach, CA. Founded in 1993 by Dr. Robert Nagourney, a prominent hematologist/oncologist, RTI pioneers intelligent cancer therapies that are scientifically tailored for each individual patient. By analyzing tumor response in the laboratory, RTI is able to identify which chemotherapy drug or drug combination induces cell death (apoptosis). This will determine which treatment program is most effective for YOU!
I'm on Tarceva now and the cancer seems to be moving into remission after two surgeries, multiple rounds of chemo. I think a talk with them might offer you some alternatives that are leading edge alternatives. In my case I was a gonner by all "official" standards. Working with Dr. Nagourney and their staff has made all the difference. One more thing. Miracles do happen every day... all the time. Prayer works too. There is hope; I am living proff of that. Whether the cancer comes back and ultimately sends me home or not this time has been a tremendously growth building, character building time. Don't give up. Smile, give your mom days of hope and check out RT, I know they can help you. If I can answer any questions more directly I am reachable at rcarrollone@verizon.net and I would be happy to do so. You are not alone. You are loved. There is hope!!!!!, n don't you forget it :)