CancerCompass message board discussion started by Bubba287 on 5/14/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24018,0.htm Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I found out last week that someone very close to me has lung cancer.  She las a large mass in her right lung and six small tumors on her brain.  We’ve spoken daily but have both avoided the elephant on the line that is overall prognosis, exact diagnosis and stage.  She’s very concerned that all of her loved ones are comfortable with the situation and is keeping her spirits very high.  I’m hoping someone will be able to shed some light on the situation for me.  She is currently undergoing 10 days of radiation with a break on the weekends for the tumors in the brain, she has indicated that she can’t start chemo until her doctor clears up the mets in the brain.  From what I have read I believe it’s safe to say that she is in Stage IV because of the mets in the brain.  She is currently on Decadron to assist in avoiding swelling.  I am really scared.  She has also informed me that although she is a smoker, she has developed a cancer that is not usually related with smoking; that it’s probably related to the environment.  Anything anyone can share with regard to prognosis, experience, if they think it’s Stage IV as well.  I am going to visit her in person this weekend and lay it all out on the table, but until then I’d like to stop imagining things. Thanks!! Bubba287 Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Yes, mets to the brain would indicate stage IV.Non-Small cell adneocarcinoma (sp) is often in non-smokers and women.That is what my husband has. Although he did smoke some in his earlier years he was never a "smoker". He was around 2nd had smoke a lot in his work environment. And, RADON gas is know to be a large contributer to this cancer.There are a number of very good web sites with more info. I wish your friend and you the very best.... it will be a trying time for all of you. Caregiver44 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT I was able to confirm over the weekend that is is Stage IV.  I'm very upset; from what I've seen things go downhill fast from this point.  Any experience with this? Bubba287 Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT