Lung cancer

My MIL has stage 4 lung cancer , a Tumour of approximately 8 cm in right lung , 2 lymph nodes and adrenal gland all affected this was all on the diagnostic scan , 6 weeks later second scan revealed it had spread to left lung with around 6-7 areas the main tumour has grown as has the adrenal one , she has had 1 round of chemo but barely any follow up no more scans , the offer of chemo is available but the doctors are not pushing it they have said it’s her choice , as a family we are worried that the approach is very relaxed almost like nobody is trying they have even taken out the pemedextrin on her next chemo and are just giving carboplatin are we not being told everything as we feel no one has been straight with us yet , any advice , information or help would be appreciated x

  • Hi Lil

    Thank you for getting in touch. My name is Anne-Marie and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I can see from your profile that you have joined our lung cancer forum and new to the community forum, I hope they will be a good source of support.

    I’m sorry to read that your mother-in-law has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. This must be a difficult time for all of you.

    At Macmillan Cancer Support we can give general information and support. We are independent from the NHS, so we do not have access to medical records.

     To understand the treatment decisions the oncology team have made it would be best to speak to either the consultant or the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) sometimes called a Macmillan Nurse. We have some Questions to ask your healthcare team that could help you. We would suggest you write down the questions you wish to ask prior to consultation.

    If after speaking to the oncology team you still feel unhappy with the care your mother-in-law is receiving you could speak to the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for further support.

    I’ve included some information on Stage 4 lung cancer for you from Cancer Research UK website.

    Supporting someone with cancer can be rewarding, although often tough at times. It important for you look after yourself and get support.

    There is further information and support on our online community and you may find our friends and family forum useful.

    I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please get in touch by email, webchat or phone. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm. You can also visit our Online Community, where you can talk to others who have been affected by cancer.

     

    Best Wishes

    Anne-Marie

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Ref/GG