Stage Four Lung Cancer ?

Hi Geoff. My wife was diagnosed with a 3cm tumour and was to start radical radiotherapy.

Unfortunately a month ago before the therapy was to start she was told that she has malignant pleural effusion as well.

They decided to cancel her radical treatment and give her palliative radiotherapy for 12 sessions. We were devastated.

She completed this last week and feels great with no breathlessness at all.

They will not give her chemo due to her last throat cancer treatment that nearly killed her 4 years ago.

We are now waiting for the oncologist to phone us on the 11th. 

Good luck. Marco 

Hi Geoff, my story is slightly different to yours, but I have been around on this site for several years. I have spoke to several people over the years who have been given a life expectancy,  and the one thing I have learned from that is not too concentrate on the timescale, as many people far outlived their expectancy. I am not saying this is what you are doing, but just wanted to share that with you. 

My husband always tells people it is not the lung cancer that gives me any problems, its the medications that cause me all the issues, and I think he is right!

You sound like you are doing so well. It is really good to hear you have a good appetite and are not losing weight. Keep it up. x 

Hi Geoff...we sound similar ..I'm 6 months into immunotherapy, have gained a stone over those 6 months as I was worried I may loose weight...needless to say I'm now on a diet! I walk 3 to 4 miles everyday and my life hasn't really changed at all. Xx

The lung tumour is an issue but the pleural effusion is the bigger problem. Am I right?

As far as I know there is no cure or treatment for this. This saddens me as my wife is looking so fit and healthy but in a few months she may be gone.

If she has a drain fitted for the pleural effusion and it's drained regularly then it usually dries up. 

Unless she's extremely ill there's no reason to think she'll be gone in a few months..is she on treatment?

Stage 4 Lung cancer is incurable but it IS treatable and can also go into remission. Please have hope xx

Thanks Elsie. Your reply gives me some hope. 

My wife has had 12 sessions of palliative radiotherapy on the tumour and no therapy for the PE.

We will hear on the 11th as to what treatment if any lies ahead.

She has no physical symptoms of the tumour or the PE.

The pleural effusion must be very small is she's not having breathing difficulties or treatment for it....that's a good sign.. also if she has no physical symptoms that too is a good sign. Why do you think she may only have a few months left...? How was she diagnosed in the first place, didnahe have any symptoms? Fingers crossed she should have a good prognosis.

We did not want a life expectancy from the oncologist so he never gave us a prognosis. He did however apologise for not being able to do curative treatment but palliative only.

She applied for PIP as she could work due to the treatment and the oncologist sent her DS1500 form in. This was expedited by the DWP and she got her first payment within 2 weeks rather than 3 months. She is on the enhanced rate.

This can only mean that her prognosis is dire as in under 6 months life expectancy.

Hi...of your wife isnt having problems breathing and no other issues, she will have longer than 6 months. All stage 4 treatment is palliative...as I said...it is incurable but not treatable. You really should speak to your oncologist about a prognosis as she could have years to live still xx

THANKS EVERYONE for your kind and helpful replies.

I read everyone ! 

Geoff x