Stage 4 non small lung cancer diaganosis

I was diagnosed with stage 4 non small cell lung cancer also, 52mm in the left upper lung and 6mm in the right. It was also found in my liver, adrenal gland, lymph node and after 3 months of treatment advised that it had also been in every bone in my spine and every bone in my ribs but couldn't be seen on the initial scans as it was too small to be seen. All a huge shock especially showing in all of these bones after 3 months. I was perscribed 1 tablet a day of 80 mg of Osimertinib / Tagrisso. That was a year ago gone August. I have had a good outcome so far. It is currently dormant nnd has been so for about 9 months now. This tablet is usually well tolerated however my body didn't take to it well. So many side effects for me spo it was reduced to a half dose of 40mg which worked for me equally as well as the 80mg. I still had a lot of initial side effects but these did settle after a few months. This targeted treatment was advised to be my best option for my cancer and so chemotherapy wouldn't be required. It's a difficult time for you right now I know. I had to have a few months of medication to help me cope emotionally and to aid my sleep as I could only manage 2 or 3 hours each night. Dont be afraid to see your gp about trying something. It was the best thing I did. Sleep for me was a great coping mechanism and helped my body rest too. I used them for about 3 months and manage to regain normal sleeping again and no longer use them. I hope this information helps. 

Thank you so much I'm beginning to come out of my numbness and your post is just what I needed to hear from someone who has experienced what may lie ahead for me. I know everyone is different but its really reassuring to hear how you managed so once again thank you. 

Can not begin to understand how you must be feeling at the moment.such alot for you to take in .hope you get the answers to your  questions soon . Sending hugs keep in touch 

Thank you. Strangely enough I have felt calm today unlike family and friends who are understandably stressing. I must say though my husband has and is being my rock.

I'm not religious but I do find the Serenity Prayer of great help. Plus I have been reading Deborah James book 'F**** You Cancer' which is not only amusing but gives good tips. It seems I will be having chemo and immunology....scary but has to be done. 

Take care xx

I have started chemotherapy and immunotherapy last week  3 rounds of chemotherapy to go then immumaphy for up to 2years .it is scary at first. . keep in touch sending hugs 

I was diagnosed by biopsy that I had non small cell lung cancer in my right lung 10 odd years ago, I have a wedge resection but it came back a year or so later so I had a lobotomy , ok I finally recovered from that when they found a shadow on my other lung so they arranged transport and a 5hour visit to a pure cancer centre(not a hospital) so all was arranged for me to have sabre treatment on my left lung when the government said ohh lockdown but they carried on just had to change the transport, I am Not allowed chemo and have had my lifetime  amount of radiotherapy , so got over that , great 3 years ago I was informed I  had esofigal cancer so the oncologist said I could have 15 cycles of palliative radiotherapy , so did those and a scan where they found I still had 20% of cancer left so they removed it and did a "halo" burn of my esofigal so am now clear of that , they are keeping an eye on something in my upper right lung atm , yes it's scary ,yes it's in the back of you mind but I try my best to ignore it

Thanks for the book title. I've already ordered one. Just waiting on it's arrival. Try not to thint think too far ahead. Long term planning for me used to be 18 months for booking holidays etc but these days I never plan longer than 3 months at a time due to scans and treatments etc. It actually makes me live more in the here and now.

I wish you all the best in your treatment and emotional management for you and your family over the coming weeks and months. Remember none of us can change the past but we can make the best of our future. Even it that is a day by day thing. You are here - some aren't. Bless all of the soles of those who aren't. They makes me think I am actually blessed and fortuneate to be here. That in itself means the world to me as I can watch my 5 year old grandson grow each day. I'm so grateful for my time with him. Best wishes to everyone out there this Christmas, their families and carers. We need you all so thankyou. X

Such a lovely post thank you.

Hi Polly...I remember that news too and the despair you feel, I was diagnosed in March 2017 with stage 4 lung cancer which had gone to liver, spine and lymph nodes and then got bladder cancer in 2021 and I am still here and looking forward to Christmas.....I was given 2 weeks to live in June 2017,,,, I had chemo at first and it was awful....when I had immunotherapy Pembrolizamab (keytruda) I could tell straight away it was helping me....if you can avoid chemo and get onto immunotherapy you will not lose your hair.  All my cancers are stable, I tolerated immunotherapy well and had it for 2 years and it has not grown since the treatment ended in Aug 2019. Try and stay positive, and yes life can be hard but it also becomes even more beautiful as each year goes by and you are still here. Sending you positive thoughts, healing and a big hug. Lynne x 

Wow yours is an inspiring story that really gives me hope. Psychologically I have adjusted to what is happening in my life and decided to let it take me where it takes me. The only thing that is disabling me at the moment is painful back and ribs otherwise I feel physically well. Thank you for your message just what I needed to hear. x