lung cancer stage 4

Hi Salgo I was diagnosed as stage 4, and was told I am incurable but treatable. I have been on treatment since 2014. 

Every one is different and not 2 people’s cancer reacts the same to treatment. It will also depend on how poorly the person is at diagnosis, are other organs affected etc. 

If there is a more detailed question you would like to ask, you could pop a question in the Ask a Nurse  forum. 

Treatment will depend upon the exact type of cancer you have and where it has spread. I was diagnosed in Aug 24 with a 55mm mass on my upper left lung which had spread to the right lung, lymph nodes, adrenal gland and liver. And later after 3 months of treatment it was found to have been in all of my bones in the spine and all of my ribs which was an added shock.

My treatment was targeted and I was given Osimertinib tablets. These have been very successful to date. My cancer is currently dormant and has been for about 10 months now. I'm of course hoping that this will continue to work for a very long time.

It's a tough path we all have to follow! I am not curable either but I am treatable and I'm thankful for that. However it didn't feel like that at the time.

Treatments are given on an individual basis and are personalised to each person in order to give everyone the best treatment currently available.

Thankfully things seem to be moving alot more quickly with cancer treatment these days. Who knows what the future holds for any of us. Speak to your consultant or cancer nurse. They really are caring and eager to eleviate your fears. You could also seek out Macmillan like I did. They can give you counselling if you are open to that. I did and it did help a little. It was my first step.

I also spoke with my gp and was perscribed an antipressent but the main reason for this was to help me sleep. It was an amazing godsend at the time and after 3 months I was able to came off them. Just being able to sleep let my body rest and allow me to escape from my deep thoughts of my cancer diagnosis until I could come to terms with the knowledge of my diagnosis.

It was a struggle day by day and often even minute by minute at times but eventually you learn to deal with the knowledge and manage it all. Everyone has there own way to do this and it does take time. But please accept all the help you are offered along the way. It may feel that the help is insignicant in the great scheme of what's going on but all the small things build into a big one - it all helps youbget there. You will feel this eventually over time.

Ultimately remember there is no right or wrong way to walk along this path, this is your new lifes journey, you must just do it your own way. Be kind to yourself.

Hope this helps you in someway!

Regards to you and your family. Remember they too are travelling along with you right at your side, you aren't alone. Friends are a great support too and play a huge part, let them support you that's what friends are for. Dont forget to talk to others when you can. When you are ready try and find a group in your area. They are great too.

Bless you and anyone else who has taken the time to read this reply.

Regards Julie

After just recently been diagnosed with stage 4 NSCLC, and whilst I have been told it's incurable, It can be treated. I noticed on one of my letters from my oncologist, that whilst I've not been placed on palliative care, as such, I am on palliative treatment, whether that's the same thing, but worded differently, I'm not sure. 

I was quite (and to a certain degree still am) physically active, cycling to work and back and doing 12hr shifts in-between, and cycling just about everywhere else (locally) that I need to go. Along with being quite young(ish) at 52yrs old, the oncology nurses seem to think that by continuing to do as much as I physically can, as often as I can, I'm giving myself the best possible chance. 

Mainly I've kept working more as a distraction, because if I quit work,  and I just stay at home I know my mental health will deteriorate quicker than my physical health. Whilst my work isn't strenuous the shifts are long, and involve quite a lot of walking about. Without that distraction, I'd self isolate more than the 24hrs in any 7 days period, that I allow myself.

My advice is do as much as you are physically able to, without overdoing it, remember that the body and mind needs time to rest and recuperate.

Stay strong, together we have got this.

That’s great advice , I am currently not working but do think going back will beneficial , I don’t sleep well but am concerned with taking anti depressents

 Damon 

I wanted to reassure you regarding the palliative treatment. This term is used when people with incurable cancer are receiving treatment to still prolong life, although there is no cure. Palliative treatment can still shrink the cancer, maintain a stable condition, and help with pain management. 

I have been on palliative treatment for 12 years. 

Hi Lisalouise I’m keeping working as much as I can. I’m just at the start of my journey tho having had ct pet scans got biopsy under anaesthetic on Monday see oncologist on Friday then they have their meeting on the Monday and decide what to do with me.  I have a 6.5cm tumour in my left lung. I feel and look healthy apart from the anxiety so I’m just carrying on working as much as I can. I’m a business advisor so don’t need to go out too much thank goodness for online meetings…my advice would be go back to work if you can, maybe reduce your hours depending on what you do.    Susan xx

Hi Sue , I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis and completely get the anxiety .

I Think you are right with working , just to keep your mind occupied.  It’s a long day from waking up to going to bed trying to keep the mind away from all the negative thoughts .

Sending you love for next week 

Lisa x

Thank you Lisa,  keep in touch and take care xxx

Thank you so much you have made my day thank you xx

Hi Julie , I was just reading your post and hope you do not mind me asking you some questions

I have been diagnosed with stage 4 lung. Cancer which has spread to my lymph nodes. bones and they suspect my brain ( MRI next week)

i aLso had fluid around the heart and in the lungs which had cells in ( both were drained )

I am on targeted therapy , afatinib, daily , I started 18 days ago , felt a lot better last week but last few days not great and have a chest infection ,

Your cancer is dormant now , so has it shrunk or has some of the cancer gone , sorry to ask but your diagnosis sounds so similar to mine , they have told me possibly I have 1 year but I read so may stories where people against the odds have survived a hell of a lot longer

i was also thinking of asking the doc for antidepressants but have no idea of how they make you feel.  , I don’t want to feel spaced out but a little less worried and scared would be good !

I hope you are still doing well , bless you

lisa  xxx