Mom Has Stage 4 Lung Cancer

I just got a call from my mother's husband. She's back in the hospital. They have diagnosed her with stage 4 lung cancer. They said without chemo she has about 6 months, with chemo maybe a year or so.

After all she's been through with this cancer stuff, now this. It seems she just can't get a break. I'm over 1,000 miles away and feel powerless to help her. Of course realistically there's actually nothing I could do if I were there.

He's supposed to call me back on Monday after speaking with the specialist. They may or may not decide to operate, that's going to be decided by the specialist. At this stage surgery may be pointless. I just have to wonder, with all of the testing and follow up she's had, how could they have missed this for so long that it's progressed to stage 4 before they caught it?

Needless to say I am kind of torn up about it at the moment.

5,154 views 19 replies
Reply #1 Top

Which type of lung cancer is it? 

The stats they give on this stuff is nonsense.

My cousin has stage 4 lung cancer and they gave her the usual statistic - 6 months to 2 years.

Well, after Chemo, the cancer (which had gone to her liver) has basically disappeared and now it looks like she may be fine for the long haul.

There's a number of cancer support sites with people discussing how poorly understood lung cancer really is because all the stats are based on very specific types of lung cancer (there's small celled lung cancer and then I believe "non small celled cancer" which can basically mean anything).

Reply #2 Top

Quoting Draginol, reply 1
Which type of lung cancer is it? 

The stats they give on this stuff is nonsense.

My cousin has stage 4 lung cancer and they gave her the usual statistic - 6 months to 2 years.

Well, after Chemo, the cancer (which had gone to her liver) has basically disappeared and now it looks like she may be fine for the long haul.

There's a number of cancer support sites with people discussing how poorly understood lung cancer really is because all the stats are based on very specific types of lung cancer (there's small celled lung cancer and then I believe "non small celled cancer" which can basically mean anything).
End of Draginol's quote

 

At this point I have no idea what type it is. I should find out more Monday.

Reply #3 Top

:(

I hope that things get better for your Mom, Mason, or at least that things aren't as bad as they seem.

Hopefully the news is better on Monday.

Reply #4 Top

Quoting terpfan1980, reply 3


I hope that things get better for your Mom, Mason, or at least that things aren't as bad as they seem.

Hopefully the news is better on Monday.
End of terpfan1980's quote

Thanks, I am praying they are wrong about this.

Reply #5 Top

I am praying for you and your mom.  I hope and pray that things end up being much more positive come Monday.  Hang in there.  Hugs to you and positive vibes and everything good.

 

Reply #6 Top

I am praying for you and your mom. I hope and pray that things end up being much more positive come Monday. Hang in there. Hugs to you and positive vibes and everything good.
End of quote

Ditto on all that trish said M!  I have been thinking about your mom lately.  She will continue to be in my prayers.

Reply #7 Top

Sorry to hear the crushing news on your mom. I shall go easier on you in the future; I understand your anger and confusion. I lost my wife to the big C.

Reply #8 Top

thanks for the comments and well wishes folks.

Reply #9 Top

I hope all the best for your mom and you. I will keep her in my thoughts as well.

Reply #10 Top

Sorry to hear this Mason.

My aunt was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (sp?) in both lungs.  They can't operate because it is both lungs with nodules.  She was given 3-6 months to live FIVE YEARS ago.

She takes chemo every three weeks and honestly that is probably what is gonna kill her.  But we just celebrated Thanksgiving at her house this weekend.

Sometimes the prognosis is all wrong with lung cancer.  So don't lose hope.

My prayers are with your mom.

 

Reply #11 Top

Dear Mason, My ex-wife died from this disease, as well as several friends.  My heart goes out to you, your mother, and family.  May you all be free from suffering.

I will keep you and her in my prayers.  Drive carefully.

 

Reply #12 Top

I know the feeling Mason.  I hope it is treatable like Brad's cousin.  Keep us informed. And I will say some prayers for her.  And you and her Husband as well.

Reply #13 Top

I hate to read this post, Mason, I do. I've had my life touched on more than one occasion by lung cancer and can empathise. Take care.

Reply #14 Top

Thanks everyone. She's back at home now with a hospice worker with her. The prognosis is 6 months at best.

Reply #15 Top

Hope you find a way to make lemonade.

Reply #16 Top

The prognosis is 6 months at best.
End of quote
My heart aches for you and your family.  I hope...well, I just hope. 

Reply #17 Top

I'm so sorry to hear this Mason. 

My thoughts and of course my prayers to God are with you tonight.  As I read your last two posts regarding this issue it made me think about my boys and how they might feel if it were me instead of your mom.  The best thing you can give your mom is you.  That's what I would want.  I'm sure she really appreciates the concern and love you have for her.  It's during these times that nothing else  matters. 

I know you'll be there for her and that will mean the world to her I'm sure. 

 

Reply #18 Top

I hope...well, I just hope.
End of quote

 

me, too.  My thoughts are with you and your Mom, Mason.

Reply #19 Top

Thanks folks.