stage 4 lung cancer

[Rocket46]

my husband was diagnosed 3 weeks ago as yet we have not seen an oncologist and have been told it could be another 2 weeks as they have only got 2 oncologists is this normal

[Pat128]

Hi,I was also diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2015. Out of my experience it took a couple of weeks before they came up with a plan. There is probably a big medical team working on a plan for your husband.

He will have to go through a lot of tests (maybe he did already)

I lost my right lung and had to go through chemotherapy but I'm cancer free now.

Make sure you not going through this on your own. There is big help around.

Be optimistic let the fight begin, you can beat cancer.

[Rocket46 in reply to Pat128]

thank you for your reply he has had lots of tests x

[kri312 in reply to Pat128]

wow amazing...can I ask what type you had? EGFR+?

[Pat128 in reply to kri312]

Stag4 N1 M0 T 3.The cancer touched one lymph node but my whole lung was removed.

No spreading anywhere else (M0)

It was a non-small cell tumor

[Nicholatracy]

stay strong 🐞

[knitter]

hi, I see you live in the UK , so maybe ring the ALUK helpline .

They are very helpful …contact number on this page .

Sending best wishes .

[Patk1 in reply to knitter]

0300 222 5800

[Alberta56]

Best wishes. xxx

[2013mayo]

I’m so sorry to hear this, I don’t think a week or so will make any difference to your husbands diagnosis, I know it’s annoying but keep phoning to see if there is a cancellation. Take care

[Nimrod2]

I feel for you. It is a very difficult time. Please use the resources of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation as well as this site. They are really good and the Cancer experts. They have a helpline too. Good luck and I hope all goes well.

[Izb1]

Sadly the times we are living through has delays for people who really need urgent treatment. I would phone the helpline 0300 222 5800 they will be able to advise you. Stay strong and wish your husband well x

[Rocket46 in reply to Izb1]

Thank you

[Thepainterswife]

Hi , Yes it’s not unusual, I was diagnosed with stage 4 early in January , I saw a consultant ( not an oncologist) within two weeks and was told my case would be discussed by a medical team and a plan of treatment arrived at. I had missed the cut off point for that weeks meeting so it was two weeks before that happened, however my case was complicated so the local team sent the details to the Christy cancer centre where there was another meeting ! My first appointment was with a surgeon who told me that at that point the cancer was inoperable therefore I would be referred to a medical oncologist and given treatment which hopefully would shrink the tumour and deal with other complications with a view to possible surgery in the future . I started on targeted therapy in March , two months after the initial diagnosed , and I’m pleased to say I’ve felt very well since and in June a scan showed everything is improving and the tumour has shrunk by 25% ! You are at the worst point right now , the waiting and uncertainty is very difficult indeed , especially as you will be reeling from the shock and no doubt worried sick but be assured that there will be a lot of planning being put into place to arrive at the very best solution for your husband Just make sure you do push for that appointment but try not to worry about time passing at this stage Good luck to you and your husband xx

[Rocket46 in reply to Thepainterswife]

Thank you so much that is very helpful

[Cherwin in reply to Thepainterswife]

and good luck to you too Val stay positive and strong. Wishing you well.🙏💕

[Thepainterswife in reply to Cherwin]

Thank you , I am feeling very strong and positive now 😊 xx

[Patk1 in reply to Thepainterswife]

That's gd to hear Thepainterswife x

[kri312 in reply to Thepainterswife]

So encouraging and great news! Can I ask what type you have? EGFR+? Why type of treatment?

[Thepainterswife in reply to kri312]

Hi Kri312. Mine is kidney cancer but unfortunately although the cancer cells hadn’t traveled to other organs they had bulged from the kidney into a major vein leading to my heart which was almost completely blocked putting me in a very dangerous position and ruling out an operation. I also had a small amount of cancerous tissue above the other kidney in the adrenal gland and enlarged lymph nodes I was put on Sunitinib , a targeted therapy , on a low dose on a lower time schedule than usual because I was so very poorly ( usual is four weeks on , two off the tablets , I’m on two weeks on one off ) I had been so poorly ,fighting for breath weak and exhausted ( ignored by GPs putting it down to grief - husbands recent death ) but within weeks I was feeling so much better My first follow up scan last month showed the big reduction in the main tumour , reduced lymph nodes , the cancer is now way down the vein which is no longer bulging and the cancerous tissue in the adrenal glands has gone ! I’m not out of the woods , I’ve been advised to stay on the tablets rather than surgery ( which still isn’t an option anyway but may well be soon ) for as long as they continue to work well . The main thing for me is how easy it is - tablets are sent through the post and I’m lucky I have very few side effects which are easy to cope with and I’m now almost back to how I was - walking two dogs every day , enjoying some serious gardening etc etc in January I was housebound and struggling to walk 10 yards ! Sorry if I’ve rambled on but I want people to know that there is hope even with a poor initial diagnosis 😊 xx

[kri312 in reply to Thepainterswife]

incredible! Hope indeed!

[Thepainterswife]

Always here if I can help you with anything , I know how many questions will be swirling around your head at the moment ! xx

[JJ_7]

I am sorry to hear this Rocket46. My thoughts are with you. Great advice from others here. Love from me ❤️

[Ern007]

Hi Rocket46 - I have Bladder Cancer that rotates between Hight Grade and Low Grade - The gap before your are seen 2 weeks, could also mean your case if with a MDT - I had that experience in 2021, so can be although silence for a week or two, mostly your case is being considered by a team or different types of doctors. good luck and you need to stay strong. Cancer can be beat or held back..

[katieoxo60]

Hello Rocket46, Iwas diagnosed with lung cancer in both lungs plus a tumour showing on PET scan in the kidney. I have had a biopsy on the left lung confirming non small cell lung carcinoma(adenoma) . I saw a consultant oncology deputy on the 17/06/2024 and am now undergoing radiotherapy to one lung. It as taken from the 19/12/2023 to now to get the first treatment and I beleive it is worse at other hospitals. I did have some treatment last August for a BCC skln cancer non malignant . The path towards possible recovery is very slow I wish I could say other. I hope yours does not take as long as my journey so far I have not even been given a grading for mine (strange). Every best wish & good luck.

[Loopylorre]

Best wishes & good luck with everything, sorry I’ve no advice for you but fingers crossed you get everything you need soon 😊💐🌺xx