Lung ca

[Lehdedi]

My husband was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma non small cell stage 4 in June of this year. We were all shocked and don't know if we are on the right track or not. But after today I am believeing maybe we are doing things right, He has chemo every three weeks {carboplatin/pemetrexed}. His CEA marker in the beginning was 93 and today it was 13..which we are so thankful. Our Oncol doesn't talk are explain much and our kids and I really don't care for him, but my husband does so that is good that he has faith in him. We were told there is no medical cure but if the tumors are shrinking doesn't that mean maybe a cure....of course it is on his spine, sternum, ribs and hip bone and sm spot on the liver. But also today the labs on the liver came back with good levels....someone who has been there please help us understand...

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

No cure for stage four doesn't mean he can't reach a state we call No Evidence of active Disease or NED. My stage 4 cancer was diagnosed in 2010. In another week I will be a 7 years survivor.

From what you've written it's looking like the treatment is working for him. If there is a Cancer Support Community or a Gilda's Club near you please look in to participating there. There a programs designed to help children and teens cope with the things that are happening with dad.

There are support groups for patients and caregivers as well.

Sending hope that his numbers continue to improve and that he enjoys the best possible clinical outcome.

[Lehdedi in reply to Denzie]

Thanks so much for your response. Our children are adults, but still having problems dealing with this....I'm so proud I found this group and will be following and gaining knowledge every day.

[Lehdedi in reply to Denzie]

Thank you...this is all so new to me, but yet I've had breast cancer, but it wasn't so confusing....a mastectomy, oral tx for 5 years and been cancer free for 14yrs....with my husband having stage 4 lung it scares me.....

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Lehdedi]

Having had both breast and lung cancer I can tell you, the process is very different. All our lives we've been told lung cancer is an automatic death sentence going from that to treating it as a chronic disease is a difficult mental exercise. An exercise I've been fortunate enough to make.

[Ncpoet]

I was diagnosed with same as your husband in 2013. Been in remission for 1-1/2 years now. I was also told no cure but apparently can be in remission. My cancer currently shows as scar tissue on scans. I took the same chemo initially, then a couple drugs based on genetic testing, and then Alimta every three weeks. It is important for husband to have trust in oncol. I have positive attitude, strong faith, hope, and try to laugh everyday. Have a list of questions before appointments and the doctor should answer.

[Lehdedi in reply to Ncpoet]

My whole text just disappeared...

[FtB_Peggy]

Lehdedi, I am so glad you found our community - you will find much wisdom and comfort from these good people, and your voice will be a great addition. I would like to invite you to email me at [e-mail] or call me 844.835.4325. We have educational materials, resources, and our support line (take a look at our website, freetobreathe.org). All of our resources are free, including shipping. Take care and have hope! Welcome.

[Lehdedi in reply to FtB_Peggy]

[e-mail]

[Memaw0100]

I agree that at any stage, there is hope. I also believe it's good to have a rapport with his docto. Perhaps if you explained to the doctor that you weren't happy with your conversations it might help. I believe sometimes they forget that just because they know something, you should as well. I had a great oncology team, but my surgeon was a different matter. He came across as cold and indifferent. Thankfully, I didn't have to see him after my post op checkup!

[JRuthI1946]

I'm so sorry to hear of your husband's stage 4 diagnosis.

There is so much to confuse us. We need and deserve good communications from our oncologists. There is no harm in asking questions. I'm glad your husband likes him. That is important

[Jvoulo]

I was diagnosed on Oct 7th 2016 with stage 4 andenocarinoma non small cell. I never smoked and took care of myself. So I was very surprised to hear this. 10 ago I had kidney cancer, so my wife and I thought this may be related. The Dr said it wasn’t. After an MRI of the brain, we found out I had 3 tumors in my brain. Bone scan also revealed I had tumors in my ribs, sternum, and spine. I had radiation treatment to my head, which removed 2 of the 3 tumors. The 3rd one shrunk significantly. Gene testing was done and I qualified for tarceva. It’s been a year now. I have had my ups and downs, but things are looking good. My last MRI of the brain showed the 3rd tumor is gone, and the ones in my lungs and bones, are shrinking.

You have to have faith. I am very luck I have a good team of Dr’s working with me. That makes all the difference. I wish you and your family the best.

[Lehdedi in reply to Jvoulo]

Your response gives me some hope for my husband. He really has the faith and knows it is all in God's hands....I wish I could say that I had as much faith as he does. I also wished that I felt better about his Dr, but as long as he does that is all that matters. Thanks so much...