Father has stage 4 lung cancer and has spread to the bones I am scared and unable to cope

[Rudy1993]

Father has stage 4 lung cancer and has spread to bones he just started chemo any advice on coping and any other treatments ?

[Cici145]

I don’t have any advice as my mom was recently dx with stage 4 lung cancer and is just starting treatment. All I can say is that you’re not alone. There are many of us here in the same boat to support each other. Take one day at a time. Treatment options have advanced and some people do have positive outcomes.

Honk in there.

Cici

[DeeDeeLips]

It's a lot to take in, that's for sure. For both of you. Try to stay encouraged and definitely seek comfort and advice from this community, or anyone else you know who has had the experience with it. That's how we all landed here. I know it's not easy.. It's stressful and scary, but you're not alone so please don't feel that you are.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

I’m a 7 year survivor of stage 4 lung cancer, this doesn’t have to be a death sentence. I can help you know better what to expect if you can tell us what the chemo agents are.

Definitely make sure he takes all meds exactly as directed to avoid nausea. If he gets it anyhow they can change the anti nausea med. also, keep him well hydrated. It helps protect the kidneys from damage. Add a sports type drink every day because lots of fluids will deplete the body’s electrolytes. Start him on stool softeners but also keep anti diarrhea meds and laxatives on hand. I needed all three.

Lots of small meals and snacks. Calories are more important than getting a balanced diet right now. Rest when he needs it and some walking for exercise every day. (Doesn’t have to be a lot of exercise but getting some is important- walking around the room a couple times counts.

[Ruthie1950]

I pray your Dad is at a good cancer center. His care makes all the difference in the outcome as well as his every day life through this journey. If you have good doctors, they’re giving him the best treatment available.

You need to find someone to talk to during this time because your Dad needs you to be strong for him.

May God bless you both and give you the strength to face each new day together.

[Rivertown3]

I have had stage 4 non small cell lung cancer for 5 years. I have had chemo and radiation and Opdivo for the last 28 months. I have never been cancer free but have had reduction of areas of concern. It is possible to live with cancer. I have not needed pain medication and I am so grateful for that. Take it one day at a time. Enjoy the day as much as possible. You have to have hope no matter how small it may be. During chemo drink plenty of fluids to prevent kidney failure. I had severe constipation after chemo treatments. Joint pain and a rash is common with opdivo.

[FtB_Peggy]

Rudy1993,

Thank you for becoming part of our community. Everyone here has so much information and wisdom to share. As you can see, hope is abundant.

[anrean]

Welcome! Please, if you are going to research at all, don't rely on anything that is older than 6 months, and even then those articles may be outdated. Things are changing that fast. That is the best advice one of my docs gave me, and it has held true through 5 different cancers.

Hopefully your Dad is with a NIC Cancer Center, and even if he is, don't be afraid to ask for a 2nd opinion at any time. I am at a Cancer Center and had one in the very beginning that changed the course of treatment drastically, and just had another one to ease my mind.

Everything Denzie said is very good advice!!

Take care of you, so you can take care of him. Cancer is no longer a death sentence, many of us are living with it. I'm in my 2nd year, and the fear is worse than the reality sometimes.