Can you talk to me about stage 4 lung cancer?

[OurD]

Hi,

A very close family member who is dearly loved and needed has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. She has known for 2 weeks and kept it from us all so that she didn't worry us.

All I know is that she is T4, N2, M0. I am struggling to understand what that means? I know that stage 4 is advanced, and that it's something that will never be cured. She starts chemo next week. I just want to know if there's any hope that she may respond well to chemo and that the tumour may shrink, giving her some time left? Why would they give her chemo if this wasn't the case? I guess i'm clinging to any hope I can.

It's very difficult to get any info from her, as she didn't want to know the ins and outs when she saw the Oncologist. She doesn't want to talk about it, but as one of her primary carers I want to know what to expect.

Does anyone know at what point in her treatment that she will see the Oncologist again? I have so many questions for him. I want to discuss the Budwig protocol, cannabis oil, Immunotherapy etc.

[swiftnick13]

Hi, my husband has stage 4 lung cancer mets, there is so much to take in when you are diagnosed that it is almost impossible to understand. TNM is cancer staging so T4 is the tumour size & extent N2 is the number of lymph nodes the cancer has gone to & M0 is if the tumour has metastasized but as its 0 there has not been metastatic spread.

Obviously I can only tell you from our experience which is that they cannot get rid of my husband's cancer but he is having chemotherapy try to shrink & cage the tumour which hopefully leads to extended life.

We were put in touch with the lung McMillan nurses in our area & they were able explain to us about types of treatments, available support, finances, also occupational therapy equipment we needed.

Normally you have to go for a pre chemotherapy assessment before treatment begins which is very informative & gives you the opportunity to ask lots of questions. Also we see our oncologists between every chemotherapy cycle so every couple of weeks.

Hope this helps a little bit 😁

[OurD in reply to swiftnick13]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.

Is it worth me going to the pre chemo assessment & asking my questions? I want to know if cannabis oil with have a negative effect on chemo working (aware it's illegal & they can't advocate it, just want a simple yes or no as to whether it will prevent chemo from working) Also want to ask dietary advice & find out more about clinical trials & immunotherapy.

I'm very sorry to hear about your husband. How is he doing? I hope the chemo is not too gruelling. Thinking of & praying for him. X

[swiftnick13 in reply to OurD]

I think it would be worth going to the chemo assessment cos they can probably answer most of your questions/concerns. As for cannabis oil they can't give you a simple yes or no as there is no approved trials & it illegal, there us a lot of controversy over this oil whether it can work or is it money makers praying on vulnerable people.

You can get dietary advice as there are things that you shouldn't eat whilst on chemo, immunotherapy I believe is medication given after chemo. Also information on clinical trials can be found on cancer research website, or similar & oncologist.

My husband was unfortunately very poorly over Christmas but is on the mend.

Stay strong cos it's a difficult journey for all involved x

[OurD in reply to swiftnick13]

Glad to hear he is on the mend. I can imagine it's so awful to witness him go through this, you must feel helpless at times. I have gone through so many emotions since finding this out on Friday. Anger, sadness, despair, hope... I am noticing the domino effect it can have on a family too. Some of us are bickering amongst ourselves as to what we think is best for her etc.

I am obviously praying for a miracle, but would be happy with keeping her around for a couple more years. There's so much we wanted to do as a family. x

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello OurD, I am sorry to hear that your relative has been diagnosed with lung cancer, this must have been a shock for all of you. swiftnick 13 has given you some very good advice, the amount of information you are given regarding diagnosis and treatment can be very overwhelming and to much to take in, the lung cancer nurse or Macmillan nurse will be a good source of advice and can act as a go between answering any questions you may have. At the pre chemo assessment you will be able to discuss with the medical team the treatment plan and they can advise on any complementary therapies which you intend to use.

If you would like to speak with someone please give us a call on the nurse led helpline freephone 08003587200