T4 MO N2 - Mother in law diagnosed with Lung cancer

[Hay679]

Hi, First post here...... My mother in law has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer - She had the biopsy last week and we are currently waiting for the results. She has been released from hospital with oxygen, she was admitted with a infection which has since cleared up. but I saw the following on her discharge notes T4, MO, N2. ( I have goggled this and it doesn't sound good at all ) We had a meeting with the consultant last week who said it had spread to her lymph nodes, and surgery wasn't a option for her but we would have the wait for the results of the biopsy to see what kind of cancer is it etc and what (if any) treatment they could offer as her overall health isn't very good at all. I would love to hear from anyone living/dealing with this with family members and also does it sound like they know the results of the biopsy from what was written in her discharge notes? (She has kept stuff from us in the past so we don't worry, bless her) I have never had any experience with cancer before and this has obviously knocked our family for six. Thank you so much for reading and sorry if im rambling on xx

[Bow-19]

The biopsy will say what type of lung cancer your mother in law has. Then from this they decide on the treatment that is needed, the treatment varies with the type. Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation website has some booklets about different types of treatments. They also have a helpline to phone. It’s worth ringing them to have a chat. Also worth writing down the questions that you want to know the answers to at the appointment

[Hay679 in reply to Bow-19]

Thankyou so much for taking the time to reply. I will contact them. Thanks again

[JanetteR57]

Sorry to read about your mother in law and how you found out. Dr Google can often be terrifying so better to use trusted websites with validated information. Much of the data on the internet is woefully out of date as it is a rapidly changing area for both research and learning what is happening in the different types of cancer (T refers to the stage of the cancer) as many of the treatments are personalised dependent on the characteristics of the tumour and the patient so it's important that you/your mother in law ask questions of her clinician as what works for one type of lung cancer may not for another and could also waste time so often a number of tests are done to find out more. This can seem like it's delaying things but it's actually to ensure accurate treatment is offered. As you've already been suggested to use the materials on Roy Castle lung cancer website, that's a good place to start as well as writing down any questions for the clinic when your mum in law attends. In the last 5 years or so, every treatment and combination of treatment has changed in treating lung cancer - less invasive surgery, newer types of radiotherapy including SABR (cyber knife), different combinations of therapies with chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy. There are also a number of clinical trials available around the country so be sure to ask whether any apply for her situation. Supportive care has also improved and she should be allocated a cancer nurse specialist who will usually offer support and respond to questions as well. good luck.

[Hay679 in reply to JanetteR57]

Thank you so much for your reply and all the information you have provided. Its the horrible waiting game at the moment and I feel like something should be happening but completely understand all the tests they have to run to determine what type the cancer is etc and hopefully a treatment plan for her. I wont use DR Google anymore - Has just made me feel worst about the situation and will wait until we have the results back. I am starting to write a list of questions as the first time we were in the room with the consultant my mind went blank and couldn't think of anything to ask - of course they all come into your head after we had time to process the awful news we had just been told. Thanks again for taking the time to reply. I really do appreciate it

[JanetteR57 in reply to Hay679]

Brain fog is also common I attend various cancer conferences and meetings with healthcare professionals and find myself getting quite irritated about comments concerning cancer patients' education levels or awareness, as the very word 'cancer' can strike fear into anyone - irrespective of class, academic standing, culture or age. It's how it has evolved in our culture and also how charity ads persuade us to donate money by emphasising how 'bad' it can be.

However I have met and been inspired by so many patients that I'm heartened now by the more human approaches that somebody with cancer is still a mum in law, friend, partner or whatever. My own lung cancer diagnosis was in Jan 2011 and everything I read at that time suggested doom and gloom which is why I took an active role during my recovery and since to contribute to improving things if and where I can for others. I'm constantly amazed at the breakthroughs being made with treatments and understanding, thanks for patients taking part in research to help this valuable work.

If you have written down questions or you could even record your mum in law with her questions and write them down (there is space in the various Roy Castle booklets to do this), then this can help enormously. Also ask the doctors to write with their response as it is easier for everything to seem very plausible and straightforward in the surgery only for our minds to completely wipe the info when we step outside! thinking of you.

[Hay679 in reply to JanetteR57]

Thank you so much, you really do sound like your a inspiration to others and its so nice to hear from someone who has actually gone through it themselves. I hope you are all recovered now and dong well? I am going to print off all the replies and show my mother in law so we can put together questions for the next appointment.

[JanetteR57 in reply to Hay679]

Thank you - glad the comments are helpful. That's the aim so others can learn from our experiences. I lost half my left lung in Dec 2010 , diagnosed Jan 2011 and still working, swimming, driving and travelling. Had a couple of hospital stays/scares in between but glad to still be here. Met many wonderful people who I would never have met without this experience so feel blessed most of the time. Also involved in projects that I would never have imagined before my diagnosis - I last studied science when I was 16 (a long time ago) so wanting to understand some of the issues discussed at cancer research conferences, have attended courses to learn more. When I take part in meetings, I'm usually there to put the views of patients so don't have to understand the science butlet those responsible for developing and delivering treatments what our experience is. best wishes

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello Hay679,

welcome to our forum, I am very sorry to hear of your mums diagnosis, waiting on biopsy results is a difficult time and it will take a few weeks for these results to become available. Once the team caring for your mum have all the information they will then be able to form a treatment reigme and will discuss all options with you. We have information booklets on living with lung cancer which may answer some of your questions, you can have a look on line or order a copy from our web site.

roycastle.org/how-we-help/l...

we also have information bookets on the various treatments which may be offered, again you can have a look online or order a copy of the booklets

documents.roycastle.org/Rad...

roycastle.org/system/file_u...

roycastle.org/how-we-help/l...

roycastle.org/system/file_u...

It's always very easy to google lung cancer it can come up with all sorts of information that often creates more questions and can causes more worry, if you would like to speak with someone please give us a call on our nurse led helpline 0800 358 7200

we would be happy yo answer any of your questions

Kind regards

Roy Castle Helpline

[Hay679 in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thankyou so much for your reply. I will have a look at the books and information on line and if I have any questions I will give the helpline a call. Thanks again. I really appreciate it.