Stage 4

[Lucky2008]

Hello I'm new to this , well my dad is 83 been told he as stage 4 lung cancer t4 n0 m1a ,as hes fit and well he wants to refuse it , is anyone in the same boat as I'm not sure if we are doing the right thing 💔

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi Lucky2008

Welcome to the forum where you will find support and encouragement.

We spoke earlier on the phone and if you would like to discuss anything at anytime you can either email us at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

You may find the following accounts from others on this link encouraging to read:

roycastle.org/campaigns/lik...

Hope you hear from others and take care of yourself.

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Cockailschemocancer]

I’m not sure what he wants to refuse, if it’s treatment, he should discuss how hard it will be on his body, most people have no issues. I wish him well and you x

[Lucky2008 in reply to Cockailschemocancer]

Hello thank you so much for your reply, at this moment hes so fit and well and I'm scared of chemotherapy will make him so weak and not be able too enjoy his quality of life that he as left , if that makes any sense, I'm hoping theres a tablet form but gotta too see if hes got this mutant, take care x

[JanetteR57]

Refusing treatment can often be based on previous experience of knowing someone who didn't do well with lung cancer treatments. My treatment was in Dec 2010 and things have changed beyond recognition in the last 6 or so years. Tests will reveal whether his tumour holds certain genetic mutations for which there are several targeted agents if he does - these are taken orally or by infusion (drip), radiotherapy is also available in many forms and chemotherapy (again several different agents) but it's also common now to add immunotherapy into the mix and offer combination of treatments. As a result many are experiencing additional years of life but of course, it's a personal choice - but for me, making that choice should be based on up to date information relevant to his own clinical position which is he decides firmly against treatment before investigations have been completed are likely to be limited... although treatment regimes can be tough, for many it's preferable to a much shorter life. Stage 4 can be treatable - hope this information helps... roycastle.org/about-lung-ca...

[Lucky2008 in reply to JanetteR57]

Thank you so much for this information, we already been told radiotherapy is not a option now , however I'll get more information Thursday I'm just so frightened of him being so poorly with chemo I've known a few friends parents not be able to cope with chemo 😔 x

[JanetteR57]

Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment - i.e. it attacks all cells not just cancer cells but there are different types to attack different cancers - there are over 200 types of cancer and many types of lung cancer... different combinations can be given and not all result in hair loss or other side effects as many patient forums bear witness to when such questions are asked... do ask questions of the clinician - the Roy Castle lung cancer foundation info on chemotherapy may help and includes a downloadable booklet suggesting questions to ask... good luck. roycastle.org/about-lung-ca...

[Lucky2008 in reply to JanetteR57]

Thank you I'll be asking so many questions and I'm hopeful there something that will suit him 🤞🙏take care and again thank you for your time x

[JanetteR57]

You're welcome. In the end it's his decision but better made from a position of knowledge than outdated information if possible. It can be so hard - my dad had bowel cancer twice in his 50s and another bowel cancer in 2016 when 86 and had another radical surgery. However his reaction earlier this year when they reported a lung nodule on his scan was he didn't want anything. When I read his letter about 'pausing investigation' and asked him, he had no idea about lung cancer treatment. As it happened his nodule confirmed to have not changed overall in recent years (annual CT check for his bowel cancer f/u revealed it) However at 91 he's frail and approach to life/treatment quite different from even 5 years ago when motivated to care for mum at home (dementia) but the pandemic seems to have sapped their energy and spirit... hope whatever he decides it's the right choice for him.... good luck...

[Lucky2008]

Ooh bless your parents 🙏yeah I know it's his choice and I need to put that into account . Thank your for helping me , you have definitely made things a little easier take care x