Lung Cancer

[Wildtreegail]

My husband was diagnosed with NSCLC, stage 3a in Dec of last year. After determining that he was not a surgery candidate, had already progressed to 3b by Jan, he has completed 2 rounds of chemo. We found our last Thursday that even with the chemo the tumor has increased in size and has spread to his adrenal glands. He is now stage 4. They are doing radiation in an effort to slow it down. I am of course worried about his quality of life and also wonder what his life expectancy might be. Any help?

[GigiNYC]

My mom was diagnosed Stage IV January 2007. She was given 3 months. She's still here in Stage IV. She was on oral chemo, at first and now has to do IV chemo because the cells have increased. She was recently given 6-12 months. The oncologists says thathe bases the prognosis on studies of others with the same cancer criteria. But it's not an exact science. Act as if your husband has the rest of his life. Be encouraging and loving adn enjoy the time you have together...even it's it's another 20 years. That's what we're called to do. He'll take his cues from you. If you're upset , he follow suit. No matter what other tell him, he'll look to you because you'll be open with him. Don't allow him to give up...make sure the physicians give him the case and chemo/medication he needs to attack the cancer; not just for comfort.

[Arlie]

My husband was diagnosed in 2001 with the same type of cancer, they did operate and he was stage 3. The cancer returned in 2003 in his lymph nodes and bones. He was at stage four and given 8 mos to live. He had chemo and radiation (very high doses). He is still alive and living an extremely good quality of life. He is now starting to have shortness of breath more so than before. He is an extremely stubborn person and was pushing himself constantly to go back to work and live as normal as he could.

The doctors kept telling him he was amazing. Although his appointment is coming up and I feel there might be a change it is hard to say so never give up. I truly believe a good attitude helps, and you must also look after yourself as there are few people who really understand why a patient is still living when he really should not be. God Bless you.

[lisamhill4]

My mom has Stage IV lung cancer and it spread to brain - they have removed brain tumor - she is taking Essiac (google it) amazing stuff..... it is not spreading yet anywhere else - we believe this is helping!!! Good luck! Lisa

[dhubbard1958]

My friend has sclc and was diagnosed 1 year ago. The cancer has spread to the adrenal gland and into the liver. I have tried to find out life expectancy on his illness but I only get the run around on the internet. I have learned that all they are going to do for you is give you statistics. I hope that you are coping ok.. Good Luck!!
Debra