My dad was just diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. He started having bad headaches and when he went to the hospital they found a brain tumor. And then the lung cancer. He had radiation on the brain tumor and is now beginning radiation to his lungs. I don't live near him but I have been going home every couple of weekends to see him. One thing I have been unable to bring up to my parents is the prognosis that their oncologist gave them but all of the books, etc. that I have researched have been very dismal. Could someone please tell me what the doctor usually tells the patient to expect as far as prognosis and also if there are any "success" stories where the patient lived quite longer than the doctor said? Thanks for your help, Pam

pam8 > My dad was just diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. He started having bad headaches and when he went to the hospital they found a brain tumor. And then the lung cancer

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Pam :

What lung / respiratory symptoms does your father have ?

~ B ~

The doctors just said that it was a mass on one spot. It is non-small cell. He had been wheezing and had a bad cough, but he has smoked for years and he also has asthma, so we didn't pay as much attention to the symptons as we should have. This has just devastated me. I am so close to my dad--it is just breaking my heart. But I really want to know the truth about what to expect and it is so hard for me to ask my parents what the doctor said about that.

Pam

Pam :

JMO based largely on knowledge gained since my wife's LC DX ( stage 4 NSCLC with mets to brain, spine and pelvis ) but here's two things that you need to know in order to get a better handle on your father's condition and prognosis :

A more definitive description of his cancer profile ( esp. extent of mets and where ) and a symptoms profile to match. Based on this combined profile you should be able to get some helpful input.

~ B ~

Pam,
As you have learned thus far, the statistics are dismal; but that is all they are...statistics. My husband is 49, was dx on Memorial Day 2004 with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer with mets to the brain in two spots. We, also, did not learn of the lung cancer until he began having headaches and the brain tumors were discovered. I'm not sure what your father's treatment plan is; Bill (my husband) had to have one brain tumor removed during emergency surgery within hours of it's discovery. Since Memorial Day he has had a lobectomy to remove the tumor on the lung, radiostatic gamma knife surgery to remove the remaining brain tumor, weekly chemo since July 5th, 35 rounds of radiation to the lung site and just completed 14 rounds of whole brain radiation for 5 new brain tumors discovered last month. When he was originally diagnosed with NSCLC, the oncologist told us that 2% of the patients with his diagnosis will survive up to 5 years. Shortly thereafter, another surgeon informed us that the MEDIAN survival for my husband was 9 to 18 months and that was because he was young, healthy and a non-smoker. We are not focusing on any statistics, but focusing on enjoying our time together whether it is short or long...taking each day at a time. I understand your perspective though, I spent several weeks wanting the raw truth so I could be prepared. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Every patient is different and will have a different treatment plan and a different reaction to that treatment. Be prepared for the worst, but don't miss out on precious life that is yet to be lived. Best of luck to you and I will keep you in my prayers so you have the strength to get through the difficult times ahead.
And by the way, YES...there are many many stories of people surviving long beyond their families and doctor's expectations.
Love,
Beth

Thanks so much for your help. Dad had radiation only on his brain tumor and has now started radiation to his lung. His oncologist said she might try some chemotherapy after that if he was doing well. It is really hard for me to be so far away during this time because my parents go to the appointments and I'm sure that don't tell me everything. I have only been able to go to one appointment with him and am going to one in a couple of weeks. He was very upbeat and feeling really good, but now when I talk to him, he wheezes a lot and sounds very down. He is tired all the time. He has always been very active, so I know it bothers him not to feel like doing anything. One good thing, he is a very spiritual person and has a lot of faith and lots of people praying for him. I am just trying to make every visit home very special. Sorry I went on and on. Blessings to you,

Pam

Hi Pam, I'm so sorry - I remember this time well. It's the not knowing what is going to happen that is the hardest.
In our case, my Dad never asked about his diagnosis or how long he had, and the onocologist never offered the information to him. My Mom finally asked about what was the expected outcome and the doctor basically gave the time frame (which fell within the Hospice 6 months parameters).
Mom never talked to Dad about that prognosis but did tell each of us kids.

Basically one of your parents may need to ask about prognosis and then be willing to share that with you. (Because of the new Privacy Laws nowadays even a spouse has to give permission for the other one to get this information)

Beyond that, don't forget to come back here and let us know how he is doing -
A Big Hug,
:angel:
(Al's Daughter)

Hi, my friend was dx with adenocarcinoma, first it was found in her lung, then after complaining of pains in her head they found a large mass in her head,they first said it was attached to the wall of her skull then said it was in her bone, she just started gemzar and carboplatin, she is stage 4 and i would like to know what to expect, and what are the stages, is there more than 4...they have not talked to her about life expentancy she has had one treatment and another one this week....she did cough up blood twice since her treatment, the doctor said it was her lung, and she might have to have radiation on it....if anyone has dealt with this please respond.