New here.. hi - Cancer: Lung Message Board

Sunnee1 · 03-24-2007, 04:02 PM

Hi all! My Mom was recently diagnosed with lung cancer which has spread to her bone. We've heard from different people that once it's gone to the bones there isn't much time left.. does anyone know if this is true? We've spoke to different Dr's with no straight answer really, we are currently waiting on an appointment with the oncoligists (which we were told would be another 2 to 3 weeks). It's non small lung cancer, I, along with my siblings would just like to have an idea of how much time we are going to have with her. She was diagnosed about 1 and a half months ago now

Thanks In Advance
Leslie

conan1017 · 03-24-2007, 07:24 PM

Hi Leslie and welcome to the board.

My wife was diagnosed with stage 4 nsclc (same as your mom) last July. Hers likewise had spread to the bone. At the time there was just one known lesion in the skull, but now a small one on the spine as well. However it does not seem to be a serious problem at the moment, by that I mean the bone lesions are not causing any problems or pain. I think the fact that it has progressed to the bone simply shows the how far the cancer has progressed. Even now, there is no set time tables for my wife's survival.

There are a number of factors that play into how long one may survive. One is other non-cancer related health issues that might make treatment difficult. As for my wife, she is young (43), never smoked and does not drink. Other than LC, she has no other health issues. Those are physical advantages, however stage 4 nsclc is a monsterous disadvantage. Another factor is an individuals desire and determination to live. My wife is not real strong in that category, so I try to keep her inspired and motivated. But what makes it so hard is how terribly awful and fatigued they feel from everything and then they have loved ones telling them to "fight". Which is why I believe prayer is the most important factor, becuase no one can inspire like God.

I could ramble on but to answer your question "it all depends" on a number of variables which sometimes the oncs can see a predictable pattern and make educated gueses. If I were you ...I would not focus on trying to make guesses about your mom's survival. Just do all you can to see that she is getting the best treatment available to you and keep living your life because nobody really knows. I was told to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Tonight my wife was feeling okay so we went out to dinner with friends, and not once did we talk about cancer. We do that when necessary, but our focus is still on our family as we just take it one day at a time.

God bless,

conan

Sunnee1 · 03-28-2007, 12:53 PM

Hi Conan
Thank you for the response and the advice

Sandra14 · 04-07-2007, 12:19 PM

Hi, My name is Sandra and I located this forum yesterday. I'm really looking foward to having someone to talk with. I was diagnosed with nsclu stage 4 in Feb 2006. I went throuh 1 cycle of chemo (I don't recall the names). After my 2nd treatment all of my blood counts bottomed out. The chemo uncovered Rheumoid Arthritis and recently they discovered ITP (can't spell). This thinks my plalets are foreign to me and seek to destroy all they can.
After my 1st cycle of chemo I was in no condition to do it again. They started me on Avastin. This was used in 2004 for colorectal cancer and was approved in 2006 for lung cancer treatment. After 3 treatment, my CEA Marker had dropped almost to remission level. It was 6.4 and needed to be below 5 to be considered in remission. Unfortunately it jumped back up to 21. I asked my dr. how people measure their survival rate, like on tv when they say "I'm a 5 year survivor". He said he would start counting the day he found out he had cancer, so as a stage 4 nsclu patient, I am a 1 year survivor, back at work full time for the present, waiting on which way they will decide to treat me next. Good luck to you.

HELLASRULES · 04-07-2007, 03:32 PM

Hi Sunnee1
I too have Stage IV NSCLC, diagnosed in Early December 2006. Mine had spread to the brain. I am corrently on chemo (halfway thru) with good shrinkage all around of the lung tumors and any metastasis to the liver (they weren't biopsied, so they assume the tiny spots they see ar mets).
Honestly, I don't think they know how long anyone with cancer has. No matter what stage it is. Everyone is different. And even though Stage IV is the worst you could have, I refuse to accept statistics. I feel good, a function normally, eat normally (except the week after chemo!) so I am doing everything I can to fight it (AND WIN!).
Why is it taking so long for her to get treatment? That seems too long to me!
But 1 1/2 months plus 3 more weeks of waiting is a long time with Stage IV cancer. Have they said why they are not moving quicker? I only say that because while they were working on my brain tumors (surgery and cyberknife)it was 2 months before I started chemo...by that time the 2 lung tumors had grown considerably, another had formed and there were mets to my liver.
Push them! That's how I feel.
No one can tell you how long you have with anyone you love, so make all the time you have with them count. Not just your mom, but everyone.
That's all I can say.
Blessings to you and your family.
Faith
(EXPECT MIRACLES)