Stage 4 lung cancer progressing symptoms

My mum has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which has spread to many lymph nodes, she has a mass of tumours either side of her neck and the cancer is in the top of her spine and her scapula. She was diagnosed in may, her pain from the tumours resting on the nerves has settled with pain killers and the pain at the top of her spine has settled too. Maybe the radio therapy and chemo which has helped or maybe the pain relief is just in the right place . Mum was only given two treatments of chemo with imuno and five days radio and now has only imunotherapy every 6 weeks. Her last treatment was a double dose of imunotherapy and since then she has been struggling a lot with fatigue and I am worried why my mum is stumbling. Could the cancer have spread to the brain is that what happens?   I wondered if anyone else knew of there loved ones stumbling, she doesn't feel dizzy or anything when it happens? 

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your mum's situation. This must be difficult for you both.

    There can be any number of reasons for her different symptoms and this is probably best discussed with her doctors or her cancer nurse. 

    The stumbling could be because of the tiredness which can be a known side effect with some immunotherapy treatments. I can't say whether her cancer has spread to her brain but if you can, do try and explain your concerns to her team. Especially if you feel that you have noticed any changes.

    You can read about targeted (immunotherapy treatments) on our website here

    I do hope that you manage to speak to someone soon.

    If you or your mum would like to speak to one of the nurses on our helpline then you are more then welcome to give us a ring. Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

    Take Care,

    Catherine

  • Thanks so much for your reply, the hospital have been amazing, the nurse spoke to consultant and they are going to give mum an mri of her head as urgent. I was so surprised because mum isn't experiencing head aches or nausea with it. Mum and I are going away for a week on the 9th of September and the nurse said it's better to know what's going on before we go away so they are aware.