Hello 11nicky11 and thanks for posting

I am sorry to hear about your mum, this must be a difficult time for all the family, with so much to take in.

I would advise you to speak to one of the nurses on the ward, to find out if a time can be arranged for you to speak to one of the doctors involved in her care. This usually can be sorted out, and would allow you to be able to ask some more questions, to gain a better understanding of the situation.

Unfortunately the type of cancer can only be established when a tissue sample of the tumour is taken and the cells are looked at under the microscope. The stage of cancer usually refers to the size and extent of a cancer and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or further to other organs in the body. This can be determined by body scans but if your mum doesn't want any treatment there may not be any real benefit in having another scan.

There is information about the stages and types of lung cancer on our website.

As I say I think it would be helpful to be able to speak to the team involved in her care to find out the next steps in getting her home and the support she needs. They hopefully will be able to give some idea on time scales and what to expect in the short term.

It is also important for your mum to be able to ask more questions about what may be offered in terms of treatment. Just to make sure she has made the best informed decision for her moving forward.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

All the best,

Naomi