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NSCLC stage 4. No treatment options

Endo1
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My Aunt has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. She has been told there are no treatment options due to how far it has progressed.

My mum has just been to see her and has called me in tears. My Aunt has stopped eating and can barely walk she seems to have deteriorated so fast.

I can't get my head round the fact that there is no treatment. All she can be offered is pain relief.

My Aunt doesn't have any children so it is mostly her husband and mum mum caring for her. I live 5 hours away and will do everything I can but I don't feel like it's enough. 

I can't see how she can survive long given her condition. 

Does anyone else have experience of someone not being offered any kind of treatment?

  • Hello Endo1

    I'm so sorry to hear about your Aunt's diagnosis and that she's since deteriorated quite quickly. 

    Sadly there are times when someone is diagnosed with cancer and for a number of reasons there are no treatments available to the patient. When this happens the individual is most often referred to the palliative care team who take the lead in managing appropriate care for the patient. Hopefully your Aunt has been referred to the palliative care team and they are supporting both her as well as your Mum and Uncle. 

    It can be difficult when you're separated by distance from a loved one who is so very unwell. It's good to hear that your Aunt has people around to care for her on a daily basis. It's understandable that you're not able to help with this practical side of things but remember that supporting your Mum and Uncle through this difficult time is also vitally important. I'm sure that both of them will appreciate a supportive listening ear. 

    If you want to talk to our team of nurses at any point you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040. Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. 

    Thinking of you at this difficult time. 

    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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