Stage 4 lung spread to brain

hi, my mum was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which had spread to her brain 3 months ago. She’s been doing ok until 5 days ago when she was admitted to hospital as she had been constipated for some time. Hospital then said she had chest infection & began anti biotics. She was real ill and the outlook was poor. The doctor suggested her days were limited and stopped all treatment & just kept her comfortable. However she’s picjed right up & they are now going to start anti biotics again. I am really struggling with being told she’s basically not gona survive the night to being told they are optimistic. Obvs I am thrilled but the rollercoaster of emotion is too much. I just want to know if there is a chance she will ever leave hospital but no one will comit to an answer. Is this the end or is it not? I want to have some idea if I should be preparing for the worst or looking forward to getting her home. Has anyone else been in a similar situation & what was the outcome, did you get your loved one home to fight another day 

  • Welcome to the forum Shepherd although I'm very sorry to read of the rollercoaster journey you and your mum are on at the moment.

    Sadly no-one here will be able to tell you whether your mum will be able to leave the hospital but our members can share their experiences with you and offer their support and advice.

    I know there isn't anything I can say that will make this situation any better for you but the Cancer Chat community will always be here to listen and do what they can to help.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi,

    My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in mid January. It has spread to his brain, there are 2 tumors there. Frontal lobe one is quite big. The cancer is also in his liver, throat, adrenal glands and stomach. The doctors have give him 2-3 months without treatment. He is due to start radiotherapy in a week.

    He seems to have a new symptom each day. He is unstable walking, constant cough, and sometimes chokes. Dizziness. He has had very violent seizures which start in his legs and then his whole body shakes violently. Of which he’s now on pills for so they have reduced. He is very short tempered. His voice is almost gone. Which we were told is due to the cancer which is pressing a nerve and affecting his vocal chords. 

    Most recently, He gets a weird reflux sounding hiccup. His ankle is swollen. He gets cramps in his hands and forearms. And he gets very tired. 

    His appetite is actually very good. 

    What should I be doing about these new symtoms?

    I’m worried that he seems to be deteriorating very quickly.. I know it’s hard to determine how long he has but it seems to be a different symptom almost daily. 

     

    Thanks, Rebecca.