Dad's Diagnosis - Stage 4 Lung Cancer

Hi all, 

I'm very, very new to this site and to 'cancer life' in general, so please bear with me if some of this doesn't make sense. 

Two weeks ago, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer, one day shy of his 59th birthday. He has been in somewhat poor health for a few years, though to look at him, you wouldn't really have known. He has had 4 heart attacks, two strokes, and also has sarcoidosis. 

Unfortunately, scans have shown that the cancer has metastasised to his adrenal glands, liver, intestine, stomach, pelvis and skull, and he has widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis. 

To be frank, I am beyond terrified, and watching his decline over the last three weeks has been shocking. He has gone from being fairly mobile and sociable, to virtually unable to walk or hold a long conversation without falling asleep (though I suspect this is due to the hefty painkillers he's on). He is currently in hospital after a bout of severe vomiting causing dehydration - naproxen was not his friend.

I'm not really sure what I'm looking for, to be honest... we don't have a prognosis yet, but I am honestly expecting it to be pretty dismal. 

Any advice regarding what to expect over the coming months would be brilliant, but I guess I just need some support. Like he and the rest of the family, I am frightened, bewildered, and absolutely devastated.

Thanks for reading, I appreciate your time.

- Leah 

  • Hi Leah, 

    Your poor dad has been through so much surviving four heart attacks, two strokes and now being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It's so sad that his cancer has metastasized to so many different places it must be so hard for you to watch him and I am so sorry to hear he is currently in hospital I hope they sort out the dehydration and that they are looking after him well. 

    You've come to the right place though for support and to talk to others who have been through this before and have looked after a loved one with stage 4 cancer. Hopefully they will be along soon to share their story with you and give you an indication as to what to expect over the coming weeks and months. 

    Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 if you ever need to talk so don't hesitate to give them a call at any time.

    Best wishes to you and your dad during this difficult time, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator