Dad's lung cancer

Hi Everyone

My dad 79 years old has been diagnosed with lung cancer he also has COPD. Our family is distraught and don't know what to do or where to turn for help. My dad had lost a lot of weight and due to having pneumonia a few times the scans have shown cancer on both lungs. He is unable to get any treatment due to weak heart and other underlying problems. My mum does not really know what to ask but GP and Consultant have said he can't get treatment and they will just have to treat issues as they arise. Over the past few months dad has no memory and gets very confused and also complains of back pain and gets very short of breath when doing even the easiest of tasks. I just feel so helpless, surely there must be someone we could talk to and even prepare as things get worse. I'm presuming it's stage 4 as both lungs are effected but consultant didn't specify what stage he was at or life expectancy. Please help as we are at our wits end 

Thanks for your time 

  • Hello NiLiam and welcome to Cancer Chat! 

    I am so sorry to hear about your dad's lung cancer diagnosis and it's so sad that he is unable to get any treatment due to his weak heart and underlying conditions. It's normal to feel helpless and I hope that you can talk to someone soon about what to expect and about your dad's exact diagnosis and that they will tell you more as well about whether it is stage 4. It might be worth maybe preparing a list of questions to ask the consultant when you next see him so that you get some proper answers.

    Our lung cancer page will give you in-depth information and there is for example a section on stages, types and grades which might be of interest to you.  Feel free also to give our cancer nurses a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 if you would like to ask them anything - they will be very happy to help and answers any queries you may have about lung cancer.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator