Bladder cancer spread to lung - stage 4

In June last year I was diagnosed with bladder cancer after major surgery to romove bladder thought I was cured but in February I was told cancer had matastasised to left lung and is therefore stage 4 ie no cure.

Chemo started 2 weeks ago and will not cure but may prolong my life

But it is worth it. 

My life if not good right now 

3 months ago my wife of 39 years suddenly passed away.

I'm unable to work right now 

If there a point to chemo when there is no hope? 

What would you do? 

  • Hello Vince1234.  I  am so sorry to hear what you are going through. Back in November 2022 I was told that I was stage 4 and that the cancer was no longer curable.  I was told that with treatment, I could have my life prolonged.  I had to make a decision, and I chose to stop my treatment.  I won't bore you with the details, but there were several reasons for my decision.   You say that your partner of 39 years recently passed away, and that must have been a terrible blow for you.  You are obviously deeply grieving this loss, and could this be the reason why you  are not particularly concerned about having your life prolonged?  Perhaps you feel that you don't really have a future to look forward to without your partner by your side?  This is entirely understandable.  Vince, no-one can tell you what you should do, only you can make that decision, but what I can tell you is this:  Some folks will tell you that you have a 'duty' to fight for your life no matter what......they will tell you that it is wrong to walk away from treatment when there is a chance that your life can be prolonged, if not actually saved.  I know this because I have had a couple of people say it to me, but I would also add that MOST people understand my reasons for stopping my treatment.  At the end of the day, the choice is YOURS and yours alone, and whatever you decide to do Vince, my thoughts are with you, because I truly have walked in your shoes.