Hi Aron68,

Welcome to Cancer Chat, although I'm sorry to read about what's brought you here. I hope you're getting on OK.

Unfortunately no-one here can advise on things like potential treatment or life expectancy - it is only your father in law's doctor or medical team who can do so, as they're involved in his care and will be able to advise specifically to him. Do make sure you discuss any issues or questions you have so that you're as informed as possible.

And do continue to use this forum as much as you'd like for any support or as a place to write down any thoughts or worries you have about this - it is a very understanding community here.

Wishing you all the best,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Aron68,

I am sorry to hear about your FIL. My MIL was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer 8 weeks ago. She also has it in her lymph node in her neck and in her abdomen. I think it all depends on previous health and strength of a person. My MIL could not have surgery as it is in a central position (around her windpipe) and in her lymph nodes. She started chemo (palliative) to try to relieve some of her symptoms and was told she may be able to have some radiotherapy but they would see how the chemo went first. The doctor told us that statistics show that the average life expectancy for someone in her position is around a year. However we have met some people in the centre that are on year 3 and year 4 (generally these people were able to have surgery initially) So obviously this is different in every case. The hardest part is the not knowing and the waiting game. We waited 4 weeks from initial diagnosis to be told she could start some chemo. Unfortunately the lump in her neck has grown so she is having to stop chemo (maybe for good) and try radiotherapy. Sometimes she has days when she looks like nothing is wrong with her and other days she just wants to stay in bed. I can't say anything to make the situation any easier for you but for me that first 4 weeks was the hardest, it was only when we got some answers that I realised what a cloud we had been living under for that time.