Hi there Halfpint1979, my mum was diagnosed with stage 3B lung cancer in Feb. It was a huge shock for us, so I know what you're going through.

Treatment for lung cancer, even stage 4, has improved a lot over the years. Stage 4 cancer doesn't have to be a death sentence. There are people out there who live with cancer and treat it like a chronic disease which you can live for for many years even. 

It's important to stay hopeful and be strong for your mum. Is your mum going to have immunotherapy or targeted therapy? It's worth checking out immunotherapy and targeted therapy. I think it's also important to have a doctor who you have a good rapport with and who doesn't treat your mother like a statistic. 

I know how hard it is. I still worry about the future and have a lot of anxiety about my mum. I think that whatever stage the cancer is, whether it's stage 1 or stage 4, the worries, fears and anxiety are very similar. 

It's easier said than done, but try not to think about the future. Nobody knows what's in store for us. Someone with stage 4 cancer may be given six months to live but they end up living 20+ years, whilst a seemingly young, healthy and active person drops dead from a heart attack. It's good to focus on what treatment options there are and could potentially benefit your mum. If you're not happy with the doctor, it's always worth getting a second opinion or transferring to another better hospital. 

Try to stay positive.

All the best x