Dad diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer

Hi, I'm new to the forum.

My Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer around September time last year.  He had been having a lot of problems with his tummy and after investigating that, which turned out to be diverticulosis, the scans inadvertantly picked up something on the bottom of his lung.  We were told to expect bad news, and further tests revealed lung cancer in 2 areas, plus it had spread to the lymph nodes near the lungs.  It's non small cell, squamous cell.  I'm told it is slow growing, but has the potential to spread where it likes around the body.  After two 3-month checks which showed 'insignificant change', the last check up (yesterday) showed that it had changed.  Dad is showing no other symptoms, no chest pain, weight is stable, a little short of breath but not too bad.  He cannot have treatment due to his general health so we are just plodding along, taking each day as it comes.  I had been told his life expectancy was 'months, not years' but so far he is doing ok.  Afte losing my Mom to lung cancer 9 years ago, this was a huge blow to us all - like de ja vu.  We lost Mom 5 weeks and 6 days after diagnosis as hers had already spread to her bones and liver.  Just wanted to share and hear from others who were going through the same.

  • Hello Helen,

    A warm welcome to Cancer Chat. How unfortunate that both your parents have been diagnosed with lung cancer and I am so sorry to hear your mum passed away just 5 weeks and 6 days after diagnosis.

    I am glad that despite everything, your dad is doing ok at the moment and that this cancer is slow growing. I hope that you will get to share lung cancer experiences with other forum members who have been affected by this type of cancer. This particular thread might also be of interest to you so don't hesitate to respond and share your story there too if you wish.

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator