Can you talk to me about stage 4 lung cancer?

Hi,

A very close family member who is dearly loved and needed has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. She has known for 2 weeks and kept it from us all so that she didn't worry us. 

All I know is that she is T4, N2, M0. I am struggling to understand what that means? I know that stage 4 is advanced, and that it's something that will never be cured. She starts chemo next week. I just want to know if there's any hope that she may respond well to chemo and that the tumour may shrink, giving her some time left? Why would they give her chemo if this wasn't the case? I guess i'm clinging to any hope I can. 

It's very difficult to get any info from her, as she didn't want to know the ins and outs when she saw the Oncologist. She doesn't want to talk about it, but as one of her primary carers I want to know what to expect. 

Controversially, she has only decided to open up to me about one thing. Cannabis oil. She asked me could I look in to it which I have and will continue to do so. Before it goes any further I would want to know if it would interfere with chemo in a negative way. Do I need to see her Oncologist to ask this question, or could I ask at her pre chemo assessment? Problem is, she doesn't want anyone to go with her, but I feel I need to ask some questions as I will be the one taking care of her alot of the time. 

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat OurD although I'm sorry to hear that a very close family member of yours has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

    I know you said you were struggling to understand the letters and numbers you have been given in relation to their diagnosis so I have found two articles on our website which explain this in more detail. To find out more just click here and here.

    I'm not sure if you are aware but cannabis oil is illegal in the UK and it isn't known how helpful it might be in treating cancer. We have a blog post on our website which you might find useful as it includes detailed information on the research that is being carried out, which you can read about here. It may be a good idea to give our cancer nurses a call to discuss this with them as well. You can call them for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    I hope this helps.

    Kind Regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • You definitely need to talk to her Oncologist about any contraindications of mixing Cannabis Oil and Chemo. Bear in mind that it is still illegal in the UK and may be a waste of money.