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Lung Cancer Stage 4

Fishmonkey
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Hello everyone. I am new to this group and have been reading lots of posts from other people, some have been really helpful. 
However, what i have been really trying to find is some sort of answer to life expectancy. 
 

My dad has recently been diagnosed with Lung cancer stage 4. It is NSCLC and has spread to his bones and other parts of his body. 
After speaking with the doctor, he has been given a life expectancy of no longer than a year, the doctor said he would be suprised if he survives longer. 
 

so far, we havent had any treatment just yet. 
 

i just can not understand how they can say such a timeframe when he has zero symptoms and is so fine in himself. 
 

i would really like to know if people have been given a timeframe and survived longer, or if maybe you know someone who they have been correct with prognosis. 
i understand it is all based on statistics and im unsure as to why i really want to know the answers. 
 

thank you for reading. 

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    Hi Fishmonkey!

    I was diagnosed wth stage IV NSCLC with mets in Lymphnodes , they said the same to me, around a year. But well, that was Oct 2015. I am still here and well alive, had no surgery, just chemo ( two dif. ones ) and then Immuno Therapy with Nivulumab. Now all LK and Tumor did schrunk, ha a Tumor in Brain after two years and surgery to remove it. But i still live a good life. So forget prognosis, every body is diffrend. Stay strong, Pet

  • Offline in reply to Pet1968

    Thank you for your reply. 
     

    Wow! Its lovely to hear you have been fighting so well! It has deffo given me some reassurance.

  • Offline in reply to Pet1968

    Great news pet1968

    Keep up the great work,

    I was Diagnosed October just gone with sclc,

    I'm just over my 4th chemotherapy,my body is taking 2 different Chemo's ok,no major sets backs besides magnesium levels low,but on medication for that,i never asked what grade I was,to be honest I didn't ask much as I'm too afraid of the Answers,I'm suffering cruel Panic Attacks and constant fear,

    2 more chemo's before we will know if the treatment has even touched the cancer,

    I'm so scared,and live alone after losing my husband 7 years ago to cancer,

    Your story is just Amazing, Best Of Luck,

    Ange!

     

  • Offline in reply to Lilyange

    Lilyange!

    Yes it is scary, but at the end we have no choice. The chemos i had didn't work for me. But immunotherapy did. I wish you good results. If you have any questions i'm happy to help, if i can.

    Pet

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    Hello

    Firstly Sending my thoughts

    My friend who is 89 had been diagnosed with lung cancer stage 4. 4 months ago

    They didnt give a prognosis and keep saying they cant

    He doesn't have the apparent symptoms 

    Very confused and stressful

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    Hello Fishmonkey,

                                   the simple answer is that they don't. The diagnosis is a reflection of the severity  and spread,pointing towards direction of travel.

                                                                         It is also a timely reminder that you can no longer take life for granted, and that you should live every day to the full.

                                                                                           Its good to hear that your father is showing no symptoms and currently in no pain,but bear in mind a grenade exhibits no symptoms until it explodes.

        l hope the doctors will discuss a treatment plan with your father shortly,and that it provides the help he needs to fight this

                          Their are no hard and fast rules on a diagnosis this far out,and there are plenty of people who are here to prove that.

                                                It will be a difficult journey but one l hope leads to the destination of all your hopes,

                     David

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    Hi,

    I know this is an awful time for you . You will hear good stories and bad stories. Unfortunately mine isn't so good. My dad was diagnosed with non small cell stage 4 on the 4th of December.  He contracted pneumonia on the 27th December and died on the 31st December. He was however involved in a car accident years ago and was on transdermal morphine patches and had been for 20 years and they think this masked any symptoms of the cancer. Fingers crossed they have caught it early enough for you to spend some quality time.  Make the most of the time you have. Its precious.  Sorry I couldnt be more positive. 

  • Offline in reply to Pet1968

    Hi [@Fishmonkey]‍ 

    Keen to know how is your dad doing now. 

  • Offline in reply to Pet1968

    Thank you for sharing, I'm searching for people who have beat this vile disease, they are few and far between. Your story gives me hope. Just been diagnosed with NSCLC, spread to a fractured vetibrae due to osteoporosis. Starting immunology next week. Thinking of you and thank you.

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