Stage 4 Lung Cancer

My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung caner on the third of January but became ill in september 2019 and was being treated with a chest infection.  Can ayone tell me what stage 4 actually means and what life excpectancy can be. I have moved from Cornwall to be with my dad as his carer and go to all appointments with him... Many questions  I would like to ask but dont want to upset dad.. he recently had a permananent chest drain put in and has been very ill ever since and not been fit enough to start chemo.. Has anyone else had this experience?  any advice would be gratefully received.. ty 

  • Hello Renouf
    I'm sorry to hear that your Dad has been given this diagnosis recently. It sounds like it's been a very difficult time for you both. 

    We do have some information on our website here about lung cancer and more specifically about stage 4 here

    I can understand you not wanting to upset your Dad by asking these kind of questions in front of him but I can also understand that having answers would be helpful to you in caring for your Dad. Does he have a specialist nurse that you could call to speak to or are there nurses coming to the house that you could speak to away from Dad? They would be best placed to help with answers specific to your Dad's condition but if not then you could call our team of nurses. I'm sure that they  will be able to offer some advice and support. You can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator