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Trying to understand diagnosis

Millie9116
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Hi, my mum has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and emphysema. We've been told she has an 8cm tumour and the cancer has spread to her lymph nodes. Realistically what kind of life expectancy are we looking at? 
What can we do to support her? She's sticking her head in the sand pretending it's not as serious as it is, but I don't feel hopeful. Do we need to start having difficult conversations about funeral wishes etc...?

  • Welcome to the Cancer Chat community Millie although I'm very sorry about your mum's diagnosis.

    Unfortunately we cannot advise on time frames but if you'd like to get a general idea of how long your mum may have it would be best to discuss this with her medical team (if you have her permission to do so). 

    Hopefully some of our members who have been on this journey with their loved ones will offer their support and advice to you soon but whilst you wait, I hope this information we have for family, friends and caregivers will help you support your mum at this time.

    If you'd like to talk things through with our team of cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Millie

    My dad was diagnosed in the March with stage 4 lung cancer which was also in his lymph nodes. Unfortunately he didn't survive past 8 months, I am not saying this to upset or frighten you - I wonder if your mum would rather NOT know how long she may or may not have. My dad didn't want to know, I wish I had known as now I have quite a lot of regrets, perhaps you could ask for your mums permission to speak to her health care team and find out what their thoughts are.

     

    I don't know how long life expectancy tends to be for lung cancer and this is just one experience - so your mum may well have a better prognosis xxx

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