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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...?

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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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    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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