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stage 4 lung cancer spread to liver and lymph nodes

gerrythegerbil
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During Covid in 2020 I became breathless developed a new continuous cough had a fever etc - unfortunately unable to see GP - believed that I had a chest infection as I had history of pneumonia and chest infections - given several courses of anti biotics - didnt work -  eventually saw my GP sent for x ray - then referred to lung specialist diagnosed stage 1V lung cancer with two months life expectancy but with chemo life expectancy 6- 12mths . complete devastation change of life for me and family friends etc. started chemo immediately - had severe side effects - alternative treatment immunotherapy - extreme side effects - after discussion with family stopped all treatment to have a better quality of life. I suffer from extreme tiredness muscle wastage and many more side effects due to my medication. But on a positive note I live each day as it comes - at the mo have one bad day then have good day with family - I receive lot and lots of professional support to help me cope with the life changing health condition and have regular contact with the oncology department.Life is like a roller coaster up and down never know what the the day will bring.  Not sure what my life exectancy is now but do I really want to have a time frame as want to enjoy every poossible moment with my family grandchildren and friends. i feel that stopping the treatment was the best decision that I had made eventhough I have bad days but at the mo the good and bad days are equal - have CT scan at the end of the month so we will see if the cancer if still stable or spread elsewhere as I do feel quite weak and very tired not much appetite thankfully I have the supllemental drinks - 

I found a brilliant web site called lookgoodfeelbetter that gave loads of advice - I got myself a wig as my hair went extremely thin -  it is now growing back thick ad healthy which makes me feel good.

 

I am very confused as I dont know how I should be feeling as people say I am looking well but the inside of me is not - it is this facade and pretense stating that I am fine and it is all a dream and will go away and feel like shouting look I am very ill cant you see!!!!!

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    Hello gerrythegerbil,

                                   l can empathise with your feelings having been in a similar position staring down both barrels of a loaded gun,fortunately for me the trigger was not pulled and the weapon was laid down to rest.

       The uncertainty in these situations can be awful if you allow it to become the main feature of your awareness,but it can be hard to steer yourself away from that. Your positivity and determination to enjoy your time with your family must be a great help in allowing you to have some sunshine in your life and time away from the gloomier aspects of your position

    Riding a  roller coaster is only good  providing you do not overstay your welcome,so l hope your upcoming scan can provide you with some encouragement as l feel sure some stability and reassurance would be most welcome,

                                                                 take care,

                                                                                   David

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    I'm dreadfully sorry to hear about your diagnosis amd glad you stopped the treatment and have a better quality of life my dad has stage 3 lung cancer amd my father in law stage 4 brain cancer both recent diagnosis and we're all struggling it's horrendous

  • Offline in reply to evie97

    Hi Evie97

     

    Many thanks to replying to my post. I must admit stopping the treatment was the best decision  as I felt so ill with the side effects. I am now being weanted off the steriods and only taking 5mg which is also great. 

    I am so sorry to hear that both yr dad and father in law have been diagnosed with cancer this must be absolutely devastating for you and family. I hope that you have a team of health care professionals that are giving you yr Dad and Father in law support. Macmillan have been absolutely brilliant - are they giving you or family any support.

     

    My family are finding it very hard to accept that I have Stage 4 lung cancer and one of my sons  receives counselling to cope with my diagnosis as I have awful mood swings - never know from one day to the next how I will be in the morning which doesnt help my situation. Like I have said life is a rollercoaster up and down on a daily basis feel sometimes very weak and then feel strong - but I am still here on this earth

     

  • Offline in reply to gerrythegerbil

    Thank you for your reply and kind words. It all feels very unreal at the minute and we're trying to source the support available locally my father in law has glioblastoma and starts treatment on Monday so at least we have a plan however my own dad we are still in limbo waiting on more results before they can decide if treatment is a possibility and if so what it will be for him.

    I am so sorry you're going through this it's awful and hope you find the strength to keep going.

     

  • Offline in reply to gerrythegerbil

    You are very brave but quality over quantity is what we believe . It's hard when you look ok from the outside, but are being ravaged inside.  It doesn't make sense to have such a short time

    OH has stage 4 lung cancer with liver and spleen mets.  Been getting treatment for 16 months and was doing well for 12 of those on immunotherapy only, after starting chemo/immunotherapy dual treatment for 4 months

     

    But it spread in Feb 2021 and the new 2nd line chemo was awful and damaged his liver.  So no treatment since April and he had decided not to go for anymore .  He looks thinner but with a slight tan he does look OK (he's 58 at the mo) Still working IT in the study at home, but v tired , feels weak etc.   Tomorrow we may get results from latest CT.   I guess the decision will be finalised then. Today he said he may have treatment if offered.....who knows! 

     

    Keep well  x

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