@melissabuelna38, I want to repeat what others have said: lung cancer is no longer a death sentence. I was diagnosed in 2018. My lung cancer metastasized to my brain in 2020, making me stage 4. I'm still working full-time, gardening, going for walks, and judging BBQ! I take a daily pill, and that's it. For the record, I have the EGFR Exon 19 mutation. When you learn your mother's type of lung cancer, I'm sure you will find there are people here who can provide their own stories.

I also want to address your role as a caregiver. The only presentation at this year's World Conference on Lung Cancer that made my eyes leak was given by a caregiver who started his talk with two questions: "Are you comfortable?" and "Are you happy?" At the end of the talk, he told us that those were the two questions he asked his father every day after his father had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It's just as important to take care of your mother's heart as her body, which I'm sure you already realize. Filling her life with happy thoughts, memories, and hope is some of the best medicine you can provide.

Be sure to take care of yourself. See if there is a local lung cancer support group nearby. If not, consider starting one! GO2 for Lung Cancer, go2.org, has many resources for you, including a "How To" guide on starting a support group. I know this because I'm starting one here in my town! Providing help for others is a great way to feel better yourself.

I wish you much strength, persistence, and eeeease during this challenging time.