I have stage 4 lung cancer: Anyone considered no treatment?

Hi,
My husband had stage 4 lung cancer. He died in July, 2024. He had chemotherapy but the side effects were terrible so he refused to have anymore. Then he had Keytruda which gave him Pancreatitis and that almost killed him! He decided not to have any further treatments of any kind for his lung cancer. The doctors were not happy with this decision. The average cost of the treatments was $25,000 and that was back in 2011. It's probably higher now.
My husband ate healthy and that included good quality red meat often. We also prayed everyday and asked God for his help. My husband lived 14 years with lung cancer.

Before you make your final decision about no treatments, I would suggest looking up the side effects of Chemotherapy, Radiation, Keytruda and any other treatment that is available. You can get this information from the Mayo Clinic and it's reliable. These cancer treatments have helped people but not everyone reacts the same to them. I would also suggest you pray and ask God to help you. I'll say a prayer for you too.
Also, remember the decision is yours. It's your body and your money.

I wish you the best.
PML

My main concern is what will my quality of life would be like. I am 66 and all life I have always been a very active person. My passion now is golf, I'm afraid I want be able to do that. Thanks for your prays.

Has anyone are no anyone who has made the decision not to take treatment?

@vwbug, personally, I never considered not being treated. In my mind, it would like refusing to have your broken leg set and put in a cast because the cast would cramp your lifestyle. Not being able to breathe would seriously diminish your quality of life!

I've had a lobectomy, chemo, radiaton, brain sugery after the LC metastasized, and more radiation. Currently, I take a daily pill. 7 year survivor, 4 and a half as stage 4. Still working full-time, barbecuing and judging BBQ, and taking care of our acre of land.

What type of lung cancer do you have and what treatments are being recommended? I think you'll discover that you are stronger than you think.

@vwbug, I feel very sorry for you having to deal with this situation and making the right decisions, it’s something I will eventually have to deal with. I never built up a lot of strength after my surgeries and feel that chemotherapy would destroy me, I want to live longer but not sickly and unable to cope with my life. On the other hand I have read so many stories about people surviving the treatments and living longer without difficulty, the treatments are getting better and possibly even less side effects, there are several people here that are doing well with stage 4 lung cancer. I think you’re doing the right thing by asking others who have been through this and eventually you will find the answers, good luck to you.

Hi,
It's hard to know how you will react from having stage 4 cancer. Everyone is different. My husband was very active while having his lung cancer for many years. He did wood working, made things, leaf blew the yard and the neighbor's yard etc. However, as the cancer progressed in the last 6 months of his life, my husband became less able to do the things he loved doing. Your having been active gives you a good advantage towards coping with cancer. Do the research about the treatments, eat healthy and pray about it. God will be there for you. I'll keep praying for you also.
I wish you the best.
PML

Hello @vwbug, just being diagnosed is such a hard time. I understand your need to make your own decisions, and I respect that too. Being stage IV, I know I'll face that too at some point. For now, I continue on a treatment that's been very good for me. I remain active and live my life pretty much the way I want to, five years post diagnosis. I tend to be more analytical with decision making and want to know my options. Knowing your possible treatments and what's involved with each would help you to make these tough decisions. Know that every cancer is different, and every person is different.
When is your next appointment?

I have pieces of a VW Bug in my garage, my husband keeps telling me that "it's ready to paint", I keep waiting. 🙂 The Ghia is in better shape. Hang in there, take care of yourself during this challenging time.

Hello VW. I was diagnosed with stage IV non-small lung cancer 63 months ago. I was given 4-6 months to live at the time of diagnosis, and 2 years as a “best case scenario”. I worked out today, am going to Oregon to build a cabin this summer, and am doing just fine. So: my answer is that you SHOULD do treatments! Stage IV lung cancer is no longer a death sentence.

I am not here to hawk a book, but if you google my name on Amazon (Paul Seyferth) you will see the book I have written on this topic, which came out near the anniversary of my 5 year survival date. Better yet, if you would like to email me, I will send you a courtesy copy of the book.

Do not give up. Paul Seyferth

There are so many options for treatment that aren’t scary. I’m stage 3 (was stage one until they did my surgery) and take a targeted therapy drug that allows me to live a very normal life. Of course you’ll have fear and anxiety, which will stay with you, but you have live a long time with this disease even at stage 4. You could consider a second opinion if it helps you. I know this sucks and it’s hard to decide what to do. I struggled myself. You’re not alone. I’ll pray for you.

@vwbug, whether to continue with treatment or not is a very personal decision. You may be interested in these related discussions where members faced similar decision making:

- Stopping Chemoimmunotherapy Treatments https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stopping-chemoimmunotherapy-treatments/

- Has anyone stopped treatment with bone metastasis?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-with-stopped-treatment-with-bone-metastasis/

Have you talked with your team about your decision? They may recommend a consult with palliative care. A palliative care team helps manage symptoms and keep you comfortable.