← Return to Stage 4 likely - what are the treatment options if surgery is not one?
DiscussionStage 4 likely - what are the treatment options if surgery is not one?
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Jul 27 12:12pm | Replies (37)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Update - Biopsy confirmed malignancy and stage 4. Awaiting brain MRI and biomarkers test next for..."
@strongone21 , I certainly wish you would have received better news from the biopsy. The uncertainty that comes along with this type of diagnosis can be one of the hardest parts. Knowledge will be important, and that starts with knowing specifically what is driving the cancer. The biomarker test results are important. If you have one of the gene mutations that you mentioned in an earlier post, that can change and drive treatment decisions.
There are many of us that are stage IV that have not had to endure traditional chemotherapy. Five years ago, when my ALK cancer was diagnosed, I went directly to a targeted therapy. I'm still taking that same treatment today (thankfully!).
Acceptance of the diagnosis takes time, for you and your family. It won't be easy, but stick with each other, lean on each other, and try to foster a safe space for sharing. Everyone is different, and at different times throughout the process you may need different things too. Some days, you may want to talk about it, other days you may want to do whatever you can to get your mind on something else.
I got tired of people telling me that everything would be ok, because they had no idea what I was up against. It helped when I realized that they had to say that for themselves, not for me. Give the people that are closest to you some grace, they are scared, and they don't know exactly how to help. Don't be afraid to tell them what you need too.
Have your additional appointments been scheduled?