Adenocarcinoma NSC Lung Cancer Stage 3. Advice? Success stories?

My husband realized last night, after making all the special arrangements to travel, that he is not strong enough to move forward. I had “known” for the last few weeks and needed for him to come to that realization. My mantra, since his diagnosis has been, it is his body, his cancer and I am not his mother.
As long as he is capable of making his own decisions and choices I am willing to set aside. Even if I disagree.

If it has metastisized that would be stage IV. I recommend you ask your oncology to send pathology samples of your tumor(s) for genetic testing to see if you might qualfy for a targeted therapy. Keytruday, Xalkori (I am on this...) or one of the many others. Also be willing to participate in possible trials being run by the hospitals and drug companies. Wishing you the vety best.

@millie5737, Thanks for letting us know, I had been thinking of you. I'm glad he came to this realization, it's hard to admit that you aren't able to do the things that you could when you were younger and healthy. You've been married for a long time!, so you know best how to approach each other with delicate situations. If your mantra works in for you then use it, everyday if need be. This is still a relationship where there's give and take, make sure you take care of your own needs too.
Is the inflammation getting any better, or worse?

Hi @angel42, There are many success stories here on Mayo Connect. I am a three-year survivor. I am hopeful that your husband receives the care that is best for him. Unfortunately, access to good healthcare isn't always easy, and there are disparities between health care systems.
Do you know what type of lung cancer he has? Do you have an upcoming appointment with Mayo Clinic?

You are ever so full of compassion, thank you. The inflammation has been the most difficult to respond d to treatment. We are always told the next cat scan will determine the effectiveness of the cancer treatments and then it is murky due to the inflammation. More steroids. Well the next scan scan might tell us if it has improved. He seems much weaker, more difficulty breathing, catching his breath, more effort speaking, needing more rest, pulse high…..

Hi @fef, your story and experiences with stage 4 rectal cancer are also welcome in the Colorectal Cancer Support Group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/colorectal-cancer/

Ten years in remission gives hope to many. Thank you.

This is tough. All I can advise is to make sure you do what is necessary for you to keep a high nutrition diet, stay hydrated and do stretches (even in bed) to keep up your strength. They are one of those things no one feels like doing when they are not well. Enriching activities, like movies, audio books might help. Best wishes.

Hello Katiesue,
I go through the same challenging days after the treatment. It’s hard, isn’t it? I dislike being so sick and weak. My heart pounds just walking outside to sit in a chair. Fortunately it’s only about three days and then it lifts. I’ve gone through four rounds of a standard therapy along with keytruda following three rounds in a clinical trial. Next week I have the scans at Mayo to determine what next for treatments. I am hopeful no more carboplatin.

@soupycampbell, I am truly motivated by what you said..it apparent that you know yourself well and what is best for you..I on the other hand tend to freeze up when I hear what some doctor says… I always had a strong voice but I’ve become more withdrawn and I don’t like it, thank you for the strength you show, it’s very inspiring for me and I truly wish only the best for you.

OMG! He is one brave soul, just the kind that can get cured, hopefully.
I wish him oceans of love and peace!
This is a picture of me last summer at Jone Beach. I was 88 the now 89 and not in the best of health but enjoying every day like it’s my last.
As a point of info I have been dead once and alsmost twice more during the Korean War, so always stay strong and when I was gone no pain, no worries etc., lola