3-month survival for stage IV lung cancer? Is it true? Need hope

@rlf66 Hello. I was diagnosed with nsc lung cancer, stage 4 in September 2022. I am still here, using supplemental oxygen and my nebulizer daily.
I am a Mayo MN patient and they have treated me well. I’ve been in two trials and have had standard therapies. I had a run of 22 good months on an oral trial medication. Now I’m waiting to see if they have a new recommendation next week. I have a brain mri and ct scan on Monday. I have empathy for you, it’s hard not to be scared and anxious. I try to take things one day at a time. I hope I’ve given you encouragement.

@rlf66 , There are many different types of lung cancer.
The general statistics are lagging behind the advancements that have been made in the past 5-10 years. They are a picture in time, but the treatments have improved, so they aren't always accurate today.
We are not statistics. We're individuals, and we react individually to treatments. No one can predict how well we'll do on any treatment.
I hope you are able to get some of your questions answered. The waiting and the unknown is one of the hardest things in this process of being diagnosed. Is your appointment still scheduled for this week?

@rlf66 God bless you too 🙏

Thanks so much.
rlf66

@frouke Thanks so much and God bless you.
rlf66

Thanks so much

@mally007
Thanks so much for taking time to inform me. God bless you and best to you during your difficult journey.
rlf66

I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer with the ALK+ gene mutation. That was over 5 years ago. I take oral pills daily. I just had progression with mets to the brain in late July. I had 12 small spots, I got them zapped and started a different oral pill. It didn't slow me down and it is just the waiting game to see if it worked with a brain MRI in December. It is hard not to think the worst and when you see what the internet says you do think the worst. Look for the sites like this one that are informative and supportive. There are constant changes going on and new treatments, clinical trials etc. Once you know you biomarker that will help as well. Always ask questions, stick with the positiveness and best to you on your new journey.

Hiya@rlf66 I was diagnosed with stage IV nSCLC that had spread from lung to liver, pelvis, hips, spine and clavicles. Immediately started radiation then chemo. My oct scan showed 8 of 10 tumors had reduced or eliminated. Now on keytruda to attack the others. I too read the horror stories on the internet but with today’s drugs it’s beatable.

hi @rlf66 - that information is frightening. I'm including a blurb from the American Cancer Society about caution in looking at overall survival numbers. when do you see your doctor to get your biomarker diagnosis and discuss your treatment options? is it possible for you to get a second opinion as well? when I was diagnosed, I was able to see a new thoracic oncologist at our cancer center in Seattle very quickly (I think it took about a week.) they understand time is of the essence!