My doctor was very kind but told me I had metastatic lung cancer. That hit me like a ton of bricks as a never smoker anyway. I’m sorry this is such a difficult diagnosis. None of us really know how long we have to live because there are new targeted treatments out there to prolong life. It is essential to get genomic testing done to see if your sister can qualify for this. I had an ER doctor ask me what I did to get this disease. I replied, “well I never smoked, I never lived with anyone who did and I never worked in a coal mine so I really don’t know but I got it anyway.” People can be cruel and insensitive sometimes.
My doctor told me that most people with my disease only live two years...I don't recall asking him how long I have because nobody can answer that. Totally took the wind out of my sales though, as I was newly diagnosed. Never give up, possibilities exist!
My sister was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. Doing chemo & radiation. Dr. blatantly told her today she had 1 year to live as if he was treating a cold! I refuse to believe that. She is fighting for her life! What kind of Dr. says such things with no compassion and this newest diagnosis????!!! We're not taking this sitting down! Any direction, comments or guidance are welcome...please!
My doctor was very kind but told me I had metastatic lung cancer. That hit me like a ton of bricks as a never smoker anyway. I’m sorry this is such a difficult diagnosis. None of us really know how long we have to live because there are new targeted treatments out there to prolong life. It is essential to get genomic testing done to see if your sister can qualify for this. I had an ER doctor ask me what I did to get this disease. I replied, “well I never smoked, I never lived with anyone who did and I never worked in a coal mine so I really don’t know but I got it anyway.” People can be cruel and insensitive sometimes.
My sister was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. Doing chemo & radiation. Dr. blatantly told her today she had 1 year to live as if he was treating a cold! I refuse to believe that. She is fighting for her life! What kind of Dr. says such things with no compassion and this newest diagnosis????!!! We're not taking this sitting down! Any direction, comments or guidance are welcome...please!
Hello @mblnyc and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. First, I am sorry to hear of your sister's diagnosis. It is unfortunate to feel like the doctor did not deliver such news with more care. I think in some instances, being direct is looked at as being important but in the same breath, care and concern must follow. It doesn't sound like that was your sister's experience, unfortunately.
I'd like to bring in members @lls8000 and @jannad who have been recent contributors to this discussion to see if they can start to provide you with some support based on their respective experiences.
At this time, what is the course of treatment your sister is on and how is she doing?
Good Day All! I am rather new in my journey. Diagnosed with Stage 4 adenocarcinona nsclc Aug 3rd. T1,n1, m1 to pleura. My Onc started me on Alitalia, Carboplatin and Keytruda. I had my 2nd infusion yesterday. So far I have had little side affects other than weakness for the first few days after treatment and some constipaion which I handled with a chug of Miralax. I got some good news yesterday if there is any in this diagnosis. I got genomic testing results back and have the EGFR mutation. I’m going to finish two more infusions of the above chemo combination, get a chest ct scan to document progress and go from chemo to a targeted therapy pill which he stated earlier would be Tagresso if the EGFR came back positive. Although it means I will go on a different rollercoaster ride of not knowing what lies ahead, I consider this good news. Time is time and I’m grateful for it. My Onc told me the most common side effects are diarrhea and dry skin/rashes. The chemo has benefited me on a therapeutic level with the pleura involved I’ve so far had 4 thoracentis procedures to relieve the fluid build up. He feels the chemo will dry that up in the next few weeks it will reduce and stop. My actual tumor is rather small at .43 of an inch. It’s the darn pleura that’s got me. 😉
Glad you are doing well on the chemo. I have stage 4 EGFR with mutations since 2017 and am on Tagresso with minimum side effects. So it's a good drug. And hardly any side effects-rash only in the beginning but then settles down.Wish you good health
The early days of diagnosis are so difficult. Sorry that your family had that experience with the oncologist.
There are so many types of lung cancer, many treatment options, and just as many differences in outcomes.
I would make sure that her team is having a biomarker test run. The result can help to drive treatment plans. None of us come with an expiration date stamped on our foreheads!, take care, hugs, Lisa
And try to have her reach out for support. Many cancer centers have social workers and palliative care staff that can help with processing the emotions and psychological side. They’ll help understand what to expect.
My sister was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. Doing chemo & radiation. Dr. blatantly told her today she had 1 year to live as if he was treating a cold! I refuse to believe that. She is fighting for her life! What kind of Dr. says such things with no compassion and this newest diagnosis????!!! We're not taking this sitting down! Any direction, comments or guidance are welcome...please!
The early days of diagnosis are so difficult. Sorry that your family had that experience with the oncologist.
There are so many types of lung cancer, many treatment options, and just as many differences in outcomes.
I would make sure that her team is having a biomarker test run. The result can help to drive treatment plans. None of us come with an expiration date stamped on our foreheads!, take care, hugs, Lisa
My sister was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. Doing chemo & radiation. Dr. blatantly told her today she had 1 year to live as if he was treating a cold! I refuse to believe that. She is fighting for her life! What kind of Dr. says such things with no compassion and this newest diagnosis????!!! We're not taking this sitting down! Any direction, comments or guidance are welcome...please!
@jannad, Good morning!, stage IV lung cancer is a cruel diagnosis, having a targetable gene mutation does help. Obviously each case is unique, but many respond well to the targeted therapies. I’m hoping that you do too!, only time will tell. It sounds like you are in good hands, take care, get rid of that pluera and you’ll start feeling better!
Thank you, I received news during my infusion on Monday that I have the EGRF mutation and after two more infusions and a chest ct scan to see where I am I will be changing to a pill most likely Tagrisso for more targeted therapy. I take this as good news and will prepare myself for a new roller coaster ride. I’ve not had much side effects from the infusion treatments but on Friday will have my 5th thoracentesis and my Onc feels I will probably need at least one more after that. I am doing well other than that and am back to getting some exercise on my elliptical to keep my lungs strong. 😂
Good Day All! I am rather new in my journey. Diagnosed with Stage 4 adenocarcinona nsclc Aug 3rd. T1,n1, m1 to pleura. My Onc started me on Alitalia, Carboplatin and Keytruda. I had my 2nd infusion yesterday. So far I have had little side affects other than weakness for the first few days after treatment and some constipaion which I handled with a chug of Miralax. I got some good news yesterday if there is any in this diagnosis. I got genomic testing results back and have the EGFR mutation. I’m going to finish two more infusions of the above chemo combination, get a chest ct scan to document progress and go from chemo to a targeted therapy pill which he stated earlier would be Tagresso if the EGFR came back positive. Although it means I will go on a different rollercoaster ride of not knowing what lies ahead, I consider this good news. Time is time and I’m grateful for it. My Onc told me the most common side effects are diarrhea and dry skin/rashes. The chemo has benefited me on a therapeutic level with the pleura involved I’ve so far had 4 thoracentis procedures to relieve the fluid build up. He feels the chemo will dry that up in the next few weeks it will reduce and stop. My actual tumor is rather small at .43 of an inch. It’s the darn pleura that’s got me. 😉
@jannad, Good morning!, stage IV lung cancer is a cruel diagnosis, having a targetable gene mutation does help. Obviously each case is unique, but many respond well to the targeted therapies. I’m hoping that you do too!, only time will tell. It sounds like you are in good hands, take care, get rid of that pluera and you’ll start feeling better!
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Yes they do, be sure you get genomic testing done as it can make a big difference not in diagnosis but in treatment options which can prolong life.
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1 ReactionMy doctor told me that most people with my disease only live two years...I don't recall asking him how long I have because nobody can answer that. Totally took the wind out of my sales though, as I was newly diagnosed. Never give up, possibilities exist!
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Hug
1 ReactionMy doctor was very kind but told me I had metastatic lung cancer. That hit me like a ton of bricks as a never smoker anyway. I’m sorry this is such a difficult diagnosis. None of us really know how long we have to live because there are new targeted treatments out there to prolong life. It is essential to get genomic testing done to see if your sister can qualify for this. I had an ER doctor ask me what I did to get this disease. I replied, “well I never smoked, I never lived with anyone who did and I never worked in a coal mine so I really don’t know but I got it anyway.” People can be cruel and insensitive sometimes.
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3 ReactionsHello @mblnyc and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. First, I am sorry to hear of your sister's diagnosis. It is unfortunate to feel like the doctor did not deliver such news with more care. I think in some instances, being direct is looked at as being important but in the same breath, care and concern must follow. It doesn't sound like that was your sister's experience, unfortunately.
I'd like to bring in members @lls8000 and @jannad who have been recent contributors to this discussion to see if they can start to provide you with some support based on their respective experiences.
At this time, what is the course of treatment your sister is on and how is she doing?
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionGlad you are doing well on the chemo. I have stage 4 EGFR with mutations since 2017 and am on Tagresso with minimum side effects. So it's a good drug. And hardly any side effects-rash only in the beginning but then settles down.Wish you good health
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionAnd try to have her reach out for support. Many cancer centers have social workers and palliative care staff that can help with processing the emotions and psychological side. They’ll help understand what to expect.
The early days of diagnosis are so difficult. Sorry that your family had that experience with the oncologist.
There are so many types of lung cancer, many treatment options, and just as many differences in outcomes.
I would make sure that her team is having a biomarker test run. The result can help to drive treatment plans. None of us come with an expiration date stamped on our foreheads!, take care, hugs, Lisa
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsMy sister was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. Doing chemo & radiation. Dr. blatantly told her today she had 1 year to live as if he was treating a cold! I refuse to believe that. She is fighting for her life! What kind of Dr. says such things with no compassion and this newest diagnosis????!!! We're not taking this sitting down! Any direction, comments or guidance are welcome...please!
Thank you, I received news during my infusion on Monday that I have the EGRF mutation and after two more infusions and a chest ct scan to see where I am I will be changing to a pill most likely Tagrisso for more targeted therapy. I take this as good news and will prepare myself for a new roller coaster ride. I’ve not had much side effects from the infusion treatments but on Friday will have my 5th thoracentesis and my Onc feels I will probably need at least one more after that. I am doing well other than that and am back to getting some exercise on my elliptical to keep my lungs strong. 😂
@jannad, Good morning!, stage IV lung cancer is a cruel diagnosis, having a targetable gene mutation does help. Obviously each case is unique, but many respond well to the targeted therapies. I’m hoping that you do too!, only time will tell. It sounds like you are in good hands, take care, get rid of that pluera and you’ll start feeling better!