My father was just diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and the oncologist says that he could go into remission with the chemo. Is there anyone who has gone into remission after chemo ?? anyone ???
There are many who visit here that have survived ten, fifteen years and longer. They check in to say hello only occasionally, I assume because they are busy out there living. There is a man who contributes to the inspire website who contributes regularly at 13 years +. This is no longer an automatic death sentence.
Focus on keeping him well hydrated and nourished to get him through treatment without complication. My best to you both!
I am brand new to this site, but saw your question. My answer is YES.. I went through the initial chemo for Stage 4 lung cancer and I am now on maintenance chemo. I am in partial remission and back to work. I was diagnosed back March of this year, 2012. It's rough, but keep faith. I thank God for each and every day. My oncologist stated I am no worse than anyone else living with a chronic condition. Hang on and stay positive..
Hi glcs52, your words are so right. They reminded me of something important. Cancer patients are more likely to survive longer after diagnosis than those who have heart attacks or strokes. Something about the event that precipitates the diagnosis. Will try to find the citation for that.
my 44 year old son had lung surgery in boston no help then went into remission for about 1 year had surgery for one encapsulated tumor in l frontal lobe in Springfield, ma he doesn't look or ack sick just tired now the Dr wants whp;d brain radiation any thoughts on that he was first diagnosed in Aujust 11 thanks Helen
hi Helen, welcome to the CSN.ACS website. I am soo sorry your son has to go through this. It is awful at any age but he is just plain too young. We lost my dad to this awful disease at age 41. My diagnosis came at age 58, my mom at 75. You don't say whether your son has small cell or non small cell cancer. If you live anywhere near a teaching hospital (if not drive to one) get a second opinion. Especially if they they are talking about whole brain radiation. If there is just the one brain metastasis they can do gamma knife, Cyberknife or stereotactic radiation therapy instead. Some of them can be done if there are six or fewer tumors And they cause fewer problems.
My mom had whole brain radiation for non small cell and it caused her lots of confusion but it did end some nasty headaches. A friends husband had pci for small cell cancer, because it is less strohng it caused less confusion- and in small cell only, there is evidence that it prevents some brain metastaces. If a day comes that I need brain radiation I have given my caretaker directions to see if I can have Cyberknife or one of the other newer types of radiation. But I will have it.
Please let us know if you have anymore questions or are looking for other opinions. Please start a new thread when you do to make it easier to find. Hope 2013 is a better year for you.
salute to you and to your father! This is a whole new world and not all of it is pretty. Remission is a big word, an even bigger concept. My husband was given 4 months, he has surpassed that in spades. So call it what you will - remission or faith or medical marvel - it exists. Hope this helps
Hi Melissa. I was compelled to write you to give you the truth of my experience and maybe some hope. I'm so sorry you have to start this journey. I have to believe I'm better for it...it's very hard!
I was in 8th grade in 1999 when my Dad was diagnosed stage 4 NSCLC with lung & brain mets. He had shoulder pain & depression which caused him to see a specialist. They found the cancer and they told my Mom to "prepare your children." They said he had a 14% chance of living 6 months.
He is still here. He saw me graduate high school, college, get married, and he was there for me as I started my life and career.
He has had 4 recurrances in this time and come through all of them. He was in his 50s when diagnosed. I won't lie that it is VERY tough on his body and on our family. He is in another recurrance now and he's nearly 70. It's very hard. The doctors now say that lung cancer is kind of treated as an illness you'll always have that can be treated with maintenance therapy, like diabetes or something. That's more how it's been for my dad. The first time in 1999 he had whole brain radiation and chemo, a lot of chemo. The whole brain radiation was horrible, but he lived and saw me graduate! In 2007 he had a recurrance and he had a lobectomy. In 2010 he had mets discovered in his brain and lung. He had cyberknife and those went away. He went on Alimta in 2011 after a spot was found on his adrenal gland. He's had radiation to spots in his ribs too. And yet my darling father fights on!
Now, in the interest of honesty, this has been VERY hard on his body and mind. My Dad was an engineer who designed & built large industrial machienery for a living. He used computers, loved math, etc. The treatments reduced his mental capacity a LOT. He has neuropathy and his legs are weak. But his voice is strong and his love is strong too. WE LOVE HIM SO MUCH. The most you can do for a person with cancer is to encourage them and love them and support their fight! He would not trade all of this crap he goes through if it meant not being with us, you know? Recently he's been diagnosed with more brain & lung mets. We're meeting with the oncologist tomorrow. My father has sworn to fight again.
So what I'm saying is there IS HOPE beyond the moment with this cancer. My Dad is proof and it's so good to hear from others on here who have been through the same.
I feel it is so important to have courage and face this with your loved ones. Don't DO NOT google the stats. Your Dad does not have to be a statistic.
Lots of good advice in there. If its too late and you've already read those stats remember this: if it says one in 20 or 1 in 5, if you turn out to be that One, your chances are now 100%
I was Given 2 Yrs, they didn't mention A STAGE? of my Lung Cancer. BUT, I had Chemo on & off for the first Yr., and it went into Remission at about 2 1/2 Yrs. and it has BEEN almost 6 Yrs NOW. I am Happy and doing FINE, Except for shortness of Breath. Ron
My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2015 and since has had metastasized brain tumor removed and 30 rounds of radiation to the brain and 22 chemo treatments. On his 23 chemo treatment appt. he was told by his oncologist that he has gone into complete remission. I am overwhelmed with joy and relief. Although the fight continues....he has made amazing progress after being told he had 24 months to live. I love my daddy dearly and just want to share because only God knows how long we are here for....no one else. So much love and respect to all those fighting the terrifying fight. As scary as it is, I am grateful for how we as a family pull together with so much love to support his fight. Don't lose faith....stay positive and just give love.
thank you for sharing these stories when I heard stage 4 lung cancer. I immediately thought that it was just a matter of time. I just had my first round of chemotherapy and now feeling hopeful. My only worry is that it has spread to lymph nodes in chest and a couple bones in my neck. Can they stop it in the bones. Scary when you here these things. Nice to know there are good outcomes
I was diagnosed with stage 4 non small cell lunch cancer at the age of 44 that met to my pelvic bone. I went through radiation to the bone, chemo and immunotherapy. I have been cancer free for 1 year and NOT currently taking any meds. I feel great an am completely healthy right now but still always worry of why "might" come. I read so much of the who have survived for years. I hope that's possible!
I am encouraged by the comments and the positive outcomes for treatment of stage 4 lung cancer, has anyone gone into remission after it spread to the bone and brain?
my Mom died at age 54 after being diagnosed only 2 months earlier but that was 40 years ago. She was a smoker and never went to a doctor. I am waiting for the test results and never had any cough or trouble breathing but I have allergies and was hoarse for a while But never felt bad, just cleared my throat a lot in the morning. I only became concerned when I started having back pain and arm pain. my eyes have changed but my eye dr thought it was bc of cataracts. I’m very anxious and fear the worst.
Joined: Mar 2011
There are many who visit
There are many who visit here that have survived ten, fifteen years and longer. They check in to say hello only occasionally, I assume because they are busy out there living. There is a man who contributes to the inspire website who contributes regularly at 13 years +. This is no longer an automatic death sentence.
Focus on keeping him well hydrated and nourished to get him through treatment without complication. My best to you both!
Joined: Dec 2012
Stage 4 surviving
I am brand new to this site, but saw your question. My answer is YES.. I went through the initial chemo for Stage 4 lung cancer and I am now on maintenance chemo. I am in partial remission and back to work. I was diagnosed back March of this year, 2012. It's rough, but keep faith. I thank God for each and every day. My oncologist stated I am no worse than anyone else living with a chronic condition. Hang on and stay positive..
Joined: Mar 2011
Welcome
Hi glcs52, your words are so right. They reminded me of something important. Cancer patients are more likely to survive longer after diagnosis than those who have heart attacks or strokes. Something about the event that precipitates the diagnosis. Will try to find the citation for that.
Joined: Jan 2013
thank you for posting
best of luck to you and many many thanks for posting. God bless you
Joined: Dec 2012
my 44 year old son had lung
my 44 year old son had lung surgery in boston no help then went into remission for about 1 year had surgery for one encapsulated tumor in l frontal lobe in Springfield, ma he doesn't look or ack sick just tired now the Dr wants whp;d brain radiation any thoughts on that he was first diagnosed in Aujust 11 thanks Helen
Joined: Mar 2011
Brain radiation
hi Helen, welcome to the CSN.ACS website. I am soo sorry your son has to go through this. It is awful at any age but he is just plain too young. We lost my dad to this awful disease at age 41. My diagnosis came at age 58, my mom at 75. You don't say whether your son has small cell or non small cell cancer. If you live anywhere near a teaching hospital (if not drive to one) get a second opinion. Especially if they they are talking about whole brain radiation. If there is just the one brain metastasis they can do gamma knife, Cyberknife or stereotactic radiation therapy instead. Some of them can be done if there are six or fewer tumors And they cause fewer problems.
My mom had whole brain radiation for non small cell and it caused her lots of confusion but it did end some nasty headaches. A friends husband had pci for small cell cancer, because it is less strohng it caused less confusion- and in small cell only, there is evidence that it prevents some brain metastaces. If a day comes that I need brain radiation I have given my caretaker directions to see if I can have Cyberknife or one of the other newer types of radiation. But I will have it.
Please let us know if you have anymore questions or are looking for other opinions. Please start a new thread when you do to make it easier to find. Hope 2013 is a better year for you.
Joined: Feb 2013
He will make it
hi, there,
sorry but your son will make it.
My cousin was stage Iv and spread cancer came out of from his eye! His doctor said he had 6 months to live he lives there after 10 years.
Joined: Jan 2013
remission
salute to you and to your father! This is a whole new world and not all of it is pretty. Remission is a big word, an even bigger concept. My husband was given 4 months, he has surpassed that in spades. So call it what you will - remission or faith or medical marvel - it exists. Hope this helps
Joined: Dec 2012
Melissagb
I was dx with stage IIIb nsclc almost ten years ago and still alive today. There's always hope.
Joined: Feb 2013
My Dad Was Diagnosed in 1999 Stage 4 & he's still here.
Hi Melissa. I was compelled to write you to give you the truth of my experience and maybe some hope. I'm so sorry you have to start this journey. I have to believe I'm better for it...it's very hard!
I was in 8th grade in 1999 when my Dad was diagnosed stage 4 NSCLC with lung & brain mets. He had shoulder pain & depression which caused him to see a specialist. They found the cancer and they told my Mom to "prepare your children." They said he had a 14% chance of living 6 months.
He is still here. He saw me graduate high school, college, get married, and he was there for me as I started my life and career.
He has had 4 recurrances in this time and come through all of them. He was in his 50s when diagnosed. I won't lie that it is VERY tough on his body and on our family. He is in another recurrance now and he's nearly 70. It's very hard. The doctors now say that lung cancer is kind of treated as an illness you'll always have that can be treated with maintenance therapy, like diabetes or something. That's more how it's been for my dad. The first time in 1999 he had whole brain radiation and chemo, a lot of chemo. The whole brain radiation was horrible, but he lived and saw me graduate! In 2007 he had a recurrance and he had a lobectomy. In 2010 he had mets discovered in his brain and lung. He had cyberknife and those went away. He went on Alimta in 2011 after a spot was found on his adrenal gland. He's had radiation to spots in his ribs too. And yet my darling father fights on!
Now, in the interest of honesty, this has been VERY hard on his body and mind. My Dad was an engineer who designed & built large industrial machienery for a living. He used computers, loved math, etc. The treatments reduced his mental capacity a LOT. He has neuropathy and his legs are weak. But his voice is strong and his love is strong too. WE LOVE HIM SO MUCH. The most you can do for a person with cancer is to encourage them and love them and support their fight! He would not trade all of this crap he goes through if it meant not being with us, you know? Recently he's been diagnosed with more brain & lung mets. We're meeting with the oncologist tomorrow. My father has sworn to fight again.
So what I'm saying is there IS HOPE beyond the moment with this cancer. My Dad is proof and it's so good to hear from others on here who have been through the same.
I feel it is so important to have courage and face this with your loved ones. Don't DO NOT google the stats. Your Dad does not have to be a statistic.
Take care!
-Nicki
Joined: Mar 2011
Lots of good advice in there.
Lots of good advice in there. If its too late and you've already read those stats remember this: if it says one in 20 or 1 in 5, if you turn out to be that One, your chances are now 100%
Joined: Feb 2010
Remission
I was Given 2 Yrs, they didn't mention A STAGE? of my Lung Cancer. BUT, I had Chemo on & off for the first Yr., and it went into Remission at about 2 1/2 Yrs. and it has BEEN almost 6 Yrs NOW. I am Happy and doing FINE, Except for shortness of Breath. Ron
Joined: Feb 2003
Stage IV lung cancer
I was diagnosed with
stage IV small cell cancer June 2014.
after radiation and 6 rounds of chemo I was told a second time today that I am in remission
Joined: Apr 2016
stage 4 lung cancer remission
Yes!
My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2015 and since has had metastasized brain tumor removed and 30 rounds of radiation to the brain and 22 chemo treatments. On his 23 chemo treatment appt. he was told by his oncologist that he has gone into complete remission. I am overwhelmed with joy and relief. Although the fight continues....he has made amazing progress after being told he had 24 months to live. I love my daddy dearly and just want to share because only God knows how long we are here for....no one else. So much love and respect to all those fighting the terrifying fight. As scary as it is, I am grateful for how we as a family pull together with so much love to support his fight. Don't lose faith....stay positive and just give love.
Joined: Jul 2017
Remission
stage IV remission...
YES.....17 years now.
Joined: Aug 2017
HI,
HI,
My mom is also Stage 4 patient. Can you share what did you do.
Best,
Aastha
Joined: Jul 2017
Encouragement
Thank you all for sharing your remission and survival results. So encouraging!
Joined: Aug 2017
I just started chemo with stage 4 nsclc
thank you for sharing these stories when I heard stage 4 lung cancer. I immediately thought that it was just a matter of time. I just had my first round of chemotherapy and now feeling hopeful. My only worry is that it has spread to lymph nodes in chest and a couple bones in my neck. Can they stop it in the bones. Scary when you here these things. Nice to know there are good outcomes
Joined: Sep 2017
I was diagnosed with stage 4
I was diagnosed with stage 4 non small cell lunch cancer at the age of 44 that met to my pelvic bone. I went through radiation to the bone, chemo and immunotherapy. I have been cancer free for 1 year and NOT currently taking any meds. I feel great an am completely healthy right now but still always worry of why "might" come. I read so much of the who have survived for years. I hope that's possible!
Joined: Jul 2017
jpaup-- Congrats, how encouraging.
jpaup, thanks for sharing. That's so encouraging. Best continued success.
Joined: Jul 2018
tagrisso
has anyone been on tagrisso medication for lung cancer?
Joined: Apr 2019
Tagrisso...........................
Yes, I have been since Feb. 2018 and am blessed...so far so good. Did you have a question about it?
Joined: May 2019
Waiting for diagnosis
I am encouraged by the comments and the positive outcomes for treatment of stage 4 lung cancer, has anyone gone into remission after it spread to the bone and brain?
my Mom died at age 54 after being diagnosed only 2 months earlier but that was 40 years ago. She was a smoker and never went to a doctor. I am waiting for the test results and never had any cough or trouble breathing but I have allergies and was hoarse for a while But never felt bad, just cleared my throat a lot in the morning. I only became concerned when I started having back pain and arm pain. my eyes have changed but my eye dr thought it was bc of cataracts. I’m very anxious and fear the worst.