My wife has just been diagnosed with Stage IV Non Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Does anyone here have experience with this? I'm scared as hell.

From what I've read the drug, opdivo, that LBJ has been taking has been a big improvement for non-small cell lung cancer since my Mom was diagnosed a dozen years ago. I wish it existed back then.

Rolan, my wife was diagnosed with the same cancer. It is very serious to be sure. Some of the new, targeted therapies show a great deal of promise. Many of these require the tumor cells to have specific gene mutations that allow them to be used effectively (you may have noticed these stipulations on some of the tv ads). Your oncologist likely already discussed this with you. Feel free to send a personal email. Thoughts and prayers for you both.

Mike

My Mother received the same diagnosis last summer. Genetic testing showed she was eligible for the immunotherapy drug Keytruda. To us, this was great news because it meant there was something more than just chemotherapy available. An MRI showed there was no cancer in her brain which was also hopeful. Unfortunately, my Mother's cancer caused something called malignant plueral effusion and ultimately she was never able to begin treatment on Keytruda.

Stage IV lung cancer can be treated. My wife's friend's father is cancer free today after the same diagnosis. Don't give up. I wish you and your wife all the best in the months to come.

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Genetic testing showed she was eligible for the immunotherapy drug Keytruda.

Keytruda is approved for NSCLC even if metastatic; but genetic testing can show if eligible for newer, more targeted therapy.

If you don’t have really outstanding oncology therapy where you are, look into MD Anderson in Texas. This referral and Keytruda saved the life of my son’s sister-in-law.

I’m sorry to hear of your wife’s diagnosis and I will pray for you both.

This disease took my grandfather in the 80s and I now have a sibling with this diagnosis and staging. Very recently diagnosed and is in the process of looking at targeted immunotherapy at Anderson in Houston. Lots of people seem to consider Anderson to be the gold standard for late stage cancers. I would think that reputation alone merits a look. He was told there that a decade ago this diagnosis would have yielded a rather dismal prognosis but with new treatment options they are far more optimistic.

Rolan, I can offer no help with treatments. I can only offer prayers, positive thoughts, and wishes for a miraculous recovery.

I am sorry to hear about your wife's diagnosis.
My mom had the same diagnosis a year ago but stage 3b.
She had radiation and chemo which worked for a while and then it didn't.
She is now on the immunothreapy drug opdivo and so far it is working. Doc said the tumor in her lung had shrunk "nicely".
There have been a lot of medical advances in this area, find a good cancer center and explore the options.
Hang tough and fight like hell. You're not alone.

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Originally posted by theblaze:
Hang tough and fight like hell.

I'll echo that.

Prayers sent that there's something in available therapies that works for your wife.

My oldest sister (still in VN), who is 72, was diagnosed with stage IIIA NSCLC in late 2015, after having been misdiagnosed with active TB and was put on multiple TB meds for months. She subsequently had part of her lung removed and then went on traditional chemo. Follow-up surveys show no recurrences. Until late last year, when she started experiencing severe headaches. Yeah, you guess it. It's now in her spine and brain (stage IV). She went on radiation therapy and subsequently was put on daily oral Tarceva (generic is erlotinib). She has been doing ok since.

One of my aunts (dad's sister) also had lung CA 25 years ago, again misdiagnosed for the longest time as asthma. By the time the correct diagnosis was made, she was dead within a week.

I'm sorry you and your wife are going through this. Cancer sucks. Really sucks.

I see folks at the infusion center every 2 weeks.

Lots of people getting are Keytruda for lung cancer but the ones I meet are mostly taking it with radiation treatments as well.

There is a lot of Nivolumab/Opdivo being infused for lung cancer as well.

I am getting Nivolumab/Opdivo for a cancer it was never initially intended for, kidney cancer.

I don't know if this helps but my report of observation at the infusion center.

Love and prayers in Jesus' name sent from Wisconsin.

Had my similar experience a few years ago, and I wish both you and your wife the best possible. If you're able to process everything the Dr passes on to you both, great. If not please consider finding an advocate who will assist you both in thinking things through.

It is quite serious. As others have said, the genetic testing allows for some targeted therapy. Much depends on where the cancer is located and where it may have spread to. If you wish you may also write email in profile.

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Originally posted by hudr:
Rolan, I can offer no help with treatments. I can only offer prayers, positive thoughts, and wishes for a miraculous recovery.

Same here.

I send my prayers for you and your family. Lung cancer sucks.

Been praying for you and your wife every day.

I’ve been praying for you guys and will continue to do so.

Sounds like lots of promising treatment options today. Best wishes on her recovery.

Rolan, you and Bea are in my prayers.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: arfmel,