Has anyone been diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer

[Seashell69]

Hello, I am new to this group so am a little nervous because I feel ashamed that even after the above diagnosis and nearly entering my 4th round of chemo I am still smoking, not nearly as much, however still smoking.  I would have thought that this diagnosis would have been enough to scare the hell out of me and yet I continue to do it.  I am trying hypnotherapy as well.

If anyone has been in a similar situation I would really appreciate any insights - thank you and congratulations to everyone on this page who are now ex-smokers.

[Mandolinrain]

Hello and welcome. My heart breaks to hear your going through this, bless your heart. No one here judges, we just care. We are here fr you. Much good advice above. Sending you healing prayers and prayers in general to help you with your quit and your diagnosis. We are all here for you, whatever you need. Just ask.

[Strudel]

Welcome to the site - as you can see, the support here is tremendous! You are in the right place - so please stick around. I came here 9 years ago and I quit after 40 years of smoking - so, it can be done! I was recently diagnosed with Stage 1 lung cancer (I had the low dose CT screening test...) I was very lucky and was able to have surgery to remove the cancer - now I will need to be scanned very 6 months. I realize how fortunate I am - and I am a firm believer in the fact that it is never too late to quit. No matter what - you will be better off when you quit - the freedom you will feel is so beautiful! 

So - welcome and please stay close. I am so sorry about your diagnosis - but, trust me - this place will make a difference for you! 

[bonnie.s]

I understand completely.  My husband was diagnosed last year with head and neck cancer.  Long story short he underwent a terrible surgery, had lots of the back of his throat and tongue shaved, lost tons of weight from not being able to eat and yet started smoking again the minute he started to heal.  I was no better,  having watched the hell he was undergoing I never once missed a puff.  After almost a year of remission we learned the cancer is back.  Tomorrow (WED) he starts his first treatment of radiation followed by chemo.  We are both over a month quit now.  Its the hardest thing we've ever had to do but we wish to live so we continue to battle through our cravings each day. 

[elvan]

bonnie.s‌ PLEASE try not to see it as a battle, see it as a journey, if you can.  Addiction is very powerful and it will wear you both out if you consider it to be a battle, I am speaking from experience.  Stay close to the site, know that we want to help you and your husband to be free of this God forsaken addiction.  Saying prayers for you both and for you as well Seashell69‌.  

Ellen

[Samanthaeve]

hi.

 I am relatively new member here and wanted to respond to you with not only a warm hug- but a personal story.

My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 in 2004.

 She was never symptomatic of lung cancer- however we found out she had lung cancer when she had a seizure (metastasized to her brain)

Since she was diagnosed at Stage 4, and given only 2 months to live, she declined ALL treatment and lived her life as per usual for two years and smoked. She died of sepsis. Age 58

 I also smoked a great deal  during that difficult  time.

 I currently smoke. Age 53- And its a hard quit for me (I am on Chantix week 2 and my desire has reduced tremendously) because smoking is one of many things that bonded me to my mom- we shared the same addiction.

Its only 13 years later that I am beginning to think more of myself and realizing I don't need to suffer the same fate as she did.

 I have never gotten a lung xray.

 I have ZERO desire to know ANYTHING about my current state of health.

 Please don't carry any shame about you being unwell. Sometimes it happens- sometimes not.

The trick is living your best/healthiest life possible.

 I can think of many other shameful things people in this world do way worse than smoke themselves sick.

Sending positive vibes your way whether you continue to smoke or not...

 Sam

[marciem]

HI, Samanthaeve‌... Welcome!!  I don't know that I've seen you here yet, I'll check back in a minute.

Thank you for sharing your story, and your mom's.  Keep on keepin' on with the Chantix, many users here have found it very helpful in getting quit and working toward remaining quit forever.  That's the goal.

I fully understand your statement that : 

 I have never gotten a lung xray.

 I have ZERO desire to know ANYTHING about my current state of health.

I didn't either, then.  BUT, after I quit and became involved in quit-smoking forums, I learned about the Low Dose CT scan for Lung Cancer Screening.    I'm giving you a link to the note and my story that I posted when I first joined this forum.

LDCT post

I strongly recommend that you read this, and talk to your doc about getting one.  I was diagnosed at Stage 1 ... I'm so glad now that I did it.  I'm 2 1/2 years post treatment, so far so good.

and p.s. I also totally agree with your statement : 

 I can think of many other shameful things people in this world do way worse than smoke themselves sick.

Unfortunately, those shameful & worse things don't often negatively effect every single system in their bodies.  I'm not ashamed that I smoked.... sorry yes.  But so danged proud that I have quit...my self-esteem rose 10-fold at least!  

[Samanthaeve]

Thanks!

I am aware of the low dose ct lung scan thing and it is helpful to be aware and catch things in time so they are treatable.

However.. mentally I am just not there yet.

If I do much as pee the wrong way, get a cold sore , have an elbow ache I go off the charts with anxiety and feel compelled to smoke a zillion cigarettes in a row because I have that “it’s all over for me now” mentality!

Baby steps man...

I have tried the “gung-ho cold turkey thing” in addition to the Alan Carr bible of quitting...

Chantix seems to be helping but my anxiety is a thousand fold today.

Sent from my iPhone

[Barbscloud]

Welcome to the Ex.   Congrats on your decision to quit.  I'm happy to hear the Chantix is helping you.  Keep us posted on how you're doing and reach out if you need help.

Barb

[marciem]

Try deep breathing... an excellent stress & anxiety reliever.... in thru nose count 4, hold count 4, out thru pursed lips count four or more (empty lungs as best possible), hold again count four.  Concentrate on your breathing only, not outside feelings or activities.

This is also a good thing for your quit tool-kit, when cravings hit (they will).  Gets your mind off the crave, its free and always available, and is a good habit to adopt for stressful times.  Nonsmokers have stress too!  Best wishes to you to becoming a nonsmoker!

p.s. I also relate very much to the "every symptom is a sign of doom" mentality.  Some things, if you ignore them they'll go away or get better on their own.  Some things are better taken care of as early as possible.  Just sayin'    .