My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer a few days ago, with "malignant pleural effusion". She has no evidence of disease anywhere else in her body (PET scan, bone scan and brain MRI all came back clear). Does having this in addition to a tumor lower her chances of survival?

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Kim

Kim,

Please go back and read your original post. We've offered you our best advice there, as to how to move forward with your Mom and her diagnosis. I don't know what else to add? So I feel helpless to give you any more advice.

I know you are struggling with her diagnosis, and struggling with your emotions and feelings right now. I know I felt the same way when my Mom was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. It's a helpless feeling. My heart goes out to you.

As someone advised, do go to the other forums here for stories of hope. Those can help you to feel more positive about her diagnosis. In addition, sharing those stories with Mom, can help her to feel hope as well.

Judy in MI

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6/07 DX NSCLC, Left Upper Lobe wedge resection: Stage 2.3/4, (2B?) Adenocarcinoma, measures 2.5x1.5x1.1cm. Involving visceral pleura but not through it. 5 rounds chemo, carboplatin and Taxol. Subsequent scans NED.

1/11 3.5 mm node found. 10/11 CT node now 8 mm, and new 6 mm node. 11/11 CT Pet shows slight uptake. 1/4/12 Biopsy - Pneumothorax complication. 1/14/12 Lobectomy of upper rt. lobe. NSCLC Adenocarcinoma in situ, nonmucinous (bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) 1.4cm involves pulmonary parenchyma.
3/14/12 Begin 4 cycles of Cisplatin/Navelbein, with Neulasta shot
4/6/12 Chemo changed to Carboplatin/Navelbine without Neulasta shot. Reduced chemo by 50% due to intolerance.
7/5/12 CT scan is clean, NED for lung cancer! There are issues with liver and stomach that will be investigated but not believed to be because of cancer. Wait and see!

*Avatar was taken 7/3/12 on our way out to see the Fireworks on a friends boat on their lake!

Mom dx SCLC 1/96, passed 10/19/96, age 62
Dad dx Brain cancer 4/87, passed 6/87, age 57
Sister dx Brain cancer 4/83, passed 12/83, age 25

Thank you Judy, and I am so sorry for your losses..

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Kim