Secondary cancer in lungs - can this ever be curable?

[lisalisa]

A mum in our wider group of friends has had a form of cancer in her liver . She has been treated quite a few times with varying degrees of success.

We have just found out today however that it has sperad to her lungs. She is 37 and has 4 young children.

Her dh is devastated but too frightened to ask teh doctor whether she will make it or how long she has left.

We are going to organise ( when her dh and she want this) a full rota to help them on school runs, cooking,laundry, homework with kids etc but in the meantime I wondered whetehr it can be curable or if that is definitely it. [desparate hope emoticon]

Not good news once it has spread to a secondary site - really sorry to hear about your friend - very sad.

Am so sorry to hear your news about your poor friend. Life is so awful sometimes. Sorry i can't offer any advice.

McDreamy - so she can't recover? What kind of time period is invovled?

That's a question that I can't answer, it will depend on so many factors. I think your friend and her DH need to ask questions - if they want to know, some people don't. I'm so sorry

The doctors will tell them the prognosis.

They don't hide it from patients any more.

They can't give absolute amounts of time. 2 years ago my dh was given 3-6 months to live, he lived 18 months. But if it is terminal they will tell your friend.

It might be a good idea for them to contact Macmillan. They were very helpful for us

How awful Lisa.You sound like a great bunch of mates.

MB, how are you?
The children?
Life in general?

Oh dear, I second those who've said it doesn't sound good.

Contacting Macmillan v good idea. And cancerbacup.

Thanks everyone and particularly MB. I hope life is as kind and gentle to you as is possible.

Moondog -we are a great bunch of friends although this lady is quite reserved and proud and has so far intimated that she really does not need help. Difficult to know whether and how far to push it.

My dad had bowl cancer which spread to his lungs. That was it and they tried to treat it but failed. Was 12 years ago and I was only 8 at the time so dont remember all the details but I remember it being quite quick from finding out he was ill to him dying. That said in 12 years Im sure the drugs etc have improved immencly. Best wishes to your friend.
your help to her dh will be the best thing you can do, I know my mum found it hard juggling everything with 3 youg children when my dad was ill was difficult.

Hope your ok. charlotte x

They do need to ask. I don't know about lungs but I have had liver secondaries and my oncologists and surgeons are still expecting a cure. Not guaranteed, obviously.

I am sorry.
DP godmother survived for 12 mths with primary lung cancer.

Think the help you can offer will be much appreciated.

Thanks all. ThingOne - i wish you a full and speedy recovery .

I'm so sorry for your friend. My Nana had liver cancer with secondary lung cancer. She died six months after the lung cancer diagnosis.

I so hope this is not the case for your friend and there are much more treatments available now. x