How do others with Stage 4 NSCLC cope with the emotional journey?

Welcome to the community! The emotional whirlwind that comes with a cancer diagnosis is something many members here understand deeply. Finding healthy coping strategies during treatment - whether through connecting with others who share similar experiences, engaging in activities that bring comfort, or working with counselors who specialize in cancer care - can make a meaningful difference in navigating this journey. Many community members find that sharing their experiences and hearing from others helps them process the complex emotions that come with this diagnosis.

Hola Amy. Mine was diagnosed in January 2024. Same feelings as you. This January was different with neck metastasis in C2. Chemo was paused and followed Radiotherapy. Yesterday my oncologist suggested to participate in a clinical study fase 3 to compare to Docetaxel an Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are targeted cancer therapies that combine monoclonal antibodies with chemotherapy, acting as "biological missiles" to deliver toxic payloads directly to tumor cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Still thinking about it. Its been a rollercoaster of labs, infusions, hospitals, bed time and some good days with family and friends. Wish you health

Hello Amy glad to hear you are doing so well!! This is a tough journey we are on....my name is nealy and I was diagnosed stage 4 nsclc with brain metastasis 2/10/22...I had gamma knife to remove a brain tumor then completed 4 rounds of chemo and 2 yrs keytruda. Originally I was given less than a year survival and was told to get my life in order. I decided to fight ....I now walk an average of 8 miles a day and have completely changed my diet now I am NED. I focus on keeping my immune system as strong as possible and keeping inflammation as low as possible. Stay positive it makes a big difference. If you have questions or just someone to talk to or vent to feel free to text me. Take care ....god is good!!

Where are you getting your treatment. That is such wonderful news.

Nealy I have stage 3B lung cancer. Recently had my port placed. I am starting chemotherapy on Tuesday. I will be getting 2 drugs IV weekly and also external beam radiation for 6 weeks. I am 71 years old and also have asthma. I am so frightened that I am going to have this brutal treatment and perhaps suffer for nothing. My doctors say they hope to cure me. It is good to hear about positive outcomes. I need tobfind some hope.

Hi I am stage 4. In 2017 I was diagnosed with a tumor v on top of my kidney. It was removed benign with agressive cells. 9 years later my lung. Had wedge resection . No treatment needed. 2 years later a nodule on my right side waiting for petscan. Anyone from south florida?

Sue O Please stay positive it makes a huge difference for your recovery. Try to stay as active as possible...even just walking in your house and tracking your steps makes a difference i noticed that when I got up and moved I felt so much better laying around made me weaker and feel very sad. Good luck in your treatment this is a hard fight ...may God bless you.

Hey Nealy, my diagnosis 1/2026 is Stage 3a after initially 1a in 2020, no treatment after surgery. Had a PET and a spot they’ve been following since 6/2025 grew a little and lit up intensely. Waiting for a liquid biopsy and then probably Carbo taxol weekly with low dose radiation x 30. Then Durvalumab monthly x 1 year. I’ve been reading alot about healing the “terrain“ in the body and am very interested in complementary treatment, integrative oncology. I have used complementary therapy for many years. What are you specifically doing to enhance your immunity? Were you doing those things while on chemo? I’ve read that some supplements, etc, will affect chemo in a negative way, I.e. black seed oil. There’s so much info out there. I’m curious what you’ve done. TIA. Katie, RN and Health Coach

I have stage IV Lung w/brain mets just had recent MRI and CT scans.....still NED after 4 yrs. My tumor is has started shrinking again I haven't had any medication or treatments in 2 yrs.....I changed my diet ....as little to no sugar....drink green matcha tea 2x a day....fresh or frozen veggies.....purple grapes, pomegranate Ariels and juice...lots of quinoa, chia and flax seeds....no bread....no fried foods...hardly anything from a can or processed. When i finished chemo and keytruda my tumor was still 4 x 2.4 ...now 2.9 x 1.6. Slowly change your diet and within 3 months you will not miss most foods. I have found that I can no longer eat fast foods without being sick the next day that is how bad the foods most people are eating are for them. When I asked my doctor why my tumor was shrinking she said because you changed your diet ...but she never told me to I did research and just figured I would try anything that may help. Good luck to everyone!!

Nealy, Im impressed with your journey: you accomplish 8 miles walking and no bread!!! Kudos! I’ll think of you to get out of my PJs and move w/o bread in the mornings! Best wishes.

I was diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC on 11/5/2024. After x-rays, CT Scans, antibiotics for what they thought was pneumonia at first, benzonatate for the constant cough, then an MRI, more X-Rays, biopsy and ultimately a PET Scan... they determined it was ALK inhibitor or arrangement. One of the oncologists feels it is more Stage IIIC but because it's crossed over to my left side so now both right and left lung are affected. Was first out on Loratnib and size of nodules slightly got smaller but ultimately my liver enzymes were 6 times what they should be so I had to stop Loratinib and then I was put on Alectinib. Overall, I have not felt much different from the original diagnosis and if it had not been for having a cough which was after having COVID, I may still not have known I had cancer. I quit drinking my white claws x a couple a day and try not eating sweets and continually eat healthy foods. Glad there is a site to see others talking about their experiences - not quite as lonely feeling.

Yep; here we are! One day at a time. Ive been through 3 different chemos and on Friday will get my 48 th infusion since it all began in Jan 2024. 🙏🏼🙌💪🙏🏼

Wow! That is a lot of chemo. I guess no one's journey is easy. Diagnosed Stage 3B NSC adenocarcinoma in Feb 2026. I had 7 chemotherapy infusions and my body is so damaged. I've had allergic reactions to chemo, blood clots that traveled to my lungs and currently pneumonitis from radiation and Tagrisso. I am now NED, but suffering from all the side effects. I do have hope that my symptoms will improve. Trying to get from CT to FL because this weather is triggering my asthma. If I am not wheezing on Saturday, I am getting on a plane. Life since cancer is full of surprises ! I want to get to the beach and hopefully without my extra oxygen!