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Real members of MyLungCancerTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

If you have small cell carcinoma Stage 4 do you have a chance.What can you expect?s there anything that will help to keep it from spreading?

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Hermitage, PA
January 16, 2023
 · 
Reactions
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I was told I had 2..4...maybe 6 months to get my self ready to meet my maker...5 years ago!!! Damn-near killed myself getting ready for the big day! I must be needed here because "Here I am" I am a very good witness now....😇

January 16, 2023
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Hi Shirley
I was diagnosed in January of 2021 with stage four carcinoma that was diagnosed as the same cancer as my liver cancer back in 2018.
I did 21 months of chemo that ended in November 2022 now I am on immunotherapy with my next scan in February so far my cancer has been held in check.When we have cancer no matter what stage we start to live our lives from Scan to scan
And yes we ALL have a chance that is why we keep fighting.
Gary

January 17, 2023
MyLungCancerTeam

If you have stage 4 small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the prognosis is generally poor, with a five-year relative survival rate of 3 percent. However, treatments are continually improving, and individual factors can affect your prognosis.

What to Expect
- Extensive Spread: Stage 4 SCLC means the cancer has spread throughout Show Full Answer

If you have stage 4 small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the prognosis is generally poor, with a five-year relative survival rate of 3 percent. However, treatments are continually improving, and individual factors can affect your prognosis.

What to Expect:
- Extensive Spread: Stage 4 SCLC means the cancer has spread throughout both lungs, lymph nodes on both sides of the chest, and possibly to other parts of the body.
- Treatment Options:
- Chemotherapy: Often used to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
- Radiation Therapy: May be recommended to shrink tumors or prevent/treat spread to the brain.
- Immunotherapy: Some may take immunotherapy drugs to help the immune system fight cancer.

Keeping it from Spreading:
- Systemic Therapy: Medications that travel through the bloodstream to target cancer cells in all locations.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that attack specific molecules in cancer cells, leaving normal cells largely unaffected.

Additional Considerations:
- Regular Monitoring: Frequent check-ups and scans to monitor the cancer's progression.
- Supportive Care: Palliative care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the resources provided in the context:
- [Stage 4 Lung Cancer: What To Expect](https://www.mylungcancerteam.com/resources/stag...)
- [Small Cell Carcinoma (SCLC) - An Overview](https://www.mylungcancerteam.com/resources/smal...)

July 9, 2024
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I'd say you probably have a fighting chance with treatment. I know several people on this site who have achieved remission and live pretty good lives (quality wise). They are also stage 4. Like all cancer patients, you never know til you try.

July 9, 2024
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Never give up hope, Shirley. Almost 2 years out since my last treatment and no progression and no new growth. Praise God!!!! I am rechecked/CT scanned every 3 months and like Gary said, we do live our lives scan to scan; but we’re still here. Praying for you. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

November 21, 2023

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