Question about stage IV cancer?

My neighbor just told me she has stage IV cancer and will be having more chemo at the end of June, I didn't want to pry because we are not very close so I don't know all the details but what...

My neighbor just told me she has stage IV cancer and will be having more chemo at the end of June, I didn't want to pry because we are not very close so I don't know all the details but what I would like to know is: Is this always terminal? As I said she and I aren't close but our sons are and I would like to be able to give my son answers if he asks and be able to give emotional support to her son if he needs it.

josiejo	Stage 4 is pretty bad considering stage 6 is terminal..g-d bless her..she may make it..maybe she told you because she needs a friend...I wouldn't mention it to your kids, because who knows what her kids really know..

starynight39	Stage IV is the worst cancer there is. I means that it is not just not localized in one area. The cancer has spread from that one localized area and gone to other vital organs. Chemo may get rid of it. It may not. While she is in chemo you could offer to feed her son or take over food so she does not have to cook. She will be really sick. This kind of cancer is very invasive and there is a possibilty that she may not make it. So just be there. Your support and friendship can go along way!

Wize Guy	When its a loved one you never give up hope no matter what. my wife was told she had a year to live she lived eight but when she was in stage IV she lived about three more months.

Panda	dang man that sucks. stage IV is awfull stage I is easy to cure stage II its allready spread a little still not too hard to cure stage III allready spread quite alot very hard to cure stage IV deadly there is no cure all they can do is give her more time

skincancerdoctor	depends on the cancer. Stage 4 ovarian is terminal quickly but stage 4 CML you can live for another 10 years. In her case it sounds bad. Chemo may give her another year or so I'm guessing at the very outside. Tell her you're there for her and her children; if there's anyhint you can do - wash clothes, take them to school, etc. Its the practical things that help. I'd need to know exactly what kind of cancer.

tessasmomy	It depends on what kind of cancer and what histology the cells are. Stage 4 does not always mean terminal. Even if you are not that close to your neighbor I would ask her for just enough info. to answer your child's questions. Particularly since her child and your child are friends. You might offer to keep her child, cook meals, drive her to the doctor etc..... This is stuff she should really appreciate and might give you all time to get to know each other better.

cancer killer	Different cancers have different survival rates, but generally speaking people do not live very long with stage IV cancers. Stage IV indicates metastasis (spreading) to distant areas from the primary cancer site. When this happens, vital organs can be affected and treatments are used to palliate pain and other sub-lethal symptoms. Since there is no cure for cancer, it is only a matter of time before her systems start to shut down. That being said, everyone is different. She could live months or years depending on what organs are involved. I wish her, her family, and yours the best of luck.