Brutally honest question: Stage four cancer is terminal right?

Stage 4 indicates a large tumor that has spread to at least nearby tissue. Depending on the type and degree of spreading it may be survivable for an extended period of time. I have lived with family members who were forced to battle cancer. My mother was successful. The doctors took out a softball size tumor from her abdomen and told us to get ready, they gave her 6 weeks tops to live. She fought through chemo and radiation and went back to teaching school and lived another 30 yrs. and died of a stroke at the age of 89. My wife beat breast cancer but 18 yrs. later lost her life to another unrelated cancer. You never enter that battle planning to lose. You have to fight it right up to the last dying breath. At least when it is over you know you gave it your very best.

Don't be too hard on your friend. There will be plenty of time afterwards to help her pick up the pieces.

I just found out last month that one of my dearests friends was diagnosed stage 4.
It has been very hard having conversations over the phone while trying to find money to get airline tickets to fly and see her before she leaves us.

It is a very, very, painful heartbreak that keeps on happening every time we talk. 💔 😢

I just pray that I am granted one last opportunity to see her smile greet me and feel her in my arms wrap around me so that we may both know love and peace when that hour comes. 😪

I'm sure she's aware of the reality of it
But she's not publicly accepting admission of defeat
Nothing wrong in that.
Often those with stage 4 need those around them to encourage the fight to live their best lives for the time they have remaining.
I think four years is the average after stage 4 diagnosis. And even then periods of remission are possible

I know someone that had Stage 4+ (5% chance of living) and survived. That person is still alive more than 15 years later.

You can't free people from the chains to which they cling.
She's going through the storm, and it will undoubtedly change her.
Just be there to listen, support, find ways to celebrate the small things and make light. I'm sure she's already grappling with her own doubts and fears, she doesn't need those affirmed.
When I lost my granddad (who was more like a dad to me), I lost myself. I thought I had to be someone else, someone to take his place. I think everyone goes through it in their own way.
One of the hardest parts, is realising you don't have that safety net anymore. It's hard replacing such love, esp. since most of us only get 2 or fewer parents.

unfortunately yes. Stage four indicates distant metastases and a failure of the treatment to control its spread.

There are many variables to consider, it may seem incurable but remission can happen.

Stage 4 is just about end stage

I don't think it's the right timing for anything brutal, even if that's honesty.
Everyone has the right to handle their personal experiences the way they want and not be told how they should accept anything.
Also sometimes, accepting the facts might mean you're limiting the chances for something different. Not everyone operates with the same way. She's fighting right now and perhaps doesn't need to be reminded of the "reality". Let the girl be. She's having it tough already.

People can live with it. I have an acquaintance with stage four cancer and he has lived two years with it now.

Typically it is but if you receive the right treatment or the right amount it can go into remission

Not always. Deponds upon location. Pancreatic or liver is fata.

Not unusual she thinks that way. Many ppl live for yrs with stage four, provided it's slow growing, not aggressive.

Depends on the cancer and how treatment has gone. Doesn't sound great. Education from a doctor might be helpful.

You are stage 4 cancer.
https://similarworlds.com/relationships/no-problem-interracial/4769075-I-hate-to-sound-very-blunt-but-everyone-should-stick-within