Kalina, this is an issue that has confused me, also. It is also the source of added anxiety for me - all this conflicting info. My husband also has (had) Stage IV cancer. The very first ENT we saw was VERY optimistic, even before he knew much, beyond the cancer in a large lymph node. He gave us the figure of around 80% survival, which I haven't heard anyone repeat since. Our new ENT hasn't put a number out there, but the oncologist said 65%. Then, just yesterday, husband had his PEG tube removed and the gastrointestinal doc doing that procedure was reassuring - "as awful as the treatment is, it often works." But if you look on the internet, you can read some really dismal statistics. I've decided to quit looking on the internet.

I know I haven't helped you at all, but just wanted you to know that I have similar feelings. I think maybe we just have to learn to live with the unknown.

Anita