Stage IV lung cancer?

ricmoti1 · New User Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Posts: 2

My 72 yr old Mom was just diagnosed with lung cancer after a year of trying to find out what was causing her dizzy spells and slurred speach.
One Dr. even gave her a sea sickness patch! The cancer has caused brain tumors and swelling which caused the symptoms. She is getting radiation, but at this stage, do you think chemo would do any good? Of course, her doctors suggest it, but her 1 yr survival chances appear very small. Is it better to try everything despite the quality of life issues, or let her live out her time in peace?

leo · Contributor Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1575

Hello

Thanks for posting. There is no right or wrong answer for this. It all depends how sick she is and how toxic the treatments would be to her. Also, if she is still capable of making decisions, the doctors could lay out her options and let her decide. It is true that at this stage chemotherapy can not prolong her life very much. Balancing the benefits and risks will be the most important thing here.

best regards,
Leo
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Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

pat devitavessa · Regular Joined: 09 Apr 2005 Posts: 25

Hello There,

I read your post and wondered just how YOU must be feeling? I have never had cancer but, I have had several loved ones face this most difficult of decisions. I also have had many patients work through grief issues. Please remember to take a little time to take care of yourself. This goes for any small ones that you may have. If you can find someone to see in your area do so. Surround yourself with all the support you can. If anxiety or sadness appears to be taking over your days see your family Dr. He/she may be able to help you on their own or provide you with a referrral. Take a walk, a hot bath, treat yourself to some small thing. Most of all remember this is far from your " best of times" but you will face this in your own special way. We are all here for you.

My Very Best ,

Pat
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Pat DeVita-Vessa, MFT

This is a dislaimer that this is not medical advice only information to help you

ricmoti1 · New User Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Posts: 2

That was very thoughtful of you. It has been such a whirlwind so far. The family has been busy in crisis mode making plans for hospice care, treatments, living arrangements etc. In a way, this helps us. At least we feel we are being helpful and supportive instead of just greiving.
Mom always joked " I just had kids to take care of me in my old age."
well, here we are.

sac · New User Joined: 11 May 2005 Posts: 4

My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer on 1-20-05 at the age of 63. Her prognosis was given as 8-10 months with no chemo and 1-2 yrs with. She opted for chemo and after her first treatment of "taxol" her blood sugars were so high she was hospitalized for 1 week. She bacame very weak and developed tingling in her feet. Her oncologist then changed her to "GenZar" and she became unable to walk more than a few feet at a time because her jojnts were so painful. At this time we decided no more chemo and began to look into Herbals, unfortunately we did not get a chance to see if the herbals worked because she developed pneumonia and passed away on 4-7-05. Hindsight being what it is I believe towards the end she wished she had never taken a chemo treatment and just take the quality of life she could have had for the "8-10 months" and she may have been around to see 2 of her grandchildren graduate from high school.

sac · New User Joined: 11 May 2005 Posts: 4

I just wanted to add that my mom's diagnosis also came as the result of dizziness and headaches and slurred speech. She had a tumor removed from her brain and came out extremely well after surgery. But the chemo treatments took a lot out of her.

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