A 43-year-old member asked:
Mom diagnosed wi/stage iv non small cell lung cancer its mets to bones, a lymph node, pancreas. what is her chances of survival?
3 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Hesham Hassaballaanswered
Pulmonary Critical Care 24 years experience
Sadly, not good: I'm so very sorry, but stage IV lung cancer, especially ones that have spread as much as your mother's has spread, doesn't carry a very good survival.
But, you should get together with your doctor and a cancer specialist to figure out the best treatment options. I would also figure out overall goals of care and find out what your mom would want. Best of luck, and hang in there, ok?
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. William Byarsanswered
Family Medicine 46 years experience
I agree: I agree with dr. Wright. Try to be sure that mom understands the difference between palliative treatment and curative treatment. Any treatment she receives will be palliative. With support from family and friends and health care providers, she should not procrastinate on end-of-life planning.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Andrew Turrisi commented
Radiation Oncology 49 years experience
In addition to saying it is "palliative", say that we care about your mom, and her comfort now is our first objective since treatment of the cancer may only make her feel worse and has no chance of extending her life. A true statement, but somehow hard for therapy-focused physicians to say aloud.
Apr 29, 2013
Dr. Christian Schultheisanswered
Hematology and Oncology 26 years experience
Tough: Not curable but treatable. Survival depends on several factors, performance status-meaning how she is doing and how many side effects. Also depends on how well and if she responds to chemotherapy. Hope this helps.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 9, 2016
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