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Marblelady
Marblelady Member Posts: 2
in Lung Cancer #1

My mother-in-law has stage IV lung cancer 05/13.  She went in for lobe removel and it had spread to linning of lung so doctor glued it together so no more fluid would build up.  Goes back next week of MRI and CT scan.  She does not want chemo.  She is 80 and wants quility of life. 

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  • dennycee
    dennycee Member Posts: 857 Member
    #2
    So sorry your family has to go through this.

    As you already know, it is her body, her decision.  You can only honor that.  Chemo is a very hard/ harsh thing and it is especially hard on the aged.  She should put that and her decisions in writing.  does she have a dnr? Most hospitals have a palliative care program.   They specialize in giving the patient  pain care and focus on remedies that improve quality of life.  If they don't have palliative try hospice.   They tell us that there are patients who have lived longer than three years and longer.  the major difference is that with an emergency, a patient under palliative care can call 911.  A patient under hospice care must call the nurse first.  

    this is a difficult time for everyone but if this was me, or my mom, I would choose palliative care physician.  

  • Ladylacy
    Ladylacy Member Posts: 773 Member
    #3
    Your MIL

    Sorry to hear about your MIL.  If she doesn't want chemo, that is her decision and hers alone and it should be honored.  Some chemo can actually hasten the end because of how people react to the chemo.

    My husband was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in July 2010.  He underwent 35 radiation and 3 chemo.  THought he was NED but in February of 2011 he started having trouble.  Long story was he underwent a total laryngectomy, reconstruction of his throat and partial neck dissection.  For one year everything was good.  Then they found a tumor at the cervical of his esophagus and surgery was ruled out.  He underwent another 35 radiation and 7 chemo.  NED for approximately 4 months.  PET/CT showed reoccurred at cervical of esophagus and spread to lungs.  Only thing offered was chemo and we were told it wouldn't cure only prolong and possibly hasten.  At 75 years young he elected no further treatment.  Today 6 months later he is doing good.  Oh yes he has pain, controlled by medication and low energy.  But he is able to do what he wants pretty much.

    He chose quality over quantity and hasn't looked back.  Don't get me wrong, I didn't agree but it is his choice and our sons and I honor his decision as hard as it is.

    Wishing the best to you and your family -- Sharon

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