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Small Cell Extensive Lung Cancer
An_206488 posted:
Can someone please give me the truth about the prognosis of stage four, small cell extensive lung cancer? My husband was diagnosed with this, just started chemo, and has never had one symptom. The oncologist says the rate of cure is 70-80%, and with everything I've researched it is hard for me to believe. I have said nothing to my husband as he has a positive attitude. Someone, please tell me the truth.
14 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerCan someone please give me the truth about the prognosis of stage four, small cell extensive lung cancer? My husband was diagnosed with this, just started chemo, and has never had one symptom. The oncologist says the rate of cure is 70-80%, and with everything I've researched it is hard for me to believe. I have said nothing to my husband as he has a positive attitude. Someone, please tell me the truth.
leahquestions responded:
No one really can say what can happen, you can go to a cancer site that gives stats but that may not apply to some... stage 1 and 2 in any cancer is easiest to get rid of. Location is very important. Has it metastisized< that's the question? If it has it still doesn't mean much. I'm still here...good luck
Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerNo one really can say what can happen, you can go to a cancer site that gives stats but that may not apply to some... stage 1 and 2 in any cancer is easiest to get rid of. Location is very important. Has it metastisized< that's the question? If it has it still doesn't mean much. I'm still here...good luck
Iocasta responded:
I found out last week that my mom has extensive small cell lung cancer. It has spread to the liver and she is having a brain scan this week to see if it has spread to the brain. She too has not had any symptom. From my research, this isn't surprising. She is not going to do chemo because she was told 9 months to a year and that chemo wouldn't give her very much.
I'm still reeling from this info. My heart goes out to you. ((((HUGS)))
I'm still reeling from this info. My heart goes out to you. ((((HUGS)))
Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerI found out last week that my mom has extensive small cell lung cancer. It has spread to the liver and she is having a brain scan this week to see if it has spread to the brain. She too has not had any symptom. From my research, this isn't surprising. She is not going to do chemo because she was told 9 months to a year and that chemo wouldn't give her very much. <br /><br />I'm still reeling from this info. My heart goes out to you. ((((HUGS)))
donnaBroome replied to Iocasta's response:
I found out that my husband small cell lung cancer just before Thanksgiving. His brain scan was clear. But he cancer is spread to both his liver and spine. He has had radiation treatments and chemo. So far he is doing well.....get another opinion don't give up!
Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerI found out that my husband small cell lung cancer just before Thanksgiving. His brain scan was clear. But he cancer is spread to both his liver and spine. He has had radiation treatments and chemo. So far he is doing well.....get another opinion don't give up!
An_206489 responded:
Thank all of you for your responses. I am trying to understand why the oncologist says 70-80% rate of cure. It seems way out of line. The cancer is also in his liver and both hipbones, so far not in the brain. He goes on Monday for his second round of chemo. He is feeling very good and goes to work every day. I don't know what to think, or what to expect. He is of the opinion he will beat this in a few months and go on with his life as before. I don't have the heart to tell him what I know. Positive attitude means so much, but I try to be realistic.
Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerThank all of you for your responses. I am trying to understand why the oncologist says 70-80% rate of cure. It seems way out of line. The cancer is also in his liver and both hipbones, so far not in the brain. He goes on Monday for his second round of chemo. He is feeling very good and goes to work every day. I don't know what to think, or what to expect. He is of the opinion he will beat this in a few months and go on with his life as before. I don't have the heart to tell him what I know. Positive attitude means so much, but I try to be realistic.
grateful_one replied to An_206489's response:
Have you spoken one-on-one with your husband's oncologist about the cure rates he/she gave? There may be a reason why the cure rates are higher than expected in your husband's case, and the oncologist would be the one who could provide the information to substantiate that. Meanwhile, I agree that there is no good reason to discourage your husband, since his attitude and his faith in his course of treatment and his own body's abilities to heal may very well be his strongest "weapons" against his disease. Several years ago I lost my husband to small cell lung cancer. His disease was much more extensive than you have described your husband's to be. Even so, my husband survived much longer than was predicted and was in a better state of health than anyone expected him to be during that time. I think his own expectations, desires and faith in himself and his course of treatment played a big part in both his survival time and quality of life. No one can truly predict how long anyone will survive. Small cell lung cancer is a serious disease and statistics are a useful tool, but every individual is unique. My heart is with both you and your husband. May you both be well and enjoy every day.
Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerHave you spoken one-on-one with your husband's oncologist about the cure rates he/she gave? There may be a reason why the cure rates are higher than expected in your husband's case, and the oncologist would be the one who could provide the information to substantiate that. Meanwhile, I agree that there is no good reason to discourage your husband, since his attitude and his faith in his course of treatment and his own body's abilities to heal may very well be his strongest "weapons" against his disease. Several years ago I lost my husband to small cell lung cancer. His disease was much more extensive than you have described your husband's to be. Even so, my husband survived much longer than was predicted and was in a better state of health than anyone expected him to be during that time. I think his own expectations, desires and faith in himself and his course of treatment played a big part in both his survival time and quality of life. No one can truly predict how long anyone will survive. Small cell lung cancer is a serious disease and statistics are a useful tool, but every individual is unique. My heart is with both you and your husband. May you both be well and enjoy every day.
An_206490 responded:
Anon
I am so sorry your husband has been diagnosed with this horrific disease.
I lost my husband 18 months ago to non small cell lung cancer and he was diagnosed 4th stage with metastis to adrenal glands and back/bone.
I've never heard of a 70-80% cure rate with any 4th stage diagnosis; but your husband may be very lucky.
My suggestion is to contact the following organization who will help you and your husband with all of your questions
www.lungcanceralliance.org
They are the only non profit lung cancer organization and believe me they will help you and your husband.
I will keep you both in my prayers
Regards
I am so sorry your husband has been diagnosed with this horrific disease.
I lost my husband 18 months ago to non small cell lung cancer and he was diagnosed 4th stage with metastis to adrenal glands and back/bone.
I've never heard of a 70-80% cure rate with any 4th stage diagnosis; but your husband may be very lucky.
My suggestion is to contact the following organization who will help you and your husband with all of your questions
www.lungcanceralliance.org
They are the only non profit lung cancer organization and believe me they will help you and your husband.
I will keep you both in my prayers
Regards
Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerAnon<br />I am so sorry your husband has been diagnosed with this horrific disease.<br /> I lost my husband 18 months ago to non small cell lung cancer and he was diagnosed 4th stage with metastis to adrenal glands and back/bone.<br />I've never heard of a 70-80% cure rate with any 4th stage diagnosis; but your husband may be very lucky.<br />My suggestion is to contact the following organization who will help you and your husband with all of your questions<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.lungcanceralliance.org">www.lungcanceralliance.org</a> <br />They are the only non profit lung cancer organization and believe me they will help you and your husband.<br />I will keep you both in my prayers<br />Regards
Maritere26 replied to Iocasta's response:
Dear Leah and Locasta, I am with you. I know what you must be feeling for your dear ones. I am living with cancer and am glad it is me who is going through this and not someone else n my family. I only ask that you both please look into Dr. Bernie Siegel's books. No two patients are the same. Even when the diagnoses may seem alike. You can also look up Dr. Siegel's talks on You Tube. You will see a lot about the mind-body connection in his work (see also Dr. Carl Simmonton). I also recommend you look into Dr. Sandra Miller's Immunity Cure. She is a long time McGill University Professor and Researcher ( Molecular Biology) who has done extensive studies on the immune system and how we can strengthen it using appropriate supplements and following a strict diet. Cancer is an immune disorder. I hope you can find some of the answers you are looking for in their work. I am following immune therapy based on Dr. Miller's studies and I am very optimistic. I have a close friend who had lung cancer 10 years ago and was given 3 months... She is happy and healthy today. She helped me choose my path. I hope both your family members recover and enjoy a long and happy life with you. With love, a cancer patient.
Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerDear Leah and Locasta, I am with you. I know what you must be feeling for your dear ones. I am living with cancer and am glad it is me who is going through this and not someone else n my family. I only ask that you both please look into Dr. Bernie Siegel's books. No two patients are the same. Even when the diagnoses may seem alike. You can also look up Dr. Siegel's talks on You Tube. You will see a lot about the mind-body connection in his work (see also Dr. Carl Simmonton). I also recommend you look into Dr. Sandra Miller's Immunity Cure. She is a long time McGill University Professor and Researcher ( Molecular Biology) who has done extensive studies on the immune system and how we can strengthen it using appropriate supplements and following a strict diet. Cancer is an immune disorder. I hope you can find some of the answers you are looking for in their work. I am following immune therapy based on Dr. Miller's studies and I am very optimistic. I have a close friend who had lung cancer 10 years ago and was given 3 months... She is happy and healthy today. She helped me choose my path. I hope both your family members recover and enjoy a long and happy life with you. With love, a cancer patient.
vegastigr replied to Maritere26's response:
Thank you all, again. The amount of caring and compassion in the cancer community is truly inspiring. The oncologist told me, when I questioned him alone about his comment of percentage of cure - he said that what he really said, and perhaps I misunderstood, was that there was a 70-80% chance of the tumors shrinking. That I knew. But they can come back, generally to the brain. I don't mind admitting I'm scared half out of my mind, not from the knowledge but from not knowing what might happen. My husband is done with his second round of chemo, is doing very well and still working full time, although he does get tired. He had a scan the other day, and we'll get the results next week. Any other information anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated, and I thank you all for your input.
Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerThank you all, again. The amount of caring and compassion in the cancer community is truly inspiring. The oncologist told me, when I questioned him alone about his comment of percentage of cure - he said that what he really said, and perhaps I misunderstood, was that there was a 70-80% chance of the tumors shrinking. That I knew. But they can come back, generally to the brain. I don't mind admitting I'm scared half out of my mind, not from the knowledge but from not knowing what might happen. My husband is done with his second round of chemo, is doing very well and still working full time, although he does get tired. He had a scan the other day, and we'll get the results next week. Any other information anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated, and I thank you all for your input.
JFireman responded:
I have a dear friend with small cell cancer wrapped around his aorta, esophagus as well as tentacles reaching to wrap around his heart. His prognosis looks real good...even though he's pushing his luck at times... He's been through Chemo, radiation and still has a port in his chest, but he's working and functioning and appears to be in remission. His chances look good...and the best thing can also be that positive state of mind he's utilizing...Please find peace, so that your energy is positive as well. Fear can be a mighty force of negative....Ground yourself and kick fear out the door!
Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerI have a dear friend with small cell cancer wrapped around his aorta, esophagus as well as tentacles reaching to wrap around his heart. His prognosis looks real good...even though he's pushing his luck at times... He's been through Chemo, radiation and still has a port in his chest, but he's working and functioning and appears to be in remission. His chances look good...and the best thing can also be that positive state of mind he's utilizing...Please find peace, so that your energy is positive as well. Fear can be a mighty force of negative....Ground yourself and kick fear out the door!
The thing is, no one can predict the future. There is no one who can say with any certainty what is going to happen to your husband. I understand wanting knowledge to help with the fear, I am the same way. I've looked into statistics, and they are not great. But, still, no one really knows. I've put the statistics out of my mind and I just try to be there and help my mom and my whole family in any way I can. It is truly a one day-at-a-time situation. The more I talk about my mom's cancer the more people tell me stories of remission. I think you should try to enjoy and treasure every moment you have with your husband. It sounds like he is keeping a positive attitude. I'm sure the best thing you can do for him is to help him reinforce that. Though I'm sure you are doing that. You are not alone.
Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerThe thing is, no one can predict the future. There is no one who can say with any certainty what is going to happen to your husband. I understand wanting knowledge to help with the fear, I am the same way. I've looked into statistics, and they are not great. But, still, no one really knows. I've put the statistics out of my mind and I just try to be there and help my mom and my whole family in any way I can. It is truly a one day-at-a-time situation. The more I talk about my mom's cancer the more people tell me stories of remission. I think you should try to enjoy and treasure every moment you have with your husband. It sounds like he is keeping a positive attitude. I'm sure the best thing you can do for him is to help him reinforce that. Though I'm sure you are doing that. You are not alone.
An_250224 responded:
Hello,
I see it has been two years since you made this post. How is your husband? Just two weeks ago I lost my mom to extensive small cell lung cancer. She was only 64. She passed 27 months after diagnosis. She was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC.
If needed I would be happy to help you or anyone else in any way with regard to information related to small cell. I am not a physician, but I am in the medical field and have a vast understanding of medicine and other aspects of medicine. I would be happy to share my experiences about my mom's health. if I knew it would be helpful.
I see it has been two years since you made this post. How is your husband? Just two weeks ago I lost my mom to extensive small cell lung cancer. She was only 64. She passed 27 months after diagnosis. She was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC.
If needed I would be happy to help you or anyone else in any way with regard to information related to small cell. I am not a physician, but I am in the medical field and have a vast understanding of medicine and other aspects of medicine. I would be happy to share my experiences about my mom's health. if I knew it would be helpful.
Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerHello,<br /> <br />I see it has been two years since you made this post. How is your husband? Just two weeks ago I lost my mom to extensive small cell lung cancer. She was only 64. She passed 27 months after diagnosis. She was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC. <br /> <br />If needed I would be happy to help you or anyone else in any way with regard to information related to small cell. I am not a physician, but I am in the medical field and have a vast understanding of medicine and other aspects of medicine. I would be happy to share my experiences about my mom's health. if I knew it would be helpful.
Locasta,
I'm not sure if you will even see this as you posted this 2 years ago, but my mom has recently been diagnosed with stage IV sclc and is undergoing chemo and palliative radiation. I was wondering how your mom fared and what if anything you were able to do to aid her in all of this. Thank you.
I'm not sure if you will even see this as you posted this 2 years ago, but my mom has recently been diagnosed with stage IV sclc and is undergoing chemo and palliative radiation. I was wondering how your mom fared and what if anything you were able to do to aid her in all of this. Thank you.
Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerLocasta, <br />I'm not sure if you will even see this as you posted this 2 years ago, but my mom has recently been diagnosed with stage IV sclc and is undergoing chemo and palliative radiation. I was wondering how your mom fared and what if anything you were able to do to aid her in all of this. Thank you.
liziecon responded:
My husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 small cell lung cancer that has spread throughout his body. This was in Aug 2012. We have now been going through this for the past 8 months and it doesn't get any easier. Between the Chemo and radiation things keep geting worse.
Every case is different but our Doctor came right out and told us there is NO cure for Small Cell Lung cancer. Depending on the severity they can only control it.
Every case is different but our Doctor came right out and told us there is NO cure for Small Cell Lung cancer. Depending on the severity they can only control it.
Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerMy husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 small cell lung cancer that has spread throughout his body. This was in Aug 2012. We have now been going through this for the past 8 months and it doesn't get any easier. Between the Chemo and radiation things keep geting worse.<br />Every case is different but our Doctor came right out and told us there is NO cure for Small Cell Lung cancer. Depending on the severity they can only control it.
liziecon replied to grateful_one's response:
Good morning grateful one. I too am loosing my long love over small cell lung cancer he is in stage 4 but it has spread all over his body and to his brain. I almost lost him when we found out about the cancer. The doctors gave him a month to live but he walked out of the ICU after 30 days. It has been 8 long months and now he is going down hill really fast in my opinion. I only wish I had someone to talk to about what to expect with his attitude from now on. He was always a strong independent man and now he pushes me away every time I try to help him. Sometimes I feel like its me. I dont like the way my heart feels at the present time. I am 53 and my husband is 56. too young to die. Do you mind helping me understand?
Report This| Share this:Small Cell Extensive Lung CancerGood morning grateful one. I too am loosing my long love over small cell lung cancer he is in stage 4 but it has spread all over his body and to his brain. I almost lost him when we found out about the cancer. The doctors gave him a month to live but he walked out of the ICU after 30 days. It has been 8 long months and now he is going down hill really fast in my opinion. I only wish I had someone to talk to about what to expect with his attitude from now on. He was always a strong independent man and now he pushes me away every time I try to help him. Sometimes I feel like its me. I dont like the way my heart feels at the present time. I am 53 and my husband is 56. too young to die. Do you mind helping me understand?
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