Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 2/24/2009

Question
My Mamaw was diagnosed with cancer a year ago this past January. She was a stage four and the cancer was in her lungs, bones and liver. She had chemo for the past year and it was a miracle the news we heard this past Christmas. The doctor said her cancer was gone except for a very small spot in her lung. She has been in the hospital with pneumonia since then. Her chest has really been hurting and her voice sounded terrible. They ran some tests and she has brain cancer now and she has a tumor in her lungs that is blocking 70% of her air. She is having radiation now to hopefully shrink this tumor in her lungs. Today was her 5th one and they are going to do 10 treatments. Last Monday the doctor had a meeting with the family and said Mamaw has 3 weeks and without the radiation it would only be two. This is my husband's Grandma, but I am closer to her than my own Grandmothers. She is a very special person. My husband and I have not had to deal with a death in either one of our families and this has been very hard on both of us. We give each other lots of support though. Hospice starting coming to her house last week to help out with things and that made things set in even more. I read your responses to other people's emails and it made me feel better knowing we are not alone in this. There are many people out there suffering, because of the same thing. We see her look really good some days, but others she is so tired and she is in a lot of pain. I am 5 months pregnant with our first child. We started trying for a baby last year so that we wouldn't run out of time and now it seems like we have. I wish I could just have one picture with her holding our baby. Do you think she can fight this and I am I being selfish hoping that she can? We do not want to lose her, but at the same time we know she will make a perfect angel. Thank you for your time and God Bless You.

Lacey and PJ

Answer
Since her cancer is a stage 4 and has spread to her brain her prognosis is unfortunately very bad and no cure is possible. Her remaining survival time is most probably very short and it is hardly possible for her to fight this situation. So unfortunately I doubt very much that it will be possible for her to see your baby since your delivery is around 4 months away. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!