Expert: Michael Dean - 1/12/2008

Question
QUESTION: what stages are there in cancer, for terminal patient?
and i dont mean the typical 4 stages, i mean specific stages.
i need to know from the very beginning to the very end, meaning death
he has lung cancer from smoking, and it is untreatable. he is middle aged.
please and thank you
Susan

ANSWER: Dear Susan,

I am sorry to hear that someone you know has cancer.

The progress of cancer varies greatly depending on the cancer, the treatments and facility, the person, the patients wishes in terms of care, among others.

Some patients lose their appetite and lose a lot of weight. Some experience a lot of pain and have to be on very strong pain drugs, making it hard to interact with them. Others can be quite healthy otherwise and pass away quickly. If you can help the patient plan his last days and make the most of them that is a great thing. There are many hospice organizations that can help patients spend as much time out of the hospital as possible.

There are a number of forums for people to exchange information about going through this process for the fiend or family member. You are not alone. Here is one:

http://www.cancerforums.net/post-28552.html

There also clinical studies developing new ways to manage the later stages of cancer. You can search here:

http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search

I found 35 such studies for palliative care of lung cancer. If you need help, with this, let me know.

The American Cancer Society and the Lung Cancer Alliance are also great resources.

I hope that this helps, and feel free to write back with more comments, or let me know how you are doing.

Mike




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi again
could you be more specific about the stages PAINWISE??
i just want to be ready for whatever it comes
he has been losing his appetite a little bit but otherwise, its normal.
the doctor has given him some pills incase of pains, but he hasnt so far needed it yet
what kind of pain will he be having?

Answer
Sure.

The pain is typically caused by the tumor pressing on other organs, or invading the spinal cord or bones. Again this can very considerably depending on the person and the cancer. And people respond differently to pain. The important thing is to have it managed properly. With the right drugs patients can live lucid and pain free.

Here is some info:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/paincontrol

And here is from the Pain Foundation.

Take care,
Mike