AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on the causes of cancer and cancer prevention.
Information on current cancer research and breakthroughs.
The genetics of cancer
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
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:
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.
