ellen666
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Posts:7
My husband was diagnosed April 2012 with sclc
6 round cisplatin/etoposide
30 chest radiation
scan clear but 24 hours dx with bone mets in spine and pelvis
2 rounds taxol
palliative radiation to back
2 rounds taxol
scan showed pelvis stable but progression in spine mets
significant pain in back and pelvis
4 rounds irontecan
scanned today due to inability to walk due to pain in pelvis
scans were negative for fracture
Cancer is stable
I have asked doc 3 times starting in November and as recent as 2 weeks ago what prognosis was. All three times he said April. My question is does the scan today which showed bone mets not progressing since last scan change the prognosis?
Thank you for your help
Forums
Reply # - February 23, 2013, 11:22 PM
Reply To: sclc ext prognosis
I'm sorry to hear of his recent problems. There are really many variables that contribute to our estimate of someones prognosis. Without seeing someone directly and knowing more details, it's not possible to say much. I'm afraid that even though the scan apparently doesn't show progression, it's hard to be encouraged when someone is experiencing more pain and can't walk.
-Dr. West
Reply # - February 24, 2013, 02:50 AM
Reply To: sclc ext prognosis
Ellen, just wanted to say how sorry I am about the whirlwind you must have been through since your husband's diagnosis. One thing I have learnt from GRACE is that if cancer is hard for the patient, it is hell for the partner.
I've also gathered that doctors can't give accurate predictions, only general parameters. Living with that uncertainty is enormously difficult, as my husband and I know to our cost. People here often say "Prepare for the worst, hope for the best", which is a good slogan I think. So while I am sure your doctor is right to prepare you, I hope you and your husband get as much time together as possible. Best wishes.