jocelynm1994
![]()
Posts:1
If one were to be diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma at a late stage and told that the diagnosis is grim with treatment, and were to refuse treatment, what would the progression of the disease be? What would happen to the body and how would the symptoms progress. What would a person who refuses treatment go through in their final months?
Forums
Reply # - December 2, 2016, 03:11 PM
Hi jocelyknm1994,
Hi jocelyknm1994,
Welcome to Grace. That's an excellent question. The not as helpful answer as you're looking for (I'll make sure an onc comments of specifics for Non-hodgkins Lymphoma. I can speak to one important point, cancer will do anything and trying to put a time frame on the answer isn't possible. Dr. West and other faculty have often warned against timetables because these numbers are averages and mediums of long spectrums of possibilities. No matter what the prognostication from real stats doctors are notoriously bad and guessing how long someone will live.
In this discussion Dr. West describes what to expect from the last days of life. http://cancergrace.org/cancer-treatments/2011/05/06/faq-dying-process/
You should hear back from one of our faculty in a day or two (or the beginning to next week).
All the very best,
Janine
Reply # - December 6, 2016, 07:48 AM
I'm back Jocelynm with a bit
I'm back Jocelynm with a bit more info. Left untreated life expectancy is usually measured in months. I've given a link to what to expect in the final phase of life. What may come between now and then is difficult to guess. Obstruction to organs from tumors and growth in bones can cause pain and inability of various organs to operate or operate appropriately. Radiation can usually be given to relieve symptoms if/while the person is able to go to the treatment center.
Most importantly hospice should be chosen (if there are options in who) to make a good fit for the one with cancer and loved for loved ones/caregivers. There are positive reviews of hospice care across the board all over the world. They are professional care givers for those who are in end of life. The only comments usually given are statements that they wished they'd called hospice in earlier which is what research suggests to be most helplful. They help where help is needed including pain management, comfort care, spiritual care if wanted, and tremendous care with and for family caregivers.
I'm so very sorry you're in the need to ask these questions and hope we can help further if needed.
Keeping in my thoughts,
Janine