Hi,
This question has been answered by Dr Heinrik:
Hi,
The actual estimates on survival are best answered by your
doctor. The previous experience with treatment whether or not
there was complete clearance of all traces of disease, the
duration that prior chemotherapy kept the disease from
progression, these give a rough guide as to success of the
current planned treatment.
Difficulty of breathing or the requirement for oxygen may be due
to different things -it may only reflect the burden of the tumor
limiting movement of the diaphragm. The other possibility is the
extent of cancer in the lung, if this is the main reason for the
difficulty breathing, this may bode poorly.
Changes in sensorium, delirium, degree of alertness and
wakefulness also indicate worsening condition. The same goes for
weight loss. Another guide is the degree of dependency on others
- if she is bedridden and requires help for activities such as
feeding, this reflects more extensive disease burden (as it
affects her daily living).
The presence of the factors above lower the chances of survival.
Mortality within 30 days may be as high as 30-40%.
I understand that there are practical considerations in planning
treatment that an estimate on survival should be addressed. A
focus on quality rather than quantity of life should also be in
perspective. More likely, the treatment is to improve symptoms.
Discuss with your doctor if the treatment also has a good chance
of making an impact on extending survival.
