Lung Cancer Stages

Question: If my doctor has told me I have lung cancer early stages, can I smoke for say another year before worrying? Yes I know but I can't see that another year would hurt all that much.

Answer: Okay, here's the deal: first, lung cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers there is. It grows rapidly. If you keep smoking, the tumor cells will see it as a giant party, and create more of themselves until it's out of control, and you die. If you are in early stages now, that means there is a good chance of them getting all of the tumor removed. But once you let it get to late stages, and that party gets out of control, those tumor cells will spread to other parts of your body. By then, you are terminal, and WILL die. Second, saying "oh well, then it won't matter" is bulls*t. What really happens is that you are in pain like you can't believe. You will look and feel horrible, all your energy will by gone, and the last thing on your mind will be cigarettes. It will be on quality vs quantity of the life left to you that matters..

Question: Lung Cancer Stages!!!? hi i have homework in english where i have to write 10-14 poems and making booklet of poems that all have the same storyline. so i decided to write about a man in his middle ages who has terminal lung cancer from smoking all the time. so what stages of lung cancer are there?? im looking for VERY SPECIFIC details from the very beginning to the very end, meaning death. and i need some info on lung cancer too. THANKS i would appreciate the stages PAINWISE, not medically

Answer: Lung cancer is a disease in which the cells of the lung tissues grow uncontrollably and form tumors. It is the leading cause of death from cancer among both men and women in the United States. There are two kinds of lung cancers, primary and secondary. Primary lung cancer (also called adenocarcinoma) starts in the lung itself. Primary lung cancer is divided into small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, depending on how the cells look under the microscope. Secondary lung cancer is cancer that starts somewhere else in the body (for example, the breast or colon) and spreads to the lungs. Small cell cancer was formerly called oat cell cancer, because the cells resemble oats in their shape. About one-fourth of all lung cancers are small cell cancers. This type is a very aggressive cancer and spreads to other organs within a short time. It generally is found in people who are heavy smokers. Non-small cell cancers account for the remaining 75% of lung cancers. When diagnosed with lung cancer, a stage of the lung disease is identified to describe the severity and indicate the extent of its progression. This staging of lung cancer is used by healthcare professionals to determine the choice of treatment that will best rid the body of the lung cancer. Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Stage 0 Lung Cancer The lung cancer is localized; it is found only in a local area and only in the first few layers of cells. The lung cancer has not penetrated the surface lining of the lungs. Stage I Lung Cancer The lung cancer is confined to the lungs and surrounded by normal tissue. Stage II Lung Cancer The lung cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Stage III Lung Cancer The lung cancer has spread to the chest wall, diaphragm, or other nearby organs or blood vessels. The lung cancer may have spread to lymph nodes in the mediastinum or the other side of the chest or neck. Stage IV Lung Cancer The lung cancer has spread to more distant sites in the body. Small Cell Lung Cancer Limited Stage Lung Cancer The lung cancer is confined to one of the lungs, the mediastinum and nearby lymph nodes. Extended Stage Lung Cancer The lung cancer has spread to other lung tissues or other areas of the body. Stage IV and above is considered as TERMINAL and death is inevitable. PAINWISE, it is difficult to tell how it will be for each stage of the disease. Most of the time the disease is shown up after Stge II only and from that time the treatments like Chemo, Radiation, etc., start and the side effects of these treatments will be more painful than the pain of the disease itself.-

Question: What is the best treatment for lung cancer stage 3A? Hi, my father has been diagnosed stage 3A lung cancer, the cancer size is 5.8 x 4.2 x 3.8 cm. I have no idea about lung cancer at all, can you guys who have any experienced in curing/treating lung cancer may enlighten me please T.T ..

Answer: Stage 3A is best treated by either 4 cycles of cheotherapy (ciplatin doublet) followed by Radiotherapy or Concurrent radiotherapy and Chemotherapy (both chemo and RT given together) geftinib is not for the patient alone...however if he was a NEVER SMOKER it may benefit with chemotherapy but not alone upfront

Question: What type of cancers attack the lungs and or lung.What types of are there in lung can stages in lung cancer?

Answer: Lung carcinoma is a malignant lung tumor usually categorized as small cell or non–small cell. Cigarette smoking is the major risk factor for most types. Symptoms include cough, chest discomfort, and, less commonly, hemoptysis, but many patients are asymptomatic and some present with metastatic disease. Diagnosis is suspected by chest x-ray or CT scan and confirmed by biopsy. Treatment is with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. Despite advances in treatment, the prognosis is poor, and attention is focused on early detection and prevention. Please see the web pages for more details on Lung cancer and International staging system for lung cancer.

Question: If you have early stages of lung cancer.. how long untill you start to feel ill...?

Answer: lung cancer often does not show symptoms of pain and feeling ill untill the later stages

Question: My mom has been diagnosed with lung cancer stage 4.What should I expect next? She is not eating or drinking very much at all,and sleeps most of the time.Her cancer has spread to her spine.She has taken 5 treatments.She has been in the hospital for 3 weeks due to dehydration and staph infection in the blood.Would someone that has been through this, please give me some informaion on what to expect as time progresses? I am so afraid because I do not know what to expect next.

Answer: I'm SO sorry! My mom just passed away from NSCLC a week ago tonight, and at the end, the last few days of her life, she wasn't eating and she was sleeping a lot. unlike most, however, she was drinking a lot of water & chocolate milk. Her stage 4 lung cancer spread to her spine, and it was COVERED in cancer. Her dr said she was "wall to wall tumors". it's very sad. i'm not going to tell you to "be strong" because I hated hearing that when mom was dying. if you need to cry, let it out. spend as MUCH time with your mom as you can. My mom died, and I was there. I watched her take her last breath. I have no regrets. Several weeks ago, when she was lucid, I was able to have a heart to heart with her & get closure on a lot of things. the following week, she called my dad & sister & I together and she said her goodbyes. shortly after that, she stopped talking, and went into hospice at home. she lasted 2 weeks in hospice. i'm not telling you this to scare you or depress you, but it's a reality. i know what you're going thru, i really do! it sucks! i'm so very sorry for what you're going thru. HUGS!

Question: What are your chances of surviving Lung Cancer? If someone was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer stage 1, what would be the chance or survival / how many years of life would be expected?

Answer: Small cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer. It grows quickly and it metasticizes quickly but it also responds well to chemo and radiation. Caught this early at stage I and with aggressive treatment, the chances for survival are good.

Question: cancer question squamous cell right lung stage 111A? I have been diagnosed with squamous cell stage !!!A lung cancer I have two small cells of cancer in my right lung and one lymph node. Treatments are surgery, radiation, chemo for most people. I am considered a non surgery candidate. Therefore radiation and chemo would be my only chance. My questions are to compare length of life, quality , prognosis, with treatment and without any treatment? I have asked my Doctor, but there is an English barrier, He's from India Plyus Doctors don't know how long it takes to die without treatment, because patients against treatment don't usually go back.

Answer: Because it has spread to your lymph node, chemo is completely necessary. My Stepmother was diagnosed with lymphoma and the cancer had spread to her entire body, even the bone marrow. She went on Chemo and is alive today, 8 years later. She never even missed a day of work. You need to re-enforce your will of survival. It's key. You need to get on chemo and take your best shot at it. Chemo effects everyone differently. So you have to take that step by step, day by day. Don't be afraid. Your quality of life while your on chemo can not be measured by anyone but you. That's all I got for you. Good luck, and if you don't mind me saying, God bless.

Question: what are the best treatment or other can afford alternatives for a patient who has a lung cancer stage four? pls answer my queation! give me some hope! i want my grandmother to live at least for a long tym. pls give me some details on how to assist her properly.

Answer: Help grandma do pranayam, to fight lung cancer.Do it gently and very gradually increase the timing.Both of you can do it together.If you(grandma) can build up the kapalbhati timing to 20 then there is a lot of hope, as she will get better and better.You will feel so much better that you are doing something. Cancer hates oxygen and cannot live in a high-oxygen environment.If you want to supplement the medical treatment you receive(or not receive) with some alternative therapy then this is for you. You need to help your body to build up your immune system.The breathing exercises - pranayam is a holistic approach creating extra oxygen supply in the body and will slowly help with the health problem.Do the pranayam to see the benefits.Build up your timing slowly and after four weeks at the suggested maximum duration you will start to notice benefits gradually. The small print: Keep doing pranayam after you are better for minimum 30 minutes a day for rest of life to maintain health. People who have been treated successfully, should do pranayam as well, as there is a chance of recurrence. Monitor your conditions/results regularly and it will help you and others observe the progress.. The pranayam techniques: Bhastrika - Take a long deep breath into the lungs(chest not tummy) via the nose and then completely breathe out through the nose.Duration upto 5 minutes. Kapalbhati -(Do it before eating) Push air forcefully out through the nose about once per second. Stomach will itself go in(contract in). The breathing in(through the nose) will happen automatically. Establish a rhythm and do for upto 30 minutes twice a day.(Max 60 min/day) Not for pregnant women. Seriously ill people do it gently. Anulom Vilom - Deep Breath-in through left nostril keeping right nostril closed then - Breath-out through right nostril keeping left nostril closed then -Deep Breath-in through right nostril keeping left nostril closed then - Breath-out through left nostril keeping right nostril closed and repeat this cycle for upto 30 minutes twice a day(maximum 60 min/day). Bhramri Pranayam -Close eyes. Close ears with thumb, index finger on forehead, and rest three fingers on base of nose touching eyes. Breathe in through nose. And now breathe out through nose while humming like a bee. Duration : 5 to 10 times Only by doing you will benefit and will feel good that you can do something to help the body.Copy and print this to improve your technique and stay focused.This is simplified pranayam for everyone and you do not have to go to classes to learn. This is for life, unlike short term classes where you do it in the class then stop when classes are over.

Question: my mom is terminally ill with lung cancer and in her final stages, Im having a hard time trying to cope? I'm looking for some kind of reading material, books anything that can somewhat prepare me a little better, hospice is treating my mom three times a week. Im trying to deal/cope with my mom facing her final stages of life.

Answer: Sorry to hear about your mom. I am a nurse working at a long term facility. I see this everyday. You said she is on hospice.. Take full advantage of this they are there for your mom and your whole family to help with the final stages of life. The Hospices nurse should be able to get you some literature to read if you are not there when they visit your mom, leave them a note, or you can make arrangements to be there when they are. I can't tell you that you'll ever be prepared to lose mom but just knowing that she is comfortable will make you feel much better. I know its hard to deal with but you'll get thru, keep strong for your family..God Bless..

Question: are there any chances to cure a 60 yrs old lung cancer stage four patient? what are the best medical treatment pls help us! answer my question! i want my grandmother to live for more years or overcome her sickness! pls. if there any contacts that are free to talk to about this matter pls tell us!

Answer: Might be difficult...you could try Cancer Treatment Centers of America, but you would have to travel and it might be expensive...or you could try clinical trials in your area....listed below... Lung Cancer links http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/action/FindCondition?ui=D008175&recruiting=true (clinical trials for lung cancer..hit map tab for local trials) http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/lung (lung cancer clinical trials) http://www.cdc.gov/search.do?action=search&queryText=lung+cancer&image.x=9&image.y=6 (CDC lung cancer links) http://search.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/query?DISAMBIGUATION=true&FUNCTION=search&SERVER2=server2&SERVER1=server1&PARAMETER=lung+cancer&x=54&y=7 (medline plus lung cancer links) http://www.multiplemyeloma.org/clinical_trials/4.02.html (clinical trials frequently asked questions) http://www.multiplemyeloma.org/clinical_trials/Clin_Trials_The_Basics.ppt (basics of cancer clinical trials (need powerpoint) http://www.multiplemyeloma.org/clinical_trials/Clin_Trials_In-Depth.ppt (cancer clinical trials in depth (need powerpoint) http://www.pparx.org (medicine assistance) http://www.copays.org/ (copay assistance for lung cancer) Nutrition and Support for cancer patients http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/MBC_6.asp? (nutrition for cancer patients) http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/mit_0.asp (supporting cancer patients)

Question: What are the stages of lung cancer? Example- vomitt in the beginning,end? (PHYSICAL REACTIONS from the disease.)

Answer: Difficulty breathing, sometimes coughing up blood, sometime pain, coughing, fatigue, infections, weakness.

Question: How long can a person live with stage 4 lung cancer? My Grandpa was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer (tumors in both lungs) but they haven't given him any set time. Does anyone have any idea? Yes, his doctor doesn't believe in giving a 'life expectancy'. Non-small cell lung cancer DOES have 4 stages. I have heard that, with the small amount of chemo he's receiving once a month, a year is about right.

Answer: My research shows about 12 months. My current oncologist doesn't discuss life expectancies since they true at large but meaningless individually.

Question: how many stages of lung cancer are there and how long before you reach the next stage?

Answer: There are iv stages of non small cell lung cancer. (stage 3 of non small cell are divided into sub-groups) There is no way to tell how long from one stage to the next. Depends on how extensive it is and how a person responds to treatment. I didn't have the stages to go thru as I was diagnosed right off with stage iv. If it is small cell lung cancer then there are two stages only, limited and extensive.

Question: My grandad is in the last stages of lung cancer? the hospital discontinued traetment on tuesday and are now keeping him comfortable they have said that he has days left , he is still responding to us and giving us some lovely smiles how long does it usually take before he will pass away. does it happen sudden or will we recognise when it is approaching Thanks to anyone who as been through this and can help

Answer: What to expect in the last days of life Your loved one may begin to show other signs when death is imminent. This is called the active phase of dying and usually begins about three days before death. How people die varies greatly, but you can expect some of the common signs, including: Cool arms and legs. While the hands, arms, feet and legs will feel cool to the touch, your loved one's trunk will feel warm. Bluish coloration. Fingers, earlobes, lips and nail beds may turn blue. Purple coloration on the legs. Also called mottling, this blotchy coloring is one of the clearest signs that death is approaching. No longer eating or drinking. Your loved one may not feel like eating, or he or she may no longer be able to swallow. Congested breathing. Noisy breathing is sometimes called the "death rattle." As secretions from the lungs build up, your loved one may no longer be able to cough up these secretions. Eventually the secretions will dry up because your loved one's body may become dehydrated after he or she stops eating and drinking. Medications can control congestion if your loved one feels uncomfortable. Irregular breathing. Breathing patterns may change in depth and rate. Your loved one may also stop breathing for several seconds at a time. Keep in mind that your loved one generally isn't aware of these changes. Discolored urine. If your loved one stops taking in liquids, there will be less urine and it will be darker in color. Incontinence. As muscles that control bowel movements and urination relax, your loved one may experience incontinence. Blurred vision. His or her eyes may appear glassy and unfocused. Limited ability to communicate. Your loved one may lose the ability to speak. He or she most likely can still hear you. Confusion and agitation. This can be subtle or more severe, involving jerking motions, hallucinations or delirium. It is not unusual at this stage to see loved ones in the room with them that have previously passed on. May fidget with bed covers as in trying to remove lint that isn't there. For your loved one: Try these comfort measures: Has arms and legs that feel cold to the touch, but the trunk feels warm Use a blanket or sheet to keep him or her warm. Is no longer eating or drinking Resist the urge to force your loved one to eat or drink. Have water on hand with a straw, since lifting a cup may become difficult. Keep your loved one's mouth moist with a sponge, swab or a spray bottle. Use lip balm or petroleum jelly on the lips. Has congested breathing or a rattling sound when breathing Keep the head of the bed raised and reposition your loved one every few hours. Has labored breathing Direct a fan toward your loved one's cheek, try opening a window to let in fresh air, or try other sitting positions that may ease labored breathing. Has incontinence Keep your loved one clean and dry using incontinence pads or a catheter. Reposition him or her every few hours. Has reduced or blurry vision Use soft lighting. Stand near the head of the bed so that your loved one can see you better. Has an overactive sense of hearing Avoid loud noises and television. Try soft music. Is no longer able to speak Your loved one can still hear and feel. Keep talking in a soothing voice and hold his or her hand. Shows disorientation, confusion Speak in short phrases. Repeat the names of people in the room often and remind your loved one of the date and time. Is agitated Create a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Have a minimal number of people in the room. Work with your loved one's doctors and nurses to make death as symptom-free as possible. Many signs and symptoms of imminent death can be treated, such as pain, anxiety and delirium. While these treatments won't stop your loved one from dying, they can make the process easier for both of you. Report any signs and symptoms that you are unsure of and don't hesitate to ask questions if you're unsure of what's going on. Even in a coma, your loved one can still hear you. Though he or she might be unable to speak or might seem asleep, continue talking in a soothing voice. Reassure your loved one that you'll stay nearby. Hold your loved one's hand or stroke his or her hair. In the last few days of life, consider what your loved one would want. Was he or she someone who enjoyed having lots of friends and family around? Perhaps you could invite family over to sit with your loved one to share stories and reminisce. If your loved one was a solitary person who enjoyed quiet time alone, perhaps that would make him or her most comfortable. The final surge of energy Often when people are dying, they will reach a period of time when it seems they're getting better. Your loved one may wake up and may be able to communicate with you. These surges can last for a few hours to a few days. Though it can be confusing for you to see your loved one with renewed vitality, keep in mind that this is a normal part of the dying process, and your loved one may not actually be getting better. He or she may soon return to illness. The final surge of energy is often a good time to gather your family and close friends to say final goodbyes. Keeping vigil For many families, keeping vigil near the dying loved one's bed is an important show of support and love for the dying person. Whether you do this depends on your own customs and beliefs. If you decide to keep vigil, continue speaking to your loved one. Express your love for him or her, but also let your loved one know that it's all right to let go. When keeping vigil, understand that some people prefer to die alone. People who were independent or private in life may choose the same in death. Don't hesitate to step away from your loved one's bedside from time to time to allow for this.

Question: A good friend found out her mother has stage 3 lung cancer-How do I help her deal with this ? I want to be there as a friend to help her get through this and I also want to be there to see if there is something that we can do for her Mom-they opened her up yesterday and then told them she has stage 3 lung cancer and they couldn't remove anything. What is her Mother's chances-and what should we be doing to get her to the right doctors?

Answer: My father had cancer, and I shall tell you something now... it will not be easy for your friend. To see a loved one who has always been a strong person go through such a degrading illness is painful. You have already proved yourself as a wonderful person and a true friend by seeking advise off others to improve your friend and her mothers situation! With my father, we made sure that we got a second opinion, he had bowel cancer, the doctors said that he could have the tumor removed and then start on chemotherapy, but the cancer only got worse. We went to several doctors, but they all came out with the same answer, and in the end all we could do is make sure that he was as comfortable as possible, until his last day. I am not for one second saying that your friends mother shall have the same outcome as my dads there have been many people who have survived cancer, but the only thing you can all do is be strong, seek a second opinion (to give you piece of mind) and remain positive! I hope I have helped you in some way...? Love and light charlotte xxx