Hello

I have no idea if these questions are appropriate to this forum; if they are not please remove them.

My stepfather has stage 4b cancer. He was all lined up for radiotherapy and chemotherapy, starting with teeth removal on Friday this week and a peg to be fitted on Monday, but after learning more about the side effects and success rate has decided not to proceed. He is completely well at the moment

I feel he will do nothing now until "something else" happens, but it seems to me there are some questions which we, as a family, could do with answers to. Excuse me if they seem a little naive, never been involved with anything like this before.

What is likely to be the sign that the disease has progressed further?
Is there anything that can be done for him medically that will fend off the cancer without any major side effects?
How long is he likely to be with us?

Thank - you for your help

I was stage 3b/3c 5 years ago and fully expected the worse. I had an unknown primary and statistically that was worse for me. The treatment was arduous and mentally I (and my family) suffered.

I have been clear for 5 years coming up to dec 22 this year. .
It's not easy - everything to gain by going through with it.

Best wishes to you and your stepdad. Good luck.
tony k

Hi Tony

Thanks for responding, hope everything continues to go well with you.

He's definitely decided not to take any aggressive treatment, and I don't think it's my place to challenge that.

I was really looking for any information on what we can expect now he taken his decision

Hello Ong

You might this article helpful in understanding the possible outcomes of treatment better:
Results of combined modality treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer

quote:

Carcinoma nasopharynx, treated with radiation and chemotherapy, shows good survival rates, even when the disease is at an advanced stage at presentation. A statistically significant improvement in local control and survival is observed by the addition of concurrent chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-FU to radical radiation in nonmetastatic carcinoma nasopharynx; this should be regarded as standard therapy.

Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Long-term Outcomes of Radiation Therapy

quote:

In about three-tenths of patients, T4M0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma can be cured with conventional high-dose radiation therapy.

You will also find the section Treatments and drugs By Mayo Clinic staff helpful.

Best wishes

Vinod

Thank - you for taking the time to provide these links.

Ong,

Okay I was diagnosed last year stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma to tongue and one lymphnode.

Recently I have been told stage 4 since mastesis to lungs 3 malignant areas none in the same lobe. I am 31 years old with two sons one is 2 and the other almost 7. I have been told to get into a clinical trial for better survival along with chemotherapy. I have done radiation to my face and neck area. It wasn't a walk in the park I survived it. I will admit it was hard but I am here and my kids and husband are happy I am. It took a beating on me. I lost 54 pounds because I refused a Peg. But I was about 40 overweight anyway so I didn't get to be skin and bones are anything. But it is your dads decision and one I hope he isn't taking lightly.

There are many older people on here that have also been thru this and came out okay. But it does depend on the person and their outlook.

My outlook is positive it has to be for me and my family. I want to see my boys do lots of things. I lost my mom when I was 23 she didn't get to see my boys at all. But I want to see my grandkids and see these handsome little guys get married.

Best of luck to your dad and you.

Pam

Dear ONG, I've sent you a PM. Fran.

(PM = private message - to access this, click on "New PM!" in menu above)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

Fran - I have responded, thank -you.

Mom of two boys - I appreciate you taking time to share your situation on here. My stepfather is 69.

I saw him again today and there is no way he is going to change his mind, and as you say it does depend on the person and their outlook.

I wish you the best of luck with your situation Regards ONG