Hi, my name is Jeff & I have a questions pertaining to my mom's lung cancer. She has small cell lung cancer (stage 4) that was diagnosed in August. We think she new she had it in June when she went to the hospital but she didn't tell us because she didn't want to ruin our family reunion in July. She is a very brave person & probably the person I most respect in my life. Anyway, the question is; my five siblings & I are trying to set up a cruise with Mom and everyone has their idea as to when we should take it. Apparently some doctors told my mom that she was doing great and so she has a sense that she can wait on the trip. My wife & I are fighting to make this cruise to Bermuda happen in December. I don't mean to bring pain to anyone by bringing up personal experiences but I need help understanding how long the process will take. She just finished her fourth session of chemo. How long can we expect before she gets too sick to take this last family cruise? Thank you for any input, Jeff

Hi Jeff! Sorry to hear of your mom's cancer. I really don't think anybody can predict how long cancer will take ones life. I can only share my experience with my dad's small cell lung cancer. He was diagnosed in Oct '06 had his first sessions of chemo went into remission for six months. Then it came back with a vengence and he was gone by Aug. 26th.

My grandma was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer more than 10 years ago and lasted for three years before she passed away Nov '97. So as you can tell each person is different and nobody knows their true destiny.

I wish your mom well. Good luck to you and her. If you need anything this board is great for information.

Dear Jeff,
I'm really sorry to hear about your mom. I walked my mom through lung cancer. My advice to you, is take the trip sooner than later. From what I know, small cell lung cancer is usually more aggressive. I pray strength for you and your family. Spend as much quality time as possible now. Don't wait!
May God bless you, and give you peace for this journey in life.

Laurie

Hello Jeff, You should plan your cruise soon as small cell is usually a very agressive cancer. My husband was dx in Jan. was undergoing treatments and we were told he'd have a good summer. Unfortunately, the chemo was too hard on him, and he lived only 8 weeks after dx. Live each day to the fullest.
God Bless your mother and family.