TJD

Hi. Unfortunately I lost my Dad 18 months ago to this. It first appeared as a lump on the shoulder. They thought is was a "skin cancer thing" or even a cyst. Once biopsied, the tests came back poitive (Dad was in excellent health, age 83). He choose teatment.

The original plan was for 6 weeks of radiation; 5 days a week. He was able to drive himself for 2 weeks of these, 45 miles each way, no problem. Week 3, the Doctors added a round of chemothrapy (scheduld for every Wednesday). At that point Dad went down hill so very fast. He was able to have only 3 chemotherapy treatments. Dad stopped all treatment, and we aranged for hospice care, (He was down to 110 lbs.) and tried to make what was left of his life, bearable.

Dad was told the bleak prognosis from the start. I did not vocalize my thoughts; but had it been me; I don't think I would have chosen treatmet.

His original prognisis was : From the date of diagnosis -- NO TREATMENT -- 6 months fair health, 2 months very poor health, 1 month hopitalized care, then Death. (9 months total)
He ended up with: From the date of diagnosis -- With TREATMENT -- 2 months fair health; 2 months bed ridden, memory loss, vision loss, more weight loss, constant nausa, halucinations, incontinance, home nurses ; 3 weeks at hospice, unconscious, Death. (Not quite 5 months.)

We were told that even for a "young man, vital, and in excelent health", the prognosis with treatment, is only 27%, for 3 years of life. For most, the treatment is too much to even complete. Dad would have had a more comfortable and probably longer life, with no treatment. He could have had more energy for family, friends, etc. As I said it was his decision. Hospice at least helped keep him pain free.

I am sorry this isn't a brighter reply. I wish you all the best. Make the most of your time together!!! TJD