how rapid does small cell lung cancer spread

airgirl · 06-20-2001, 12:25 AM

my stepdaughter is terminally ill with this disease and is in a rapid decline.Does anyone know if there can be be a rebound at this stage of illness? The professionals say not but it is very difficult to give up the fight. ANy advice and information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

mreed · 06-22-2001, 12:13 AM

I have non-small cell lung cancer and I have been told that it is slower that the small cell cancer. However, my doctor was actually hoping that I had small-cell cancer because it was a more aggressive cancer but it responds to treatment more often than non-small cell lung cancer. So small cell lung cancer being so aggressive is also its weakness because it will sort of "punch itself out" once you find a drug that it responds to. I have asked several people how fast my cancer is growing and nobody knows. I think it depends on the individual. I hope this helps a little.
Take care!
Michele
P.S. Just wondering, how old is your step-daughter? Good luck to her and her treatments!!!

mreed · 06-22-2001, 12:29 AM

Sorry I also forgot to mention that my mom works with a man who has squamous cell lung cancer, stage iv and went into remission. It is a hard battle, she needs to stay positive and keep hope. This man tried several clinical trials... so maybe that is an option for her? I know that they were doing a clinical trial with the new drug Gleevec that was approved for leukemia. I had called to see if there was anything for me and the woman said just small-cell cancer. Sorry I cant find the phone number, I am sure you can find it on the internet though. Also my mom know another woman who was really bad off, she was in stage iv small cell and had put off treatment for a long time because she was pregnant at the time and didnt want to hurt the baby. She ended up in Tucson at the University of Arizona and now is in remission. There is hope!!! Your stepdaughter needs to be strong. I am in stage iv non-small cell lung cancer, diagnosed in sept. 00. I am 29 years old and feel like I have been dealing with this pretty well. I have done some research and if she would like to talk about anything tell her to please email me at mreed88693@aol.com
Thanks,
Michele

[This message has been edited by mreed (edited 06-22-2001).]