small cell lung cancer

[jodey]

My mom (83 years old) has just been diagnosed with extensive stage small cell lung cancer, with mets to her liver, and possibly other mets (brain). She is active and has the physiology of a 70 year old. She is considering refusing any chemo treatments. According to everything I have read, chemo will extend her life 7-9 months, without treatment she has about 2-4 months. Right now she is not in any pain, her only symptoms are a debilitating cough and uncontrollable shaking of her hands. I don't know what to do. Her doctors aren't of much help, I think they're of the opinion that she is going to die, no matter what they do. Do I convince her to go through with the chemo, which will prolong her life, but make her sick, or do I go along with her decision to seek no treatment? If she doesn't have chemo, does anyone know what symptoms we can expect to see? I don't want to be selfish and put her through chemo, just because I can't bear the thought of losing her. If anyone out there has had to make this decision, please contact me, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[promethius]

Hi - my mother also has small cell carcinoma - I posted a message on it yesterday which you can read.

Everyone has to decide what works best for their family, but I know for myself I try to respect my mother's wishes. I try to get her all the facts which she otherwise wouldn't be able to get so she can make an informed desicion.

I guess that's not very helpful. Wish I could be of more help but i'm struggling also. I'm glad your mother is up and around - I hate watching mine suffer so much; she's been pretty bedridden for a while.

have you found any good resources for small cell carcinoma?