death from small cell cancer

[Whiskydew]

My sister is dying of small cell cancer and the doctor has told her this. Has 2/6 months to live. Do I tell her the doctor is right and let her give up or do I keep telling her to keep hoping and stay strong.
Thanks ahead of time. ***@****

[Yaz104]

No you have to keep her positive because if you don't she may give.I feel it's all to do with how you deal with it mentally.My husband passed away 10 months ago but i was always there for him and tried to keep a positive approach for his sake even though i knew that it wasn't looking too good.It's not easy to do that because i was there to support him but had no support myself.Even family would sometimes get me down but what did they know what i was going through.

[Serenitymine]

Hi.  Is the doctor telling her 2/6 months but not suggesting trying any treatment at all?  

My mom is stage 4 lung cancer and we are trying the usual chemo drugs.  She is told up to 12 month survival.  Not enough by far... but I'd certainly be upset if we couldn't even try treatment.

Does your sister-in-law want to try treatment?  Did she get a second opinion?  I just can't imagine how hard it must be for her and for all the people who love her.....

Serenity

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,
You're actually the best judge to know what to say since you know her.
Bear in mind that the doctor provides an estimate, based on previous experience of other patients in a similar situation. The estimate is usually based on a median survival - which means about 50% reach 2-6 months - there is a 50% that survives beyond that margin but how far they actually survive is difficult to estimate (hence doctors tend to use the median survival as the estimate).
Try to gauge how well she may accept the situation. IF she is not ready to accept - then you are more likely to run into problems such as depression. Acceptance is actually good and affirming. Ultimately you have to play this by ear.