Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Average Length of Life Expectancy and Growth Speed

[tompkin44]

My dad was diagnosed with NSCLC stage Iv and died one month later.  What is the average rate for which this cancer grows?  For example, did he probable get it about one month, six months or one year prior?
Thank You

[hm05]

Hi Debbie:
I know what you mean about chemo.  My mother is supposedly too far along for it, and her hair would fall out etc.  We are supposed to be starting her on a drug called Tarceva.  It is about $2100. without coverage.  Many of the ins. companies will not pay for it, and these darn drug companies know when people are desperate that they will try anything, and pay anything for a chance to live.  Iseral?  Hmm. Anyway, it is so hard, but I too have faith, just not the Jesus kind.  My mother is very faithful, and was a weekly church goer.  She is very scared of death.  I try to comfort her.  We will see.  Best wishes to you.

[tompkin44]

My dad was 62 and yes he did smoke from 16 until about 40.  He went from a bachache to the ER Feb. 9th, they found tumors on both lungs, in his brain, blood and bone. He died March 5th in his sleep. Chemo would have only afforded him maybe one uncomfortable month.
    The only thing you might look into is Iseral (hope it's spelled right).  It only works in 10% of Lung Cancer patients, those patients that have some certain receptor 6...However, my dad's oncologist had a patient go into remission from stage IV.  I think hospice can even pay for it if the doctor writes the right thing down.
    I don't know what your faith is, but my dad started reading the Bible about 8 years ago, came to believe that Jesus died for his sins, accepted Him as his savior, and did not have fear of dying.  I am sorry for what you are going through, it's so hard.  Debbie

[hm05]

Hi, my mother has stage IV and we are not hopeful.  Was your Dad a smoker?  How old was he?  My mom has NSC like your father did-and has been sick for 2 years.  Now it most likely won't be long, and sometimes knowing is worse. She is only 67 yrs.  Trust me, as much as people feel, if they only would have known sooner, they could have done something, that is not always the case with lung cancer as it is very aggressive.  Many times, people take treatment, knowing full well it will never CURE the cancer, only prolong the agony.