My friend has lung cancer that has spread to the brain what do i look forward to?

Question

I know every case is different but a general description, im curious about the pain.

Answer 1

If you're looking for a pretty answer, this isn't it.

For my step-mom it was her breast cancer that metastasized in her brain. It meant some serious radiation and chemo treatments. Then there was a roller coaster ride of getting better and then finding it again. When they found it in her spinal fluid, it was a matter of literally days. The doctor said that she wasn't feeling all of the pain, that the body has ways of shutting part of it out. My dad will tell you it was the worst thing he'd ever had to watch, waiting for it to be over.

Answer 2

Cancer that spreads is called metastatic, they say it has metasticized. When someone had brain mets, obviously it's very serious. Main questions are:
How was the patient overall before this new mets?
How old is the patient?
How well did any chemo or radiation treat the lung CA the first time?
Maybe most important- where in the brain is the cancer.
Surgery is not usually recommended becasue the patient is already so weak, and brain tumors can never be completely removed because they have little fingers that go out everywhere.
Sometimes a large mass will be resected, depending on where it is.
New developments in radiation therapy can really do a good job.
A big concern is mets to the bone or other organs
If you friend is really not doing well, it might be time to consider making him comfortable at home they call comfort care "palliative care"...ask about this.
Too many patients die in the hospital instead of home with loved ones, or in Florida swimming with Dolphins.

Answer 3

Hi, first off I want to say I'm sorry about your friend. Cancer is a harsh diagnosis. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer last April. She has tumors that metastasized to her brain and her bones. She underwent chemo and radiation. Although she still has the tumors she has not been in any pain. She occasionally gets mild headaches and can be a little forgetful. She is currently not on any medication and her quality of life is very good. She can't drive due to the possibility of seizures or embolisms, but overall things are fine. You're right when you say every case is different, I've known people with lung cancer who were in pain constantly.The best advice I can give you is just be there for your friend and take it one day at a time.

Answer 4

Sorry to hearken to about your roommate. My brother had lung maximum cancers (age 32) and regrettably, did not stay lengthy adequate to even go by chemo. His maximum cancers spread to his mind and to his pancreas. He did get carry of radiation to his mind, however the purely different element that the medical doctors might want to do changed into to position him in hospice and administration his discomfort. If the medical doctors are not giving her a lot time, that's ideal to make her smooth. Having suggested all that, everyone's journey is distinct, so that you and your chum shouldn't supply up desire. Your chum may attempt going to an section college that has a medical college. they often have the present in remedies and medical trials. Get in contact with an section maximum cancers help team, and observe what they propose. best of success with each and everything.

Answer 5

It totally depends on where in the brain it is. Some people are totally okay after brain cancer, some have problems with things like balance but are otherwise okay, others have major cognitive problems, and, of course, some die. It's hard to say what exactly will happen, but there will most likely be a lot of pain involved. I wish you the best.

Answer 6

Limited metastatic (spread from other areas of the body) brain tumors can be treated with surgeon or radiation. If too many brain lesions exist, then chemotherapy may be used to reduce or hopefully eliminate the tumors.

In terms of progressing metastatic brain tumors, the symptoms are similar to primary brain tumors because the mechanism is the same: intercranial pressure. The possible symptoms for brain tumors are seizures, personality change, vision and memory change, nausea and, headaches. In terms of pain, headaches can be severe.

Answer 7

The cancer has probably spread to other organs besides the brain. If you are the person who will be caring for your friend, I would ask that he or she give you medical power of attorney. You will then be able to speak candidly with the doctors and nurses. There are many medications to help with discomfort - I don't know your situation, but Hospice is a very good option.

Answer 8

Pain +++, Get drugs and get them fast. Get lots of them and differant types. All depends where in brain but things could go south real fast.

Answer 9

If you are consigning your friend to the allopathic school of medicine, it won't be pretty. Can you get Dr. Shulze's tapes that he did with Sam Biser? Shulze said, if he isn't dead, he probably will heal with proper support. Shulze used a 30 day juice fast. nothing but pure fresh organic fruit and vegetable juices, a few teas, and good water. He used some herbs (especially garlic) and hot and cold (hydrotherapy) to increase circulation and healing.

Answer 10

That is the same thing that happened to lance armstrong, so even though chance of survival is very small, it is possible. my only advice would be to tell your friend not to give up. as far as the pain goes, you would probably have to talk to the doctor or someone who has gone through it themselves.