If a doctor did not give a prognosis to a patient w/ lung cancer, is that bad news?

Question

My mother was recently diagnosed with stage 3B lung cancer. They immediatly started 5 days of radiation (for a total of 8 weeks) and 6 days for her first round of chemo. Her oncologist did not give her a prognosis, but my mom didn't ask either. Is that bad news, or did the doctor not say b/c my mother didn't ask?

Answer 1

I take care of many people with lung cancer, and sometimes I choose to simply say we're dealing with an aggressive tumor rather than telling a patient what the odds are for success. Some people aren't ready to process that information or prefer to maintain hope about how well treatment will work.

As others have mentioned, all estimates I can give are exactly that; it applies to large groups of people but success for any one person is either 100% or 0%; it happens or it doesn't.

I have to say, eight weeks of radiation sounds long. Is she on a clinical trial? If not, then I would make sure your mom asks about what the standard RT dose and length of treatment is and why such a long course of treatment.

I wish your mom and your family the best and hope her treatment goes as smoothly as possible.

Answer 2

no one can give a accurate time prognosis since patients respond individually. Any smart doctor would not say even if asked. But 3B isnt as good as stage 1. Try to notice the point at which treatment is not helping her quality of life. That may be in a year or so or maybe many more, but whenever it is she may want to discontinue treatments. Our neighbor was given false hope with experimental treatments so didnt enjoy his final months so much. But I guess everyone has to deal in their own way. I am sorry .
She is lucky she has you looking over you.

Answer 3

The doctor never gives the pt an outcome because loss of hope is a serious mental stresssor. I suppose you expected him to come in and say you have inoperable lung cancer and your going to die soon. Oncologist dont do that.
Your mother did not ask because she is afraid.
Dont stress her. You need to support your mother. I can tell you are very concerned.
Oncology RN

Answer 4

More than likely the doctor didn't say because your mom didn't ask. Once this question is posed he must give an honest opinion. A prognosis is only an educated opinion. I wish you well for your mom, you and your family. May God be with you.