My friend has lung cancer. She is in her late '70's.?

Question

She also has had diabetes, type 1 ,for over 60 years.
She takes very little insulin as she is very sensitive.She is very thin and cannot eat much.
Her doctor has told her that chemo is her only option.She is 4th stage.
I am so concerned that the chemo will kill her.

She lives with a friend who smokes and is often in the ER for diabetes related problems.He will not be any help.
I live too far away to be there daily.

Does anyone have any helpful ideas or information ? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Really sorry to hear this. Your friend's living circumstances are certainly not condusive to her health.Chemo is really rough on young people. let alone on a lady her age. All things considered its a wonder she has lived this long, so she must be a tough little gal. I cannot predict what will happen, but in her situation I would not opt for the chemo. Please contact the American Cancer Society. They may be able to give you some "odds" based on statistics. Good luck to you both, and thanks for caring. Often friends are more involved than famiies.

Answer 2

I'm really sorry. My grandma had lung and throat cancer but recently got the all-clear(touch wood). We honestly though she was goin to die. She took tablets and chemo and it got rid of the throat cancer but the docters said she had no hope of ever killing the cancer in the lung. Her sister had died of lung cancer 2 months earlier. She had Type 2 diabetes and was a regular smoker. She weighed less then 7 stone as well and quite frail, although determined. The docter eventually suggested radiotherapy to give her one last chance. After 6 months she was finally cleared (touch wood). Here's what helped us:
Believing in her and always thinking that she was going to make it
Her believing in herself
Making everything as comfortable a possible
Not treeating her differently
Letting her go to the bingo with her friends still
Trusting the doctor
Going on shopping spree's together to take her mind off it.
Regular phone calls

Don't give up on her. My grandma lived 400 miles away from me but it didn't stop me asking for lifts, getting planes and trains there. If she is worried about losing her hair, I think it is Trevor Sorbet who you can rin up and ask him to make you a free wig if you have cancer. He did it for my grandma. It looked great. Check it out on the internet

Hope everything goes ok. Good Luck!

Answer 3

The chemo might slow it a little, but this is not good news. What she does is up to her. Be her friend. If she wants to talk, cry, hug, be there for her when you can by visits, calls, emails, instant messaging and video conferencing (like Skype) Does she have children who would help her? Is Hospice something that she would consider? They could provide some support. It is worth talking to them. They could make a big difference.

Answer 4

I assume your friend has no other friends or family that lives close enough and/or are able to help possibly on a daily basis. You could look into home health agencies that are available in her area. Depending on her income and insurance it could be pain for her. With Stage 4 cancer, she may be a candidate for Hospice care--but this would be after the chemo is over. Hospice is for terminal pts. They pay for meds, medical equipment, etc that the person needs in relation to their terminal diagnosis. They also provide assistance with nursing, social workers, clergy. You should talk to your friend and see what she is willing to accept in the way of help. Before you talk to her, try to find out what kind of assistance is available in her area. Then when you talk to her you can take information with her. Best of luck to you and your friend. Remember, your friend will appreciate any help you can give her. But you are only one person--don't be afraid to ask for help.

Answer 5

I hate tell you this, but at this point it's all about making her last days as comfortable as possible.

These are a few things we did for my Grandma
1. a 3 inch thick mattress pad (it'll help avoid bed sores)
2. Fresh linens daily washed in baby detergent (nothing with dyes or perfumes)
3. an air purifier
4. a cool mist humidifier
5. cheery attitudes (this is hard, but she doesn't need to be reminded of the inevitable)
6. ask her what her religious preference is, call her a minister to talk to.

Answer 6

I am so sorry. I dont even know what to say. Well if you feel it is nessacary, maybe take some time off to visit her. Just try to make her time here happy. Then it is off to Heaven for her. Be happy for her. She is in her late 70's. She has lived a long life, and it was about time for the end anyway. Just be there for her, and respect her wishes and choices. Make her feel normal. Good luck to both of you.

Answer 7

What i would do if I was in your shoes would 2 be by her side the whole time and talk to her and keep her hopes up. Make sure she is happy and always full of positive energy even tho it maybe hard to do. It will help her more than you think. If she is happy she will heal. It may seem weird but positive energy leads to a positive outcome. =)

Answer 8

You cannot force your friend to do anything that she doesn't want to do (or stop her from doing something that she wants to do). Regarding chemo, your friend along with the advice of the doctor has the final say regarding whether or not to get chemo.

Answer 9

Just be the best friend to her now that you can~~~even if it's via the phone. Send her little self made 'gifts' that will mean the world to her now.

Answer 10

Love her and hug her frequently. She has made a life choice that you must honor. Sometimes it "just ain't none of your bidness"

Never lean into a punch.