I was just told my father has Large Cell Lymphoma. How long does he really have?

Question

He is 80 years old. Been in the hospital almost 12 weeks. Has had 2 surgeries, phonomona 3 times. Is a insulin Diabetic and has heart problems. The Drs. are already asking me to meet with Hospice. Know Oncology Dr. has spoken to me at all and all I want to know is how much time does he have? They are trying to get me to put him with Hospice but I do not know what to do. Can anyone answer my question. I understand he cannot hold up to Chemo or Radiation Treatments but if they cannot do anything HOW LONG DOES HE HAVE>>>>>?

Answer 1

Hon, chances are, if they are recommending hospice, the doctors believe it will be not more than 6 months to a year. All that can change on a daily basis. It is not possible to know for sure. Your father has a lot of other health issues besides the Lymphoma. Large Cell Lymphoma is highly treatable. But, I cannot say for sure due to your father's age and other conditions. Also, I'm not a doctor. But I am a survivor, so I know it is possible.
Here is the best site for info:
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls
Best wishes to you and your father

Answer 2

Here are the facts. I had small cell lymphoma, but I was 50 and not a diabetic. I do have some minor heart problems. When I was diagnosed with cancer, like all patients I asked my oncologist how much time do I have. Her answer was perfect "We all are dying from the moment of birth, my job is to prolong it as much as possible." With your father's case, Hospice is the next logical step. Those people are the best in the world. My mother had terminal lung cancer and they sat next to her day and night helping her live one day, one hour, one minute, one second longer. There is no one who can say when the end will come. It is like when will you get hit by a bus? Do not worry about the end, worry about the now. Stay with him, have him tell you about his youth, tell him how you really hated when he took the car away from him, tell him how you appreciated his humor, and mostly tell him you love him. You will only have a limited time to talk to him, so talk to him, hold his hand, bring his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren to see him. You will get a small smile and a small tear in his eyes.

Answer 3

I am sorry to hear about your father. If the doctors are suggesting Hospice that would lead me to believe that he only has a few months at the most. Hospice only takes in patients at the final stages when death is going to occur in a short amount of time, Because of the other medical problems I would say it is most likely going to happen quickly. Please ask to speak to a Hospice worker. They not only will care for your Father but they will also care for the rest of the family. They will be able to help you through this emotional ordeal. They will also be able to help you get the answers that you so desperately need,. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in the coming weeks. Debbie

Answer 4

Lymphoma patients usually don't last more than 3-6 months. I'm not saying all of lymphoma patients, but most. It's a disease that spreads very quickly. I believe that God can do anything, heal anyone, and prolong the life of anyone, so don't go by a timetable. But make sure all is good with your dad. Let him know that he was a good father to you and that you love him. My father is dying right now, and that is very important to him, knowing that his family thought he did good. Pray over him and for him, let him know you love him and that you will see him again one day if God decides it's his time. But pray over him, ask God to pour out favor on him. Best wishes.

Answer 5

I AM SO SORRY FOR THIS! Please meet with the Hopsice People, for an evaluation of his situation- Also, ask for the Social Worker, as they can point you in the right direction. The Onocologist is OBLIGATED to talk to you re: this very serious decision. The goal, at this point, is COMFORT. This is important to our dear Father. Again, I am very sorry. I've had many people ask me "how long"- and I can NEVER answer them.....There are so many roller coaster emotions @ this point. Only one person knows the answer to this question. Do you have a Clergy @ this point? This would be good for you and your Father. Again, I am sorry for this decision you have to make. Just know, Hospice EXCELS in the best of care @ the end of life. As long as your Father is comfortable, this is what is important now. Take care, good luck, and email me if you ever need to talk! God Bless you and YOURS!

Answer 6

I am sorry to listen to you misplaced your companion. B phone lymhoma is particularly competitive in a few circumstances and will take over and devastate the human frame earlier than you even understand what has hit you. I have dealt with pts with B phone lymphoma and consistently dread the analysis given that it kind of feels to be very problematic to get into remission and pts dont keep in remission for extraordinarily lengthy. It could be very competitive and immune to therapy. Blessings to you and I am sorry to your loss RN

Answer 7

no one can tell you that...so slow down and don't yell...we can all hear you..
(it's pneumonia btw)

it's probably kinder to put him in a hospice.
He's had a long life...he's probably done all he wants to do...at least you've had a Dad for all your life..
My dad died when I was 24. almost 30 yrs ago and my mother died 6 yrs later. So I've known my husband (of 29 yrs) longer than I knew my parents...how weird and spooky is that ???

You'll be Ok...I'm sorry your Dad is ill. I'm sorry it's cancer. (it's hard to watch) But remember he's still your Dad and I bet he could use a friend like you right about now.
So I'd quit the yelling...calm down...he's gonna go when he feels it's time..hospice can help you with that... OK ???

[[[[ ]]]] good luck !

Answer 8

how can we answer that when no one can give you a date, unless there is an expiration date on his as $, his doctor can give you and educated guess, but no one can tell you for sure