Stage IV cancer - should one fight it ?

Question

If one has stage IV cancer [colon cancer with peritoneal and lung metastases] still in a good physical and psychological condition [has been fighting it for two years], but at the very end of his resources, having to rely on his relatives' love and help [just the little bit they can offer], should that one still fight? Or it would be better to give up treatments and accept an earlier death? Wouldn't that be a relief for everyone??

Answer 1

Yes, a person with stage IV disease should fight, if that is what they wish. There is always treatment available and resources to help financially. Of course, this does become an individual decision. There really isn't any right or wrong involved here, because treatment for the cancer can be brutal. Some people seem to be more resilant than others. So, it is a very individual choice . . but it should not be based on finances . . it should be based on treatment options and response.

My sister in law decided to not undergo treatment for breast cancer. That was her choice and she lived about a year after diagnosis and passed away peacefully at home. My son was diagnosed as a stage IV with multiple tumors throughout the abdominal cavity . . he chose to fight and has done very well in treatment. He currently has disease in the lungs and pelvis but he has no symptoms and great quality of life. His treatment is all experimental for his disease, but he has no side effects at all with it. He is being treated with the idea to control the disease . . (although we would certainly take cure it it was possible!!) . . we just want to control and contain the disease. Primarily because we know how close research is coming towards finding some answers. He has been involved as a patient in clinical trials and we keep a database of over 200 patients and how well they are doing on many different types of treatments. None of the treatment yet is a home run, but there are indications that some are working . . we know have more than a handful who have survived longer than the five year period . . which is far more than even two years ago. So, progress is slowly being made in the treatment of his cancer . . and that means hope . . not a guarantee . . but hope.

There is always hope. And, if this patient is still feeling good physically and physcologically . . than he deserves the chance to fight for life. What strength he must have to resist the people around him who are more concerned about their financial well being than they are about him.

Answer 2

This is only an answer one can answer for themselves. Personally, I wont give up until they tell me their is nothing more they can do. However, I have thought about it, and at that time I do know what I will do. I will wait until it is near the end when things get bad, but I will euthanize myself. Most ppl dont agree with that at all, but I know what I want.

If the problem is simply a lack of resources like money and such, I dont think I would give up. I have been reliant upon my mother a lot in the last 3 years. It is very difficult for me bc I am 24 and very independant other wise. But, we live 300 miles apart, so we get plenty of breaks from each other. Financially, while I care about their situation, I am not gonna feel bad that they have no money for extras because they are paying 4 different car payments. If they dont want to be quite as tight perhaps they shouldnt have bought all the new vehicles that werent necessary. Especially after three years of what I have been going through. I wish they didnt have to help me at all, but fact is I dont have the abillity to always have all the money I need and they have more than they need. Not to mention they act like I have no idea what I am talking about and do whatever they want without thinking about it (I had to travel to a different hosp for my stem cell transplant. I was going to be there for ATLEAST 3 months, so I told mom she should find a 3 month rental apartment, fairly easy to do in that particular area. She thought I was outside my mind and instead got a hotel room that was barly bigger than my living room(which is small), only had a stove top, no oven, and cost about 3 times as much. Im not gonna feel bad they spent that kind of money when I gave them the cost efficeint solution, the just didnt want to listen.

But, I dont live at home, and havnt for quite sometime. If I actually had to deal with them on a daily basis, I may very well feel that way. Luckily I live with my sig other, and he supports all of my medical decisions.

And the above person is right, if this is a family member or friend saying the patient should give up to make it easier on the ppl they are around, that us just snotty uppity rude and obnoxious. If that is the case, I really hope that patient knows what kind of ppl they are relying on and has a way to get out of that kind of negativity.

Answer 3

Only the person who has the illness knows when it's the right time to give up fighting. It's far too presumptive for the family suffering alongside to suggest to someone that they should die now, no matter how much more nicely they phrase it.

If the relatives are at the end of their ropes, they should place a call to social services or seek the aid of a social worker associated with the hospital where the patient has been treated. There are other means of support.

Answer 4

yes, it may be a relief to everyone, the person fighting and the people watching the fight...but if that person gives up what were they fighting for in the first place? there is never an end to resources, they have so many new ways to conquer cancer have you checked cancer centers of America? They won't turn anyone away and their survival rate is enormous!!! They try new and different things "regular" Dr.s dismiss. and rely on the relatives, that is what they are there for, the cancer fighter would probably do it for them right? Dont stop fighting, there's a reason this person is still around right? God Bless you! Your in my prayers.

Answer 5

Because colon cancer is so common, there are numerous Clinical Trials ongoing.

This person might consider asking his/her oncologist if s/he qualifies for any clinical trials. Clinical trials aren't about being a "human guinea pig" ... but rather about using scientific methodology to study the potential benefits and side effects of promising new treatments. Many people who otherwise had no hope have been given extra time by participating in trials.

It's something I'm considering if my upcoming diagnosis is as serious as I fear.


http://www.cancer.gov/search/ResultsClinicalTrials.aspx?protocolsearchid=3892903

Answer 6

Life is short - fight for all you're worth.

The sad fact is that if you don't fight by the time the end is upon you you'll wish you had. At that stage every day will be a priceless gift for yourself and you're family.

Don't have regrets secure as much life as you can and fight for that bit more. Don't give up.

Answer 7

I would say Never give up on hope. Trust in your faith
You have everything to live for. You have the final word not the doctors. Pray for physical strength, mental strength. Pray for the doctors to have the knowledge to get you through.
fight that mental weakness if you can. The physical weakness will come back. Eat if your not hungery eat rest drink fluids eat rest. Pray and do not give up on hope. It is worth the fight.

Love

Answer 8

One round at a time like a fighter, no never see a boxer wave his arms not to come back out.It is the ref( the doctor or god) who ultimately makes the decision.Keep punching.
My mom was 5feet nothing at 80 and did 15 rounds. I know she is up there cheering you on.Do it.

Answer 9

I personally know someone that completely beat stage four bone cancer by adopting a 100% raw foods diet. He heard about this guy named Ron Diamond that beat stage 4 bone cancer with raw foods, so he decided to try it himself because at that point he didn't have anything left to lose.
And it worked.
No fooling, Cristian.
You owe it to yourself to atleast check it out.
Go google the words "raw, living foods" and "Cancer".
Do it right now. You'll see what I mean.

Let me know if you have any questions about the raw foods diet and I'll be happy to help you if I can.

Cheers,

Christina http://myspace.com/mikepattonisgod

P.S._Don't give up.

Answer 10

My wife has stage IV kidney cancer and was giving less than a year.Well it has been four years and she is still here and doing great.It has been a tough fight but well worth it,so I say yes FIGHT LIKE HELL!