died

sjanielady · Guest

my wife just died of small cell lung cancer. She was in 100% remission aacording to her doctor. the continuation of both chemo and radiation therapy, however, brought her blood counts to the floor, and she had to hospitalized again. about 10 days later, she got an infection in her brain (encephalitis they think), and was being treated for that. her response became worse over the next 3 or 4 days, until she could no longer respond to a simple question. 2 days later, she died - still complettly unresponsive. Obviously the treatment did not work. i am devistated, because i think the combination of chemo and radiation was just too much for little body, and i believe the dr should have know this, as she was in his care for about 3 months (he already had to reduce the chemo dosage because it hurt her blood counts so much).

has anyone had similiar circumstances? where you thought your loved one was doing great, to find out that the treatment killed her???

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Dear Sir

I am very sorry to hear about your wife. There is always the risk of severe infections with most chemotherapy regimens, and unfortunately some patients will ultimately die due to these infections. It is part of the doctor's duty to inform the patient of the risks, benefits and alternatives involved with any treatment, including chemotherapy.

I wish the circumstances were different, but this is a sad side-effect of the potent drugs that are used...

regards,
Leo
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Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

mhines809 · New User Joined: 29 Nov 2004 Posts: 6

I am so sorry for your loss. Recently my aunt was diagnosed with lung cancer that went to her brain. She was given 15 treatments of radiation and has now started chemo. She has had 3 treatments and seems to always be sick with a cold or sinus problems. Her blood counts too are low and she is so sick from the chemo. It seems that the treatment is killing her faster than the disease. She has not told us to much about what the dr has said but I fear it is not good. It does make you wonder why have the treatment and be so sick from it rather than just living life to the fullest before the disease takes over.

abh1997 · New User Joined: 29 Nov 2004 Posts: 5

I am so sorry for your loss.
Anne

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