Hi,
The actual estimates on survival are best answered by your doctor. The previous experience with treatment
whether or not there was complete clearance of all traces of disease, the duration that prior chemotherapy
kept the disease from progression, these give a rough guide as to success of the current planned treatment.
Difficulty of breathing or the requirement for oxygen may be due to different things –it may only reflect the
burden of the tumor limiting movement of the diaphragm. The other possibility is the extent of cancer in the
lung, if this is the main reason for the difficulty breathing, this may bode poorly.
Changes in sensorium, delirium, degree of alertness and wakefulness also indicate worsening condition. The
same goes for weight loss. Another guide is the degree of dependency on others – if she is bedridden and
requires help for activities such as feeding, this reflects more extensive disease burden (as it affects her
daily living).
The presence of the factors above lower the chances of survival. Mortality within 30 days may be as high as
30-40%.
I understand that there are practical considerations in planning treatment that an estimate on survival should
be addressed. A focus on quality rather than quantity of life should also be in perspective. More likely, the
treatment is to improve symptoms. Discuss with your doctor if the treatment also has a good chance of making
an impact on extending survival.
