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What Causes Cough, Bone Pain, And Extreme Fatigue When Suffering From Lung Cancer?

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Posted on Wed, 3 Sep 2014
Question: My 83-year old mother has stage 4 lung cancer mets to the bone. At that time she was given approx. 8-9 months to live. She has been treated with 4 rounds of chemo at 40% which was completed nearly 3 months ago. No further treatment has be scheduled. Her initial diagnosis was in January of this year. Her response to chemo was minimal with a slight shrinkage of 1 cm to a 7 cm tumor in her right lung. That was 3 momths ago. Her current symptoms are a continual hard cough, bone pain, and extreme fatigue. I am her daughter and main caregiver. What can I expect and is it possible she could survive for much longer
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Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Continue providing the best of care as before!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about what your mom is going through. It is very difficult to have your days being estimated in addition to all the horrible symptoms she is experiencing.

9months is an estimate by the doctors. There are persons who would live a lot longer the estimated time and many others who would die before that time elapses. Your mom seems to be among those that last longer. The truth is that this cancer cannot be treated fully. All measures are palliative and the client ends up dying from one of the complications.

What else can you do? There is nothing that can be done differently but for continuing the same great care and support you have been offering her. Do your best to add value to each day in the very best ways possible. We all know she would one day pass on, when exactly no one knows. Face everyday with great optimism and sincerity.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications. Thanks for using our services this day!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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What Causes Cough, Bone Pain, And Extreme Fatigue When Suffering From Lung Cancer?

Brief Answer: Continue providing the best of care as before! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about what your mom is going through. It is very difficult to have your days being estimated in addition to all the horrible symptoms she is experiencing. 9months is an estimate by the doctors. There are persons who would live a lot longer the estimated time and many others who would die before that time elapses. Your mom seems to be among those that last longer. The truth is that this cancer cannot be treated fully. All measures are palliative and the client ends up dying from one of the complications. What else can you do? There is nothing that can be done differently but for continuing the same great care and support you have been offering her. Do your best to add value to each day in the very best ways possible. We all know she would one day pass on, when exactly no one knows. Face everyday with great optimism and sincerity. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications. Thanks for using our services this day!