Would anyone who has knowledge of SCLC please respond?

Posted by guyjeff123 @guyjeff123, 5 days ago

On November 25th my Pulmonologist diagnosed me with Neuro-Endoscopic Small Cell lung cancer. About a week later they biopsied my liver, which had numerous large lesions, and determined that the same cancer in my right upper lobe, near the outer edge of my lung, was the same cancer that was in my liver. I was told that this cancer has usually metastasized, by the time it is diagnosed. I was given 7 to 8 months with chemotherapy, but I'd be sick from the very first Chemo and get more sick with the next ones. I'd basically have Zero quality of life, even if I survived the Chemo. I also have CHF, A-fib, only 1 kidney that is stage 3A CKD, and a host of other comorbidities. I was also told that without treatment, I'd only have 2 to 4 months to live, but there would be some time to say goodbye to my grandchildren, and to finish a book I've been writing for about a year. I chose no treatment and that was a month ago. If anyone knows how this plays out, until death, I'd be grateful for any answers.
Thank you
Jeffrey Guy

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Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | 4 days ago

Hello Jeff @guyjeff123, Many of us know that we'll face this conversation with our doctors at some point, and we all know it won't be easy.

I've found this TED talk to be helpful, and even has a touch of humor: "What happens as we die?" from Kathryn Mannix https://www.youtube.com/watch

Wishing you clear thoughts in order to finish your book. One of my favorites is When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi. The book was left unfinished, just like his life was left unfinished due to lung cancer. It happens. Your work up to this point will still be treasured even if it doesn't get wrapped up as you anticipate. Life is messy and sometimes things are left unfinished.
From your posts, it sounds like you have found some sense of peace during this time. I'm sure it's not easy, but you sound determined to make the best of the time that you have. That's in inspiration for the rest of us. I'm glad that you shared. Hug those grandkids, take care of yourself.

pml | @pml | 4 days ago

Hi Jeff,
I'm so sorry to hear of your cancer and other issues! That must be so hard for you to deal with! My husband had Stage 4 lung cancer. He died in 2024. He reacted badly to Chemotherapy and Keytruda. He was very ill each time he had treatments. Finally he just gave up having any kind of treatments at all because they made him feel so awful! What he did was to eat healthy and for him healthy was good quality red meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, and not eating prepared frozen dinners or anything that had preservatives in it. Also he drank a lot of water.

The other thing he did was to pray. We both prayed together. My husband was expected to only live 5 years. He lived 14 years! I was so glad we had that time together!

Give your problems all up to God. He decides when you will live or die. God will be there for you and help you through this difficult time. Just talk to him like he's your best friend and he is! God helped me and my husband immensely.

As much as I miss my husband, I know that he is up in Heaven and we'll be together eventually in God's time. You will also be in Heaven when you die with all of your loved ones who have gone before you. Remember, Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you." And that's exactly what he did.

I will say a prayer for you.
I wish you the best.
PML

mamajite | @mamajite | 4 days ago

hi @guyjeff123 - for my family members that have been in a similar situation, hospice care was extremely helpful. those folks are very equipped with answers about how the dying process works. and they can do a lot to keep you comfortable and support your loved ones. all of our journeys come to an end one day. wishing you peace, comfort and the energy to do what's important to you.

denzie | @denzie | 3 days ago

Much is going to depend on what other organs become involved. As the body nears its end, the brain protects itself and conserves the energy for its use. It will eventually shut those organs down. The esophagus starts to lose its ability to push food to the stomach and swallowing becomes difficult. Forcing fluids can cause aspiration pneumonia. Make sure those supporting you know that. You also lose the desire to eat or drink.

With a life expectancy of less than six months it's time to bring on hospice. As mamajite said, they are very good at telling you what you can expect and when they see those changes happening. They have support for the whole family and will supply all the equipment you will need.

When my mom was diagnosed, we interviewed 3 hospice services. Only one representative looked my mom in the eye during the interview. That is the company we went with.

May your landing be gentle.