Dear Gary: Hope is one of the bodies natural healing process. Stress is
our enemy. Even tho the doctors opinion is an estimated guess, he simply
does not have the last word and you know who does. To take the hope away is
to take the will away and it saddens us when we hear this. First off we
have seen too many people right here on this forum who have way outlived the
doctors estimated guess. This is a very heavy decision for your Mom, who I
am sure is in a state of shock; so it may be a good idea after receiving
several post from this line and you will, count on it, share them with mom
and let her talk it out. That is how she will come to a decision on this.
We will be thinking of you and if we may be of further assistance, kindly
let us know. Also pls. keep us posted on your Dads progress. Most
sincerely, Lillian
-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Jackson <pilgrim@gyro.net>
To: mol-cancer@lists.meds.com <mol-cancer@lists.meds.com>
Date: Saturday, May 23, 1998 12:47 AM
Subject: [MOL] Need advice quickly!
>This next Wednesday, my 68 year old Dad will visit several different
>doctors concerning his treatment. Since Jan. 98, he has had a brain
>tumor removed and radiated, hip bone radiated and both of these coming
>from an adenoid carcinoma of an unknown primary. Today the biopsy of a
>tumor on his pharnyx reveals another type of cancer, squamous
>(msp).Between the radiologist, ENT and oncologist, I am hearing
>different opinions on treatment. One is to treat for survival with 7
>weeks radiation while the radiologist is saying what's the point, since
>the average life span is 6-9 months (though he admitted there are those
>surviving 5 years) and let's let him enjoy life now as he is feeling
>fairly well. Knowing my dad, I feel like he will choose radiation
>despite any statistics, if there's any hope (forget alternatives, he
>won't go for it). My question is: Wouldn't he "fight" stronger or have
>more hope during the 7 weeks if we did not tell him of the 6-9 months
>stastistics? The radiologist says he needs to know. I think he'll
>loose hope. I plan to let my mom decide this and will stick by her on
>her decision. What do you think?
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