Dang, I hate when doctors give patients a time line, because actually, I feel that does more harm than good. But then, who knows. My oncologist just told me he didn't know. There are so many factors. But, you can look on line and see what the statistics are. Keep in mind, they are compiled from data taken 10 or more years ago.
You can read him my letter. I also have a little bio written at my profile that you can get to by clicking my name.
Since I was diagnosed in May of 2010, you wouldn't believe the progress made with the new treatments, drugs, and mutations the medical community has introduced. I've seen progress in early detection through ct scans. And I've seen people living years longer with in-operable and recurring lung cancer. Way beyond the stats for survival with treatment.
Why do chemo and radiation? Because now they have better ways of targeting the radiation with as little damage to surrounding areas as possible. AND, there are now so many more "easier" chemo's than years ago. AND if that chemo isn't working any longer, there's another chemo to try after that, and then another. There are targeted chemos too that go after a specific mutation. (mutation should have been tested for with the biopsy) Also, it is good to know your type of lung cancer, the mutation, and the staging, so YOU can research and find all the valuable information out there about cllinical treatments, different treatment options, different radiation options, and just generally how others are being treated who have the same conditions as your husband.
Tell your husband I was absolutely scared to death. My father died of lung cancer one week short of a year from diagnosis. That was 1989. I thought I'd have the same fate. But, now It's been 2 years and I'm still here, and I'm healthy. Tell him a cure may not be known now, but you never know if it may appear in a year from now, or 2. You just don't know how close research is to keeping us as close to a cure as possible. Like I said, we're living years with lung cancer, and if we can just hang on ~ you just never know if your type of mutation may be the one that breaks through.
Like I said, my oncologist would never give a patient a timeline. He doesn't believe in it. And I guess, to prove his point would be what your husband is now going through. My oncologist was a cheerleader for me, and my progress. Possitive outlook has so much to do with treatment too. I'm sorry this oncologist did this to him. I'm just trying to tell your husband that it isn't all gloom and doom, and he can do it!! He can get through treatment, yes, it's a bitch, and it's tiring, and sometimes you get a little testy from the "chemo brain", but it is worth it. Please try to convey to him that I am speaking from experience, and he CAN do it!!
There is HOPE. It takes COURAGE and STAMINA and FAITH and GUMPTION! It's too early to give up. He is in the fight of his life. BUT, it's a fight I hope he realizes he has help with in you. Together, my husband and I traveled this road, and together my husband and I survived. The road may be traveled again by us, and it may not lead to the same spot, but we'll have traveled it together, for each other, and with all the faith, courage, stamina, and gumption we can muster.
Take care Linda, I hope somehow you can convey all this to your husband. I hope most of all, that he can find peace and strength to make the decision best for him.
Byrd