Treatment for Stage 3 Stomach Cancer

[Saranrsg]

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Hi All,

Can you suggest the treatment and good hospital to recover Stage 3 stomach cancer for an 73-year-old lady. She is having pain in stomach, doctors are suggesting Chemotherapy, but we are scared of its side effects and as of her age, will she is able to manage the Chemo? Please suggest the treatment idea and hospital whether to go with Chemo or look for any homeopathy treatment?

Thanks,
Saran

 

[renuka]

There are many types of stage 3..ranging from stage 3A to stage 3C and the survival rates too differ..stage 3C being the lowest with only a 9% with treatment.

Discuss with your doctor which stage the patient is in and treatment options would be based on staging of cancer.

Usually chemotherapy is recommended cos it does help to shrink the cancer cells and provide relief of symptoms to the patient and prolong survival rates.

But most important is what does the patient want?

Does she want chemo?

Yes..side effects of chemo can be unpleasant and does she have any other medical conditions besides this cancer?

Most importantly at present..do not try homeopathy etc...to be frank it seldom works...your most important mode of action should be pain relief. A patient can refuse chemo but at least let her have pain relief..discuss with your doctor for pain management options for this patient.

Talk to the patient..make sure she knows her diagnosis...many people hide the truth from elderly patients but as a doctor I do not advocate that...cos a person needs to know what is happening to their body and at least give them time to come to terms with impending possible death and let them have some last wishes fulfilled and let them not just suddenly exit without their mind knowing what went wrong.

 

[Saranrsg]

Hi Renuka,

Thanks for your reply, will get advice from doctor. She is having allergy, so can she take chemo? Can you please let me know what would be the symptoms of Chemo?

Thanks,
Saranya

 

[krish44]

If you are in chennai , try adyar cancer hospital.

They are the best organised.

I have found them treating best.

Dr Shantha has created a wonderful place for treatment which she supervises though she is in late eighties.

It is the best place for middle class and not so well off