How common is it to die during a regimen of chemotherapy?
101001
There is too much variability to make an intelligent answer to your question, I'm afraid.  With some drugs and some tumors, the death rate is almost the same as for a healthy person of the same age and gender.  With others, it's substantially higher.  Also, many of the regimens used now involve a complex mix of multiple drugs at assorted intervals.\n\nTo complicate things yet further, the answer differs for almost every sort of cancer.  Seminomas have a 95% or better survival rate at 5 and 10 years; other cancers, for example small cell carcinoma of the lung, have less than a three year median survival, last I checked (and I'm no specialist in the field)\n\nComplicating this even more, a lot depends on how advanced the cancer is when it is spotted.  If an adenocarcinoma of the colon is found on colonoscopy, and the polyp is removed with no evidence of spread, well, your outlook is a whole lot better than if the adenocarcinoma of the colon is discovered by spread to the elbow, and it's all over everywhere else, too.\n\nNo intention of being rude, but your question is comparable to asking how common it is for a mammal to die...  There is just too much variation to give an honest answer.
511680
Yes I do. They tell everyone that when you have skin cancer you will live longer if you get surgery and chemotherapy. I have not found that to be true. My aunt, uncle and a friend all had it and all died not long after getting those treatments. My dad has it too. He refused to get the treatments and is still living this very day and gets around just as good as he did back then. He has had it for 33 years.
343126
IT really depends on the drug. \nU need to follow the instructions that come with each drug. Some cytotoxic drugs can be taken by mouth (patienhts usually think these ones are less harmfull to them) or intravenously. The most important thing too is to take the right dose and the right time as too much harms the paient too much, too little doesn't have enough effect on the disease (usually tumour).
1049935
Not currently, however there are treatments and preventative measures. \n\nA cure means you will be completely absolved of the problem forever.  \n\nA treatment is a management. Like chemo can rid a person of cancer for awhile but there's still a chance it will come back. \n\nCancer happens on a cellular level so it's going to be a tough one to find a 'cure' for.  \n\n(Quoted)\nCancer can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy or other methods. The choice of therapy depends upon the location and grade of the tumor and the stage of the disease, as well as the general state of the patient (performance status). A number of experimental cancer treatments are also under development.\n\nComplete removal of the cancer without damage to the rest of the body is the goal of treatment. Sometimes this can be accomplished by surgery, but the propensity of cancers to invade adjacent tissue or to spread to distant sites by microscopic metastasis often limits its effectiveness. The effectiveness of chemotherapy is often limited by toxicity to other tissues in the body. Radiation can also cause damage to normal tissue.\n\nBecause "cancer" refers to a class of diseases, it is unlikely that there will ever be a single "cure for cancer" any more than there will be a single treatment for all infectious diseases
806177
Congratulations! Tarceva works only about 10-15% of the time. But it is great because it has much fewer side effects than chemotherapy. It will not get rid of the cancer forever though but you should enjoy the ride until a new drug comes out (usually every year). If it causes so much rash or diarrhea, try stop it for a week and restart it at the same dosage. Don't cut down on the dosage and don't just give it up. Talk to your cancer doc.
56977
The two year survival rate is 16.8% with chemotheropy. And 2 year survival rate at 6% without chemo.
1151600
Chemotherapies can be given through I.V. or in oral form.  Chemotherapy kills fast growing/dividing cells.  That's why many will cause a persons hair to fall out.  Every chemo treatment is given differently, because each drug affects people differently.  \n\nI had Hodgkin's Disease and was on a regimen known as ABVD (Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, DTIC).  I didn't have horrible side effects, but some common side effects are:  Low blood counts (white blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets...ect)  fatigue, nausea, hair loss, mouth sores (the chemo can cause the insides of your mouth to "sluff" away leaving sores) constipation, diarreha, anemia, loss or change in taste buds, infertility, weight loss or gain...and the list goes on.  \n\nI also did a set of salvage chemotherapies when my cancer stopped responding to the ABVD.  This was a combination of Gemzar, Navelbine and Doxil.  The side effects were pretty much the same.   \n\nI also went in for "high dose" chemotherapy which was a combination of the drugs:  BCNU, Etoposide, Arc-C and Cytoxin.  Since they were given in "high dose" form they destroyed all of my bone marrow and the blood cells that are created there (white blood cells, hemoglobin and platelets)  In order to give high dose chemos, a person needs to have stem cells or bone marrow waiting to be transplanted back into them.  I had my own stem cells harvested from my blood, it's known as a autologous stem cells transplant.  The cells go back to the bone marrow and start making new bone marrow after the chemo kills pretty much every fast dividing cell in the body.  \n\nEvery cancer has different chemo treatments and every chemo has to be given differently, though many are simply given through I.V.
162819
The following is taken from the National Cancer Institute webpage, "Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment - Coping with Side Effects"\nSource: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/chemotherapy-and-you/page4#C6\n\nHair Loss\n\nHair loss (alopecia) is a common side effect of chemotherapy, but not all drugs cause hair loss. Your doctor can tell you if hair loss might occur with the drug or drugs you are taking. When hair loss does occur, the hair may become thinner or fall out entirely. Hair loss can occur on all parts of the body, including the head, face, arms and legs, underarms, and pubic area. The hair usually grows back after the treatments are over. Some people even start to get their hair back while they are still having treatments. Sometimes, hair may grow back a different color or texture.\n\nHair loss does not always happen right away. It may begin several weeks after the first treatment or after a few treatments. Many people say their head becomes sensitive before losing hair. Hair may fall out gradually or in clumps. Any hair that is still growing may become dull and dry.\n\nHow can I care for my scalp and hair during chemotherapy?\n\n    * Use a mild shampoo.\n    * Use a soft hair brush.\n    * Use low heat when drying your hair.\n    * Have your hair cut short. A shorter style will make your hair look thicker and fuller. It also will make hair loss easier to manage if it occurs.\n    * Use a sun screen, sun block, hat, or scarf to protect your scalp from the sun if you lose hair on your head.\n    * Avoid brush rollers to set your hair.\n    * Avoid dying, perming, or relaxing your hair.\n\nSome people who lose all or most of their hair choose to wear turbans, scarves, caps, wigs, or hair pieces. Others leave their head uncovered. Still others switch back and forth, depending on whether they are in public or at home with friends and family members. There are no "right" or "wrong" choices; do whatever feels comfortable for you.\n\nIf you choose to cover your head:\n\n    * Get your wig or hairpiece before you lose a lot of hair. That way, you can match your current hair style and color. You may be able to buy a wig or hairpiece at a specialty shop just for cancer patients. Someone may even come to your home to help you. You also can buy a wig or hair piece through a catalog or by phone.\n    * You may also consider borrowing a wig or hairpiece, rather than buying one. Check with the nurse or social work department at your hospital about resources for free wigs in your community.\n    * Take your wig to your hairdresser or the shop where it was purchased for styling and cutting to frame your face.\n    * Some health insurance policies cover the cost of a hairpiece needed because of cancer treatment. It is also a tax-deductible expense. Be sure to check your policy and ask your doctor for a "prescription."\n\nLosing hair from your head, face, or body can be hard to accept. Feeling angry or depressed is common and perfectly all right. At the same time, keep in mind that it is a temporary side effect. Talking about your feelings can help. If possible, share your thoughts with someone who has had a similar experience.
477991
Each tissue of the body is more/less sensitive to radiation.  Each has a threshold where it is severely damaged and/or dies.\nHigh acute dosages result in damage to the nervous system and death follows shortly.  Symptoms include vomiting.\nA lesser dose will damage the crypt cells in the intestines (cells that reproduce a lot and replace those lost on a daily basis).  Over a 2 week (or so) period, the intestines will begin to develop holes as old cells are lost and new ones are not forthcoming.  The patient dies when the contents of the intestines move into the body cavity and massive infection sets in.\nA lesser dose (or where the patient survives the above) will kill the bone marrow cells which produce red blood cells.  Normal attrition of red blood cells (life span roughly 30 days) and the lack of replacement will result in death in roughly a month.  \nLesser doses can lead to other short term complications and in the long term cancer.  The outcome varies greatly on what organs received the radiation, in what amounts, for how long, etc.  Not as clear cut as higher dosages.
889438
Yes and what people don't know is yes it is so strong to kill cancer that it destroys other things.  Teeth, bones even the small bones in the ears.  My cousin's daughter had lukemia and had chemo and now is nearly deaf, stunted her growth and she is 14 and the size of a 10 year old and nothing can be done to help her grow as growth hormones can cause lukemia. Her teeth are also shot from the Chemo.  She is in a wheel chair as it destroyed the bones in her hips too.But she is alive and we are happy for that.
68279
sounds like what happened to my aunt. except the muscle controled bowel movement and cancer spread to her intestines, which created a perferation that cause toxins from her intestines to enter her body. while on chemo she died because of this.
1075253
I work in cancer research, so I know a bit about the statistics.\n\nIt will depend on the stage at diagnosis.  If it's stage I or II, it's possible.  Stage III is unlikely, and stage IV has a very poor prognosis - usually those who are diagnosed at stage IV only have a few months to live.\n\nI hope that this person has had an early diagnosis - cancer is a horrible thing - I wish your friend the best.
391018
yes. i had colon cancer stage 4. had surgeries, went thru 6 mo chemo, its like anything else negative you dont give in to it. you pray and have faith and live to the fullest day to day. i'm cancer free now for 1 1/2 year. i refuse to cry whine or be scared. maybe thats why i'm still alive!
1083036
depends on the type of c.a. I've met , and served, many people with cancer. Thier children live more careful, don't injest poisons- tobacco, alcohol etc. , they watch what chemicals they are exposed to closer , they exercise more faithfully, eat better,love with more gusto, and usually Pray harder after experiencing a death or near death from cancer.. Genetics is only a small part it. How you live makes more difference-- but do not be decieved, it can sneak in so many ways that medicine does not have a clue, really, how to prevent cancer. Sometimes it seems like predestination, no known cause, no familial history, no known exposure to hi risk factors, then boom; your dead... flip the coin
943496
the small bowel obstruction should be resolved by surgery, then chemotherapy  can prevent it to occur in the future,  with metastatic ovarian cancer,  small bowel involvement is not uncommon.
899799
Hang in there! It took my son three or four months to lose all his hair. He has very thick dark and light blonde hair. All the dark hair fell out within the first two months, and the light blonde stayed for quite awile but it eventually all came out. But that was only during his first 8 months of treatment. Not all chemotherapy makes the hair fall out. The last 8 months he had a totally different chemo combination and all his hair grew back in. It's not as thick as it used to be, but its baby fine.\n\nIncidentally, for those who do not know why hair falls out during most chemotherapy treatments. Chemotherapies job is to stop cancer cells from growing.  Hair cells are cells that grow on a regular cycle (that's why you get a haircut). If a patient is undergoing chemotherapy on the same day or days that the hair cells are growing, than the chemotherapy will stop them from growing too. In a way, when a patient loses their hair it is a signal that the chemotherapy is working at killing off cancer cells. So, the loss of your hair . . . is a round about good thing.\n\nWhen your chemotherapy stops . . . your hair will grow back.\n\nGood luck with your treatments.
463144
The 5-year-survival rate is a statistical way of looking at the death rate in a cancer. You can look it up online (I have to say, it is a rather depressingly low number) but please keep this in mind: It cannot tell you anything about your daughter's individual chances since statistics only deal with groups.\nSome people can die from othe stage 2 cancer in 6 months, others will live with a stage 4 cancer for 10 years. \nYour best bet is an honest discussion with the oncologist but always keep in mind, noone can give you an absolute number. They just don't know. How you react to treatment, how fast the cancer grows - it is different for different woman.\nMy mother died last year of ovarian cancer, between diagnosis stage IV and death were only 9 months. In this time we just did our best to be there for her, helped her with everyday work as much as possible, talked to her when and about what she wanted - including death. Towards the end  we all put our lifes on hold while hers ran out, just to be there for her. Most people aren't lucky enough to be able to do this. But she was very grateful to have her family to rely on. I don't believe this is much of a comfort for you. \nI wish you and your daughter the very best of luck.