How long can my uncle, 60, survive with stage 3 lung cancer?

Question

Hi doctor.

My uncle was told he has lung cancer and also pneumococcal disease. He is 60 years old, and this news has hit us really hard. His doctor said it is stage 3 but treatable, but now, with the infection, he keeps getting fevers and is extremely weak. He was supposed to start chemotherapy but got delayed. He wants to know straight up what his chances are of beating this. Can this infection make it impossible for him to go through treatment? How long do people in his situation usually survive?

Kindly guide.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Individuals with a weak immune system are particularly vulnerable to developing pneumonia. Around 50 to 70 percent of lung cancer patients experience pneumonia during their illness.

Pneumonia is dangerous in cancer patients as it impairs gas exchange and can lead to systemic infections, respiratory failure, or sepsis. The mortality rate is approximately 30 percent, but this can be reduced with proper and timely treatment.

Chemotherapy should be postponed until recovery from pneumonia.

Communication with the healthcare provider is essential, as they may recommend hospitalization to speed up recovery and prevent possible complications.

The probable causes include: Impaired immunity due to lung cancer.

The probable diagnosis includes: Pneumonia in stage 3 lung cancer.

I advise you to do the following treatment:

1. Treatment of pneumonia.

2. Followed by chemotherapy.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.