Can taking a 70-y/o terminal cancer patient out help?

Question

Hi Doctor,

My grandfather is 70 years old and has terminal lung cancer, squamous cell type. He was diagnosed 8 months ago. He is currently on best supportive care after the chemotherapy was stopped because of increased creatinine to 2.4 mg/dL and deterioration in performance status. He is largely bedridden and is on oral morphine for his pain.

We went out for breakfast last weekend. He ate half a dosa and drank some tea and laughed more that morning than he had in weeks. His palliative nurse thought it a good idea but his chest doctor was unsure about the outing because of his oxygen needs.

Is there any real medical risk to taking a 70 year old terminal cancer patient out for breakfast or something?

Are these types of memories clinically relevant from a quality of life perspective or are we just doing this for ourselves?

I want to do it again but I don't want to hurt him.

Advise me please.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understood your concern.

I hope your grandfather gets well soon. You were very good at the beginning and the emotional support you gave is excellent and extremely important in cancer treatment.

A cancer patient should not be treated as just someone lying in bed, but he should move and feel that life is normal, and continue going out in fresh air and going to places he loves like gardens and parks, because this improves oxygen levels in the body and also improves hope and mood.

I also want to tell you that stage 4 lung cancer is not necessarily terminal or end of life; on the contrary, many cases respond very well in stage 4, and lung cancer cells are very sensitive to treatment, especially for his age.

I would not suggest chemotherapy, it might make his condition worse. In his case, first-line treatment would be more appropriate to perform a genomic testing and to start targeted therapy or immunotherapy. These options can make a big difference in his condition and help him feel better and more active, so that he can walk around the house, go outside and get back to his daily activities.

This approach can give very positive results with the emotional support you provide. I also recommend proper pain management for any painful areas. Pain control can be achieved with localized radiotherapy when possible or palliative radiotherapy if needed in addition to regularly scheduled pain medications to prevent painful episodes. This allows him to go about his daily activities without discomfort.

You should keep giving him emotional support and involve him in the activities he loves. This will stand him in good stead in the time to come. I hope that is clear and please do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions at any time.

I hope this answers all your questions and concerns.

Follow up when you need to.

Thanks.