Will my cousin tolerate lung cancer treatment well at 54?

Question

Hello doctor,

My cousin is 54 years old and recently diagnosed with lung cancer after experiencing severe cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. The computed tomography (CT) scan showed a large lung mass with fluid around the lungs.

Her hemoglobin is 9.8 g/dL, and a PET scan suggests the cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes. She also has high blood pressure and mild diabetes (HbA1c 7.2%). Doctors mentioned chemotherapy and targeted therapy as possible treatments. With these health problems, please tell me,

Will she tolerate treatment well?
What symptoms should we monitor at home to know if the condition is worsening?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

A targeted therapy or chemotherapy is possible for her. However, it depends on her overall fitness. At 54, with controlled blood pressure and mild diabetes, glyated haemoglobin (HbA1c 7.2 %), she is likely a candidate for chemotherapy or targeted therapy.

Doctors will monitor heart, kidney function, and blood counts closely. Low hemoglobin (9.8 ) may need support (iron or transfusion) before starting.

Symptoms you can monitor at home during her treatment are,

Any increase in her shortness of breath, wheezing, or if she feels she can not get enough air, especially with activity or while lying flat.
New or worsening chest pain, or pain anywhere else that is not controlled by her current pain medication.
You can look out for unusual bruising, bleeding gums, or blood in her spit or phlegm.
A fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), chills, or a sore throat show side effects of the treatment. This is very important as chemotherapy can lower her white blood cells.
New or sudden swelling in her legs, ankles, or face.
Severe headaches, vision changes, confusion, or dizziness can happen due to neurological complications of the treatment.
If she notices a rapid increase in belly size or shortness of breath, it could be fluid building up again.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.