Radiation

Tomorrow they are going to measure my mom for a stronger does of radiation to her head. She tells me she doesn't think her body can take mush more. She is only about 95 pounds. I try to get her to eat more but she can't. What do you guys think her chances are? Is it weeks or months? If you followed my last post I told you she has cancer in the head, lungs and in the neck bones. Mauicoke

[riley180]

Hi.
I understand that the decisions you need to make at this time must be an ordeal.
Perhaps it is best to have a thorough discussion about things with your doctor.
I noted from your previous post that there was something in the neck, which I am assuming to be bones along the spine. What is not clear to me is whether those in the head in which there is treatment sought are bony as well, or if the cancer is inside the brain.
If the cancer is limited in the bones, then survival in the range of months is realistic. If it is inside the brain, radiation may also promise months without symptoms, though the expectations are modest.
I am getting an impression from your post that your mother is very ill, more often in bed than walking about in the house. If this is the case, then the benefit of treatment may be less likely. Try to recall how well (or how poorly) she tolerated the previous radiation, and then consider how well she may take this new one. Inquire from the doctor if the new radiation is wider in coverage or more limited. The more limited areas of radiation may provide less damage to neighboring areas, and then this may translate to better tolerance.
It would be good to talk things over with your doctor and emphasize on goals of treatment. If the disease is truly disseminated, then the quality more than the quantity of life becomes paramount - and with this in focus, the decisions may be easier.