One of our Residents Was Cured of Stage 4 Lung Cancer

[FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I]

everyone.

We all rejoiced when we heard the news, because the first round of chemo and radiation treatments didn't work at all. However, the second round completely evaporated the tumor.

Now if they can cure COPD, I'll be happy. That stuff confines me to my room most of the time, due to my inability to breathe normal air. Now if only they could find a cure for COPD.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

How long have they been in remission?

[FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I]

She learned about the remission today. :w00t:

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

There is a problem with referring to a "cure" when the patient has just gone into remission.

One is generally not considered "cured" until 5-10 years of remission has passed. While at one time, five years of remission was considered cure, it is now defined as having no recurrence and a lifespan equivalent to other individuals w/like health status but cancer-free.

I am not meaning to depress you or play down this accomplishment. but it is dangerous and problematic to claim a "cure" of stage 4 lung ca, because tests postchemo/post-rad show "no signs of cancer". The remission is wonderful and a gift from G-d of time.....but it merely is a start of the long wait for the "cure". I have had lots of patients "cured" with no or little signs of disease, only to suffer severe disappointment and sometimes spiritual distress (my creator has failed me), when the disease returns in 3 to 48 monthes.

All remissions are a great gift that we should take all advantage of, but it takes a longer time to determine "cure". And keep at our prayers.

[FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I]

You're right. I forgot to mention the change.

[Katnip, RN]

That's cool that the tumor is gone. Pretty amazing to me.