Lung cancer stage 3b means that the cancer has left the lung area and spread into the body tissue near the place in the area in which it started. This could mean it has penetrated the chest wall or diaphragm, the lymph nodes that are nearby or those further away from the area of the lung that is affected, or it could be the area around the heart. The tumor may have grown into the windpipe or the esophagus. There could be fluid collecting around the area of the lung where the tumor is situated.
Lung cancer stage 3b means that it is no longer operable. That means you will want to look at other treatment options that may be worth considering. It may also mean that you simply want good pain management and you will do no ore when it comes to treatments. This is a conversation that you and your oncologist should have to find the best solution for you.
Life expectancy depends on when your lung cancer is diagnosed. Of course the closer to stage 1 the better chance of survival, and although lung cancer stage 3b is not looking quite as rosy never give up hope and always explore all your treatment options both conventional and non conventional.
The following is from www.cancercompass.com
it seems to be a forum about cancer, I hope it helps you.
Dear Ann,
Please tell your husband to never give up hope. My Husband was diagnosed with stage 3b small cell Lung Cancer 2 days after he retired at the age of 62 in Dec. 2000. He also never smoked. However, he worked for a printing company for 45 years. They are not able to remove the tumor because it spread to the lymph nodes. They gave him 3 to 4 mos. Now more than 2 yrs. Later the Dr's said the tumor is stable. Didn't grow or shrink. We just celebrated out 40th wedding anniversary. I never thought we would. If you need to talk to sometime, please send me a message. Take care, I will keep you both in my prayers.
Anna
Lung cancer stage 3b means that it is no longer operable. That means you will want to look at other treatment options that may be worth considering. It may also mean that you simply want good pain management and you will do no ore when it comes to treatments. This is a conversation that you and your oncologist should have to find the best solution for you.
Life expectancy depends on when your lung cancer is diagnosed. Of course the closer to stage 1 the better chance of survival, and although lung cancer stage 3b is not looking quite as rosy never give up hope and always explore all your treatment options both conventional and non conventional.
The following is from www.cancercompass.com
it seems to be a forum about cancer, I hope it helps you.
Dear Ann,
Please tell your husband to never give up hope. My Husband was diagnosed with stage 3b small cell Lung Cancer 2 days after he retired at the age of 62 in Dec. 2000. He also never smoked. However, he worked for a printing company for 45 years. They are not able to remove the tumor because it spread to the lymph nodes. They gave him 3 to 4 mos. Now more than 2 yrs. Later the Dr's said the tumor is stable. Didn't grow or shrink. We just celebrated out 40th wedding anniversary. I never thought we would. If you need to talk to sometime, please send me a message. Take care, I will keep you both in my prayers.
Anna
