If You Have Lung Cancer At The Age Of 83 Years Old Withheart Problems And Breathing Problems How Long Will It Take For The Cancer To Spread And How Long Will You Live.?

My father has lung cancer and he is 83 yrs old and the cancer is the size of a quarter will he pass away soon or can he live for some length of time he don't want to do treatments

Let me begin by saying that I am not a doctor of any kind, but I have had to deal with both my parents being diagnosed with lung cancer.I have done extensive research over the past 2 years and this is what I think. My dad was 59 when he was diagnosed. He was a healthy (except for his smoking) and fit man. He had chemo therapy for 8 months every 3rd week and received 6 weeks of radium therapy. Fortunately he is very well at present but during his chemo therapy he was very ill and weak, and he suffered from constant lung infections which is very common in patients receiving chemo.

My mom was not as fortunate and she is currently terminally ill with the cancer having spread to her pancreas and spinal cord. The first thing that you will have to do is find out what type of cancer cell it is eg adeno or small cell etc and if it will respond to chemo. Certain cancers do not respond well to treatment. If the breathing problems are from the cancer it means that the cancer has already spread to such an extent that it is noticeable by the patient. It is very difficult to say how long such a person has left as this would depend on a lot of factors such as is he (except for the cancer) otherwise relatively healthy, does he eat well (to keep up his strength), what cancer treatment is he currently receiving etc.

I hope that this answers your question. Should you need any more info you should contact your oncologist or your nearest Hospice. Good luck and all of the best!