Posted At: Oct 29, 2024 - 100 Views
“My name is Mathew, 45 years old, living in the central part of Kerala, India. My mother, at the age of 73, was a cheerful homemaker who initially suffered from stomach pain and constipation. We started with local medicine, but day by day, her condition worsened, and she became increasingly tired. In February 2024, we began major treatments after the doctor identified her condition as Stage 4 cancer. She was a diabetic but didn’t take her regular medication for that condition. The doctor prescribed light chemotherapy, and she underwent eight therapies.
She seemed okay until the sixth treatment. After the seventh treatment, her bilirubin levels shot up, affecting her brain function, and she struggled to eat. Consequently, gastric issues developed, during which a stent was placed in her stomach to ease her discomfort and provide some pain relief. However, as a diabetic patient, we later learned that it was challenging for her to tolerate chemotherapy. The doctor seemed helpless in the final stage. Tragically, in September 2024, she passed away.”
As a marketing agency, Volga Tigris investigated this issue and found that similar experiences are occurring among others like Mr. Mathew’s mother. Our personal investigation indicated that the survival chances for Stage 4 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy can be alarmingly low.
When a person is diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, it is obvious that the cancer has spread across his/her body which makes the treatment more challenging. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for advanced cancer, but it is important to understand how effective it is for patients in the fourth stage. Here, we discuss the role of chemotherapy in treating Stage 4 cancer, its potential benefits, and considerations patients may have.
Understanding Stage 4 Cancer
Metastatic cancer is another term used for Stage 4 cancer. It is the most advanced stage and during this point, the cancer may spread beyond the initial site to other organs or tissues. Since many people around the globe like Mr. Mathew’s mother have faced this stage with a grim prognosis, innovations in cancer treatment offer solutions that can extend the patient’s quality of life. In some cases, these options even put the cancer into remission.
The Importance of Chemotherapy in Treating Stage 4 Cancer
Chemotherapy is a type of systematic treatment that employs drugs to destroy the growth of cancer cells. During this stage, chemotherapy is often deployed as a part of a palliative approach instead of just a curative one. As a result, chemotherapy can control the symptoms while reducing the pain and thereby extending life.
How Effective is Chemotherapy for Stage 4 Cancer?
The effectiveness of chemotherapy during Stage 4 cancer varies due to the following reasons.
- Cancer Type: Generally, some cancers respond better to chemotherapy while some may not like the case of Mr. Mathew’s mother. For instance, certain cases like pancreatic as well as liver cancers might be more resistant than breast, colorectal, and lung cancers as they respond well.
- The Extent of Spread: The location of cancer or the extent of spread may influence the effectiveness of cancer. If the cancer is pointed at a few distant sites, this treatment becomes more effective than if it is widespread.
- Patient’s Overall Health: A patient’s health is an important element as their immune function and ability to tolerate the treatment may influence the outcome of this therapy.
For many patients, chemotherapy at this stage is focused on slowing the growth rate, while due to lifestyle and certain other factors like health conditions and other chronic medical conditions may adversely influence the treatment.
Chemotherapy Side Effects
Chemotherapy also has a number of side effects on the patient which include nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and more. In addition, there is an increased risk of infection when undergoing chemotherapy. As a result, it is essential to understand these side effects together with their potential benefits. However, many doctors and their patients work together effectively to find a balance using adjusted dosages that even result in fewer side effects.
Managing the Decision: Is Chemotherapy the Right Choice?
Choosing chemotherapy for Stage 4 cancer is deeply a personal choice. Many patients along with their families and healthcare providers believe the potential benefits of chemotherapy. Nevertheless, it is important to understand the drawbacks due to the varied medical conditions. In addition, some palliative care and support groups are also considered to be instrumental as they help patients to cope with the emotional, yet physical challenges of stage 4 cancer.
Conclusion
From our extensive investigation of the effectiveness of chemotherapy in Stage 4 cancer, we have identified these factors mentioned above. While chemotherapy does not cure Stage 4 cancer completely, it remains an important treatment for patients who want to manage the symptoms while extending their time with family or loved ones.
Volga Tigris, a leading digital marketing agency Dubai, performed this investigation to address the concerns of many individuals about the difficulties suffered by Stage 4 cancer. Also, we would like to explore the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments for our loved ones to enhance awareness and support for those affected by this disease.
