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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Weight Loss, Large Lymph Node Tumors. Diagnosed As Stage IV Diffuse Tumors. What To Do?

My 84 year old father was just diagnosed with Stage IV Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma which had transformed from Small Lymphocytic Cancer. He is extremely weak, has weight loss, and large lymph node tumors, but no night sweats. His health is very poor (he's had two bouts of penumonia in the last two months). The doctors are saying that he cannot withstand the rigor of R-CHOP and that there are no other treatments. Would you basically concur that someone of his age and health could not with stand R-CHOP and that there are no other available treatments?
Tue, 30 Apr 2013
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi and welcome to HCM.
Unfortunately, there are situations when chemotherapy is contraindicated. Every doctor evaluate "cost and benefit" of therapy and you should trust them. R-CHOP is the best chemotherapy protocol for lymphomas, but it is very toxic and has negative affect on the whole organism, so in your case its purpose is doubtful considering your fathers age and general health. Chemo could make him more sick and cause plenty of side effects,and it is questinable would it prolong his life.
I wish you good luck and good health.
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Have Weight Loss, Large Lymph Node Tumors. Diagnosed As Stage IV Diffuse Tumors. What To Do?

Hi and welcome to HCM. Unfortunately, there are situations when chemotherapy is contraindicated. Every doctor evaluate cost and benefit of therapy and you should trust them. R-CHOP is the best chemotherapy protocol for lymphomas, but it is very toxic and has negative affect on the whole organism, so in your case its purpose is doubtful considering your fathers age and general health. Chemo could make him more sick and cause plenty of side effects,and it is questinable would it prolong his life. I wish you good luck and good health.