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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Can Patient In Stage 4 Of Cancer Survive?

my aunt was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It originated in her colon and has spread to her liver. She has had 2 chemo treatments but is not having more. We were told that she will be starting hospice. She has gained 40 lbs in the hospital in 2 weeks. Her legs and feet are extremely swollen. She is confused at times. How do we know if she has 2 days, 2 weeks or 2 years to live?

Thu, 6 Aug 2015
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Sorry to know about your aunt who is suffering from stage 4 cancer. Colon cancer might be violent at times and even after surgery about half the patients develop spread to liver, lung and brain. The expected survival of a stage 4 cancer patient is up to 2 years from the date the cancer detection was confirmed in the liver.

The maximum survival depends on many factors like age of patient, response to treatment, progress of disease, general health condition and mental outlook. In case of your aunt, it is important to know if the liver and kidneys are functioning normally. Swelling in legs indicates a problem in liver, kidney or heart. If there is a complication in the liver or kidneys then survival is reduced to 6 months. Please do not worry.
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How Long Can Patient In Stage 4 Of Cancer Survive?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Sorry to know about your aunt who is suffering from stage 4 cancer. Colon cancer might be violent at times and even after surgery about half the patients develop spread to liver, lung and brain. The expected survival of a stage 4 cancer patient is up to 2 years from the date the cancer detection was confirmed in the liver. The maximum survival depends on many factors like age of patient, response to treatment, progress of disease, general health condition and mental outlook. In case of your aunt, it is important to know if the liver and kidneys are functioning normally. Swelling in legs indicates a problem in liver, kidney or heart. If there is a complication in the liver or kidneys then survival is reduced to 6 months. Please do not worry.