A cancer is said to be in Stage IV when it has spread from its site of origin to distant organs, this progression is also known as metastasis. Unless a metastasis is singular—meaning it has only spread to one specific site—and accessible, it usually means that the cancer is no longer curable with localized therapies such as surgery or radiotherapy.
Some types of stage IV cancer can be attacked effectively with chemotherapy; other types are poorly responsive to the cytotoxic drugs that are currently available. Even when a cancer shows a good initial response to chemotherapy - shrinking or disappearing - in most cases the cancer eventually grows back, this time in a form that is less responsive to the chemotherapy. This evolution of chemo-resistance is not a mystery, because it is well known that the chromosomes of cancer cells are prone to undergo frequent changes (genetic and epigenetic). All cancer cells behave differently and thus their response to chemotherapy drugs varies. Successful chemotherapy will kill a high proportion of the responsive cells in a tumor - but the less responsive cells are prone to survive and give rise to new tumors that will be much harder to kill with the initial chemotherapy.
When stage IV cancer continue to progress despite repeated attempts of conventional cancer treatment, most doctors are prone to throwing up their hands, telling the patient that "I've done all I can", and suggesting that the patient find a good hospice and get his or her affairs in order.
WELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL I am living proof that when they say that it does not mean anything.. I was told a couple years ago that my cancer had metastasis and they could not do anything else for me. I believe in the power of prayer. I have been depressed and all but gave up a few times. and it seem like when i am ready to just lay down and do that . God has always stepped in my life and put me back on my feet.
Come pray with us. God is listening..
I believe do you ???
God Bless
Mike
Tags:
Share
You need to be a member of MikeL's Place Cancer info center to add comments!
Join this Ning Network