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When I saw my oncologist to discuss treatment options after surgery, I already knew from my surgeon that I had a very agressive, advanced cancer and that Herceptin could be an option for me later, so I knew my chances of recurrence after treatment were high. I felt agressive treatment was a given, and asked my onc what my prognosis was. He told me, in the most caring way, that with chemo and radiation the statistics showed a 70% chance of living 5 years. Really, this sounded good to me, and I am glad he was honest with us. We were able to shed many layers of denial and give it our best shot. When the cancer returned 6 months after treatment ended, it was not a huge surprise, and so I started Herceptin with high hopes that this was the godsend that would enable me to live a "normal" life again. My onc was again very honest with me, saying he had only a few patients who had tried it and only one had shown a good response, but the book was wide open.
It's been a little over 3 years, and I still wake up each morning amazed to be alive. In that sense, my life WILL never be normal again, and I wouldn't want it to be. I am a better person, I think, and consider cancer to have been a great teacher.
I think if a patient doesn't ask for a prognosis, it means they're not ready to hear it, and it could be a cruelty, and possibly even unethical, for a doctor to force the issue. They have to keep in mind the admonition, "First Do No Harm". Giving an unfavorable prognosis to someone determine to live against all odds could squelch one's spirit, and most good doctors know the human spirit is the most important aspect of healing.
Thanks for asking the question, Jojo, it's a good one!
hugs, Lolly
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