I know this sounds like a stupid question but can someone with terminal illnesses survive?

[Anonymous]

Look I know terminal means the last stage and results to death, but I was curious if someone has or can survive terminal illness.

I have a relative that’s battling cancer and unfortunately it’s terminal. We’re visiting her and spending as much time with her as we can. I know some can live a couple weeks, months or years with serious Illness. We pray to god she’s live loner but we know what to expect. Its really sad that she’s dying but she’s doing okay. She believes she can fight this and we’re praying. She’s a fighter. I know it isn’t possible to survive terminal illnesses but is it possible?

[abc3643]

You wrote:
"I know it isn’t possible to survive terminal illnesses but is it possible?"
Actually, you answered your own question. You know it isn't possible to survive a terminal illness so, no, it is not possible to survive a terminal illness. That's what terminal means.

TECHNICALLY, when a physician says the illness is "terminal", that means that the illness will result in the death of the patient. Now, many illnesses are serious and will likely lead to the death of the patient but that doesn't necessarily mean that the illness is terminal. For instance, Stage 4 cancer is very bad and patients with Stage 4 are likely to die, but it is not "End Stage" cancer which is terminal cancer and the patient will certainly die. So, if a patient who has Stage 4 cancer eventually dies from the disease, we'd say that the patient's Stage 4 cancer at some point transitioned to End Stage cancer before the patient's death.

Just try an appreciate every day that you can with her.
I have old dogs so I think of it like they have a terminal illness and give them love every day and I don't even want to be away from home and them because of that. I lost my sweetest baby 3 days ago at the age of 15y 6m so I am heartbroken, but I gave her love and cared for her every single day.
So, do what you can.
In fact, this may help...
www.cancer.gov/.../caregiver-support

[madhatters4]

i guess this is where you get into medial miracles, misdiagnoses etc.

a person with a true terminal illness shouldn't survive but we've all heard reports of doctors being shocked at a patient rebounding from what they thought was a terminal illness.

so does that mean miracles exist?

does it mean there was a misdiagnosis somehwere?

[madhatters4]

thanks for MHO

[AmazonChick171]

Well it IS A DUMB question so if it’s terminal, then they won’t survive. Just spend time with that person as much as you can. You can have hope but be prepared for the worst. If they survive then it isn’t terminal and the problem is, a lot of people don’t wanna face or accept the reality. I know it’s hard to accept your relative is dying and it’s heartbreaking, but if the doctors said it’s terminal, than it IS terminal and she isn’t getting better. It’s impossible for someone with terminal cancer to survive. She’s dying so there’s nothing you can do about it. I know it sounds blunt and it’s harsh, but those are the facts of life. It’s the truth. Do you really want them to suffer? You would be very selfish for wanting them alive and suffering. If you love that person, let them go! You’ll just make I worse! I’m not trying to be a bitch but it’s the truth and you’re in your 30s so you should know better!

[provokeesmokee]

It's possible, sure. Nothing is guaranteed.

But it's more damaging to hope and "pray" for recovery than it is to approach death with peace and understanding.

We thought we'd lose my late grandma a few times - and she herself was ready to go join her late husband (and, her words, yell at him for being late to pick her up) - but she lived a few years longer than we expected.

Death is part of life.
Hope is fine but don't let it blind you or bind you to an outcome.

[Astarlessnightsky]

Everyone dies eventually, but people can survive longer than doctors expect and may even survive long enough till the desease is gone. However they are weakend by the desease and the therapy and may die soon afterwards as well.

No one knows, so cherish the time you got with people.

[WindAtMyBack]

If they survive then it's not terminal. But when doctors call it terminal, it probably is. There are occasional exceptions though.

Have faith, but be prepared. Say what you have to say while you can. Ask questions while you can.

[TalkWithoutSpeaking]

Yes I mean some people survive cancer so my guess is that it is possible.

[Sparkie460]

Some people can live a long time with a terminal illness. They usually know when it's their time to go.