Is 24 hour care needed for a chemotherapy patient with small cell lung cancer, who is 70 years old?

If your 70-year-old family member's in reasonably good health before the chemotherapy (and besides the cancer diagnosis), then NO.

However, if the 70-year-old has multiple health problems, such as See also:
How do we decide when to stop chemotherapy that's not working?

See all 1878 questions about Cancer heart disease, other lung disease, or diabetes, those problems may be exacerbated, and extra care is usually necessary.

The chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer is usually given on an out-patient basis, and the patients are able to walk (with assistance) out of the chemo facility. While there are many side effects that can come with chemotherapy, it's more the physiologic age, not the chronologic age that makes the difference in how the patient tolerates it. Put more simply, what kind of shape is the patient in? You will know when you need to give the patient 24-hour care when the person has trouble with basic functions like walking, using the restroom, and eating. Don't be afraid to ask the oncology nurses for a few pointers on how to help your loved one at home -- that helps you and makes their job easier too.

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