Post lobectomy adjuvant chemotherapy

So my mum was diagnosed with nsclc in July, they done a lower right lobectomy and removed some lymph glands in the centr of her chest which the cancer had spread too. 
 

histology results suggest they have removed all of what they can see which is good of course but they referred her to oncology for adjuvant chemotherapy. She had her first round of cisplatin and venoralbine 7 days ago today and it's wiped the floor with her. Too much and too strong for her little body. She's 63 and only 8 stone and 5 ft. 
 

today oncology cancelled her chemo and said they don't recommend she continues, nurses have said that we could lower the strength and in also heard that from lots of other people but today the oncologist said she can't lower the dose everyone gets the standard dose so I feel conflicted!

 

also, teriffied in case it's gone anywhere else but they are yet to repeat a scan? 
 

I guess I'm looking for some advice around if anyone has had their strength reduced and what I should be demanding really. All was well with respiratory team, surgeons, nurses but everything is confusing since we seem oncology it's like they want her to get chemo but they don't, they put the fear of god in her at the first app the consultant said in these exact words... if we give you chemo now it will kill you! I understand they have to be transparent but being that blunt was brutal. 

  • Hello and thank you for your post. I am sorry to hear about your mum's situation.

    When doctors prescribe chemotherapy they have to make sure it is safe to give. In some circumstances they do cannot give any. If, it makes someone very poorly then they may decide that the risks outweigh the benefits of carrying it on.  Even having one cycle of chemotherapy may have helped, but to what degree I am afraid that I cannot say.  

    There are occasions when a doctor decides to reduce the dose of chemotherapy , I'm afraid I do not know why this cannot be done for your mum. Another way to reduce the dose of chemotherapy is to give less cycles of it. If you and your mum want to talk about this further then you can do this with the lung cancer nurse specialist (leave a message and they will get back to you). Your mum may also have an oncology doctor's appointment coming up where you can discuss this further.    

    I hope you know more about your mum's situation soon and please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline