Hello and thanks for your post,

I can appreciate that this is a concerning time, and that it seems you felt the communication was lacking around the benefits or not, of starting a line of treatment again. This is not an easy area to explore, as it can be pretty difficult for a doctor to give a time frame to a patient, with or without a course of treatment. Cancer can go through periods where it's activity varies, and periods when it seems to plateau for a while. 

Immunotherapy drugs can cause cause fatigue, and other side effects. These do vary, and each patient's experience of them can be very different, and difficult to predict. It is a delicate balance between having active treatment, and maintaining a reasonable quality of life. Some patients do pursue a course of treatment, on the condition that should it prove too taxing for them,(or with minimal effect on their cancer), that they then stop it at their request. For patients that decide on no active treatment, then a referral onto a community palliative care team, can be considered. This team would be well placed to care for the patient, should they then develop symptoms of advanced cancer. A further discussion with the specialist may help, or with a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) that is part of the same team.

I hope that this reply is of some help,

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.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda

Hi Flint,

I’m sorry the professionals have left you floundering.
Only your Mum can decide, but she will need help in making an informed decision.
Age, fitness and co-morbidities all have an influence on quality of life years remaining.

In your Mum’s situation, I’d be tempted to ask the oncologist “in my position, would you opt for further treatment or simply enjoy the time I have left?”
She’s more likely to get a straight answer that way than by asking “what do you recommend?”

I have every empathy, I’ve been there with my Mam’s cancer care and I came very close to it with my own. 

Best wishes to you both
Dave

Hi Dave

Many thanks for your response. You've certainly been through it - on both sides - and so glad you are still available to help and advise.

I'm afraid it is a case of reading between the lines with the oncologist but the specialist nurse we have spoken to today has been absolutely fantastic - as she always has been. Things have been made a lot clearer and my Mum is moving towards that decision. Still no idea of longevity, but will take each day at a time, as they say, and try to make the best of each.

All the best to you and thanks again for advice

Flint