Hello JoeOrange and thanks for your post

I am very sorry to hear about your wife's situation and appreciate being given such a low percentage of success with chemo is a disappointing for you both.

I'm afraid as nurses we are unable to say if this is the correct figure for your wife based on her individual situation, taking into consideration of the type, stage and grade of cancer.

Specialist doctors are usually in the best position to advise patients about how successful a treatment may be based on both their own knowledge and expertise as well as experiences with similar patients. There are also various tools including clinical calculators where doctors can input patients details into a computer that generates a benefit of chemotherapy score.

I can't say exactly where the oncologist has got to the figure from but I think it is important that you get a better understanding of this if you can. 

It is worth trying to speak with the specialist nurse (If your wife has one) and find out if they can give you more information to work with. Failing that you could speak to the oncologist secretary to find out if you can ask some more questions about this with them.

I understand it can be difficult to pin professionals down within the NHS at the moment but when it comes to individual patient treatment they are the best people to ask as they have all the details about your wife and the cancer.

I'm sorry we can't be of more help on this occasion. 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.

Best wishes to you and your wife,

Naomi