How do you know if your loved one is too weak for 2nd line chemo?

My mum has SCLC. She done so well with 1st line chemo & had great results. Moved onto immunotherapy and then about 4 weeks after we noticed some symptoms linked to brain mets. Took our team 2 months to listen and we finally got the head scan which confirms 30-40 mets. Treatment was stopped and she was put on steroids. 16mg. 

she’s had a bad series of events the last 2 weeks with a collapsed lung, aspiration pneumonia & difficulty eating or drinking anything due to paralysed vocal cord. Already had filler procedure on her throat which helped for a little while but has worn off now which is how she’s ended up in this situation. 

she’s got a catheter, probably going to need a feeding tube. Oxygen levels are low 88-90 and she’s weak & tired. 

is she too unwell for 2nd line chemo. We have an appointment coming up with the oncologist soon to discuss but last week when mum had a good day; they said she could have treatment providing she’s well enough but looking at her now, she doesn’t seem it to me. I’m devastated 

  • Hi there and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your mum, this must be such a difficult and upsetting time for all the family.

    I'm afraid no one here can say whether your mum is suitable for more chemotherapy, this is something only the doctors looking after her can assess. It sounds like your mum has had a tough couple of weeks and this of course will have taken it's toll on her and the team may wish to wait a little longer to see if her condition improves.

    As you will be aware a patient needs to be relatively fit and well in order to tolerate treatment and it is important that the benefits outweighs any risk of doing more harm than good. The doctors will usually assess the general health and fitness of a patient using a type of performance status scale before making a decision about treatment.

    I hope the discussion with the team goes well, do raise any questions or concerns you have with the team involved and hopefully they can answer these for you.

    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 and look after yourself

    Naomi