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Too weak for chemotherapy?

Jules60
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My husband was diagnosed in December with metastatic lung cancer which has spread into his bones. We have been waiting to see if he could have targeted therapy but this is not possible. So he is due to start chemo in a few days time however he is getting weaker every day. He hasn't been able to eat solid food for more than a week now (because he feels full all of the time and eating causes stomach discomfort) and just say manages to drink 3 Fortisips a day.

The morphine he is on has caused terrible constipation and the Lactulose we were prescribed isn't working.

Will he be too poorly to have chemo? 

  • Hello and thanks for your enquiry,

    I can appreciate your concern. Unfortunately, I can't say for sure, as his doctors will assess him just prior to his treatment. His symptoms sound like his constipation issues need to be sorted out. Then he may well drink and eat more and feel less full. His GP can prescribe stronger laxatives to help. Sometimes Movicol sachets are prescribed to deal with difficult constipation. There is advice on the NHS Website about constipation. They may delay chemotherapy treatment for a short period until his bowels and eating and drinking are sorted out a bit more.

    I hope this helps,

    Best wishes,

    Vanda

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Vanda

    Thank you Vanda. My hisband is now in hospital having been diagnosed with a plueral effusion and is having the fluid drained. This could explain why he is so poorly.

    I can only thank all the NHS staff at our local hospital for the care, kindness and dedication they have shown us over the past few days. 

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