Not able to have immunotherapy

Hi, 

my mum’s recently found out that her cancer has came back in her lymph nodes in her stomach. It was originally in her bile duct in her liver. She had surgery to remove half of her life and chemotherapy by tablets last time (2 years ago). They mentioned about doing immunotherapy along with IV chemotherapy this time but when she mentioned she had micro colitis, they said they weren’t going to do it. Will this lower her changes of the chemotherapy working? They have said her cancer is treatable but not curable. My mum is only 67. 

  • Hi there and thanks for posting

    I am so sorry to hear about your mum's situation, this must be a difficult time for you both.

    Usually when cancer spreads to other parts of the body it is considered secondary cancer and any treatment given is to try and control the cancer and any symptoms for as long as possible.

    It must be so disappointing to find out that your mum can't have immunotherapy now due to another health condition, that could be affected by this type of treatment.

    I don't think anyone will be able to say how your mum not having the immunotherapy alongside the chemo will affect her overall outlook, but it is something worth asking her doctors about. However it is also important to bear in mind how the immunotherapy could have caused your mum more harm than good, which is why the doctors have advised against it.

    This isn't an easy position to be in and I hope you both have other family and friends to support you through this time.

    Please get back in touch if you have further questions or if you prefer give us a call on 0808 800 4040, we're here weekdays 9-5.

    All the best

    Naomi