SCLC spread - will treatment be withdrawn?

My mum (73yrs old) was diagnosed with SCLC in August 23 which showed cancer in her right lung, pelvis and breast bone. After a successful course of chemo and radiotherapy, she was given a treatment break. When she went for check-up scans in the summer last year it showed that her cancer had grown in her lung and had spread to her liver and brain. She stared another course of chemo - but had to pause the treatment in February due to the chemo causing all of her numbers to drop to 0 (red/white and platelets) her sodium levels and potassium levels were also dangerously low, and she was hospitalised for 11 days.
My mum has recently had another CT scan (couldn't complete an MRI due to being in intense pain) and the oncologist has said the the cancer has grown in her lung and liver again, and is now in her kidneys and adrenal glands. The oncologist has mentioned trying CAV treatment - but is unsure if she can go ahead with it due to her current age and health factors (she has copd, and a previous heart conditions)

What is the likelihood of my mum being accepted for this treatment and if she cannot have this treatment are there any other options? 

  • Hello, and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry to hear about Mum and her cancer diagnosis, she has had a difficult time.

    Unfortunately, it is only her doctors who know her and her cancer, who will be able to say whether she will be able to have the CAV treatment. If she is unable to have it, they will meet to decide what else they feel can help Mum at this time. It is difficult when someone has other underlying illnesses, as these can all be affected by the cancer and its treatments. So the doctors will need to take this all into consideration when looking at treatment for her SCLC.

    During this time, I hope Mum has a palliative care team who can visit her at home, emotionally support you as a family, and help with any symptoms that she is experiencing. They are experts in trying to support a good quality of life when things are tough.

    Take care, and I hope you hear soon what they might be doing for Mum. If you want to talk to the nurses on the freephone helpline the number is 0808 800 4040, lines are open mon-fri, 9-5.

    Sarah.