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What sort of prognosis?

Wrinklie
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I am reasonably sure that I have some sort of fairly advanced cancer.

For various reasons, I do not want to engage with doctors, and have accepted that my time I coming towards an end.

I never expected to be immortal, and have come to terms with the idea that this is how I will die.  It is what it is.

However, I'm unclear on what is likely to happen.

Can anyone point me to any good resources for reading on progression of cancer?

Please note that I'm seriously not interested in being told to go see a nurse or a doctor, so please respect my decision.  I am here only to seek info.

  • Hi Wrinklie and thank you for your post.

    I’m sorry to hear you think you have advanced cancer, and appreciate this must be very hard for you. I’m also sorry that you feel you cannot see a doctor.

    Information regarding the progression and end-stage processes of advanced cancer is often categorized around palliative and supportive care principles.

    If you are looking to learn more, there are some simple and helpful places to read about how cancer can change over time. You could look at:

    Cancer Research UK: The final days of life

    Macmillan Cancer Support: The last few weeks of life

    Marie Curie: Information on stages of dying

    These explain things in a clear way, like how cancer may grow, how the body can be affected, and what people sometimes experience.

    Everyone’s path can be different, so it may not be exactly the same for you, but these guides can give a general idea of what might happen.

    I hope this information helps you feel a bit more prepared.

    While you don't want to see your doctor, because you have posted here, I do need to say that if you are worried about your health, you should get checked out.

    This is because symptoms of cancer can also be the same as the symptoms of other health problems.

    Please get back to us if you require any more information, or if you feel you would like to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline.

    You can call for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    Take care,

    Tina

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Tina

    Thanks, Tina.  That was useful, tho I was looking for more about what happens in between now and the end-of-life phase.

    I won't be phoning, because I'm not picking up much respect for my desire to avoid doctors.  Maybe that's because of professional regulation requirements limiting your options, but I don't want to deal with that.

  • in reply to Wrinklie

    Hi Wrinklie

    Thank you for posting again.

    I understand you would like to know more about what happens before the final stage.

    I’m really sorry that this is something you’re going through. It’s understandable to want to know what might happen.

    The truth is that no one can say exactly what will happen.

    It depends on the type of cancer and where it has spread, and this can affect the symptoms and how things change over time.

    Everyone’s experience is different. Some people can live for many years with advanced cancer.

    Because of this, it can be hard to give clear answers, and you may find that information is quite general.

    In the earlier stage, people often feel more tired and need more sleep.

    They may have less energy to do everyday things like washing, dressing or going out.

    Eating and drinking can become harder, and they may not feel very hungry, which can lead to weight loss.

    People can also have symptoms like pain, feeling short of breath, feeling sick, or changes with their bowels or bladder.

    If these happen, there are treatments and support to help manage them and keep you as comfortable as possible.

    It’s important to remember that not everyone will have all of these changes, and they do not happen in the same way or at the same time for everyone.

    You might find it helpful to look at our information pages about specific cancers.

    For example, we have information about living with bowel cancer and coping with metastatic bowel cancer.

    There may be similar pages for the type of cancer you believe you may have.

    Some people also find it helpful to read personal stories from others who have been through something similar.

    If someone has a terminal cancer diagnosis, they are often supported by a palliative care team.

    These are specialists who focus on helping with symptoms and supporting both the person and their family, so they can have the best quality of life possible.

    You are correct that as specialist oncology nurses we have a duty of care, and that may mean advising people to see their doctors where appropriate.

    But if you would like to give us a call we would always respect your wishes and decisions. 

    Best wishes 

    Tina

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