Mum wants to stop Treatment

Mum was diagnosed with Lung and Liver Cancer in June of this year........ since she was diagnosed shes deteriorated quite badly, lack of drinking and eating and its hitting the family hard. There was some hope with Chemo that this would offer some quality of life and reduce Mums symptons, which we felt it had after the first treatment a few weeks ago, however Mum has chosen not to continue it.. Im feeling all sorts of emotions at the moment. Im angry that she doesnt want to stay with her family for longer and conflicted as i dont want her to suffer.

Today was supposed to be her pre treatment bloodtest for the 2nd round and we are finding it so hard to make the call that she is not going.. it feels like this is the end of the road and we dont want to make the call.. then what if she changes her mind !! it will be too late and that will be even harder to deal with. We have tried eveything, sitting down with her and explaining that the reason she felt so poorly was the lack of food and drink and whilst the chemo can make you feel poorly, it gave us all some hope that we have her for longer. 

I know so many people are going through this with loved ones.. just dont know where to turn or what to do. I feel like im numb, in a daze and cant concentrate knowing that the treatment could mean months or longer with Mum being around instead of weeks without it

 

  • Hi Chris and welcome to the Cancer Chat.

    I'm really sorry to hear about your mum and that she's decided to not continue with her chemo. This must be very difficult for you all right now but our community are here for you and I'm sure you will receive some support and advice from our members soon.

    We have a team of cancer nurses available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5.pm if you'd like to talk things through with them as well. They're very supportive and understanding and will do all they can to help.

    I know there isn't much I can say or do that can make this situation any easier but I hope knowing that you have a safe place where you know you're not alone can offer you some strength and comfort at this time.

    Kind reagrds,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • So very sorry to read this.  Do you mind me asking what age your mum is?  

    I've seen patients in hospital giving up after not managing to eat, I'm guessing that saps their stength pretty badly and their will to live.  I've also seen them change their minds when reassured that treatment can be made a little easier.  Chemotherapy isn't easy to do but it comes in all different types and dosages.  My advice to you would be not to give up on the pleading.  Especially if it might reduce her symptoms.  Do you have someone you could call at the hospital other than the chemo nurses?