Is this the beginning of the end?

My step dad was diagnosed with bowl cancer 6 years ago. He had part of his bowl removed & has since had monthly treatment & a course of radiation treatment. This has all gone well & recent scans have shown the cancer hasn't grown anymore but over the last 6/8 weeks his appetite has gone, he has no energy walking from the living room to the kitchen is a struggle, he can't even prepare vegetables anymore, he spends a lot of the day lying on the bed & even getting dry & dressed after a shower is too much for him, he's always cold even with the heating on, several layers of clothes & blankets. He still drinks plenty, water, hot chocolate, tea the occasional glass of wine but is this his body preparing for the end? We do all we can for him but I've never experienced anything like this before, does anyone have any experience of this, what else should or shouldn't we be doing? Thanks

  • Hello Fox2413

    I'm sorry to hear about your stepdad's diagnosis and that recently his health has deteriorated. Have you spoken with any of his healthcare team about this change? If not then I'd really encourage you to call his specialist cancer nurse if he's been given one. Or you can contact his GP if it's easier. 

    It's difficult to say what may be causing these changes but if things haven't been investigated then there may be treatment options that could improve things for him. 

    If you'd like to talk with one of our nurses for some advice you can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope that you can access some support for your Dad and for yourselves. Do let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator