Like a rabbit caught in the headlights - husband has advanced cancer of the larynx and lung. Had radiotherapy for the larynx but not lung, why is this?

My husband is diagnosed with Advanced cancer of the larynx and Lung and has just finished 6 doses of radiotherapy to the larynx to help with symptoms but will not give him any longer life expectancy and will not cure him. They refuse to do chemo as he has COPD but i don't understand why they won't give radiotherapy to the lung and nobody will give me a straight answer. I'm 44 and hubby is 56 and I feel he's been written off as a lost cause. He suffers with his mental health and looks to me for answers that I just don't have and of course I'm trying to take in the information doctors give, process it and digest it and reel it off to my hubby and I feel like a little scared rabbit caught in the headlights if I'm honest. 

  • Hello CelticWitch

    I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. Undoubtedly this is a very difficult time for you both especially as you have unanswered questions about your husband's care. 

    I'd suggest giving our team of nurses a call to talk things through with them. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. If you'd like to talk with them, they're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    You might also want to think about getting in touch with the hospital PALS team. It's part of their role to help resolve concerns or problems when you're using the NHS and it may be that they can help you get answers to some of the questions you have about your husband's treatment. 

    I do hope that you can find the support you need to help you both move forward. Keep in touch with us at Cancer Chat if it helps to have somewhere to put down in writing how you're feeling and ask questions. We're here for you. 

    Sending you both my best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator