Hi,

Mum is in her first remission of stage 4 ovarian cancer. She’s doing chemo and is miserable. She has been through chemo plenty before but this new combo is making her very very ill and she’s had no break from her symptoms between rounds. She has told me she’s considering ending treatment. 

Her prognosis is fairly good for her stage at the moment, her tumour is small and located in just one area, it’s really likely she could go back to NED if she continues with the treatment and she does respond really well to treatment, she was NED for 3 years before now. I have made it clear to her that it’s up to her what she does for treatment, but part of me feels it would be a massive shame to lose what could be many more years with her because the treatment is making her feel this way right now. 

I didn’t think we were “there” yet. I thought we still had a long way until being “there”. 

I don’t know how best to support her. I’m currently pregnant and I just wanted to believe she would be off chemo and doing well by the time I gave birth, and I hoped that would help her hold on through this brutal treatment. I don’t want her to make a rash decision so I’ve asked her to find out as much as possible about what ending treatment will involve for her and to take some time before making the decision. 

Does anyone know what happens next when a loved one stops treatment? Will she be able to receive hospice care when the time comes? How quick can cancer take over with no treatment? Sorry I know nobody can answer this, but I wish I had an idea. 

Thanks in advance x