My father has stomach cancer that has now spread to the lymph nodes in his lung. The hospital haven't given us a timescale but it's palative care and he doesn't want anymore chemo. Any ideas how long we are looking at?
I'm sorry to hear that your father's cancer has spread to his lung and is now in the process of receiving palliative care.
As our nurses are cancer specialists I just wanted to let you know that I have them aware of your post as they will hopefully be able to give you a bit more information and advice about your dad's situation. They will reply to you within the next few days but if you would like to chat to them sooner you can call them for free on 0808 800 4040 and they are available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.
I know other members on the forum have been in similar situations with their loved ones and hopefully they will be along soon to offer their support and share their experiences with you as well.
I am one of the nurses and our moderators wondered if there was anything that we could say that might help at this difficult time.I am very sorry to read about your father’s situation. This must be a difficult time for you all.
It’s difficult to answer questions about an individual’s life expectancy. This is because the same kind of cancer can behave differently in individual people. So even the most experienced specialist cannot say with absolute certainty what will happen. But they will have based their assessment on knowing your father and also knowing what happens to the average individual in a similar situation. Some people may do better than the average while others may do less well.
I wonder if your father has a Macmillan or palliative nurse (from a local hospice or community team) involved in his care. Their area of expertise is advising on cancer symptoms as well as offering patients and family emotional support. You can read more about their role by clicking here and here. If your father would like this support then his GP or the hospital can refer him.
I can appreciate that all this uncertainty can be very difficult to cope with. I wonder if it would help to talk things through further with one of us here on our freephone helpline. The number to ring is 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Please contact us again if we can be of further help.
