Welcome to Cancer Chat sjfahey although I'm sorry to hear that your dad wasn't able to have the chemo after his operation.

Did the doctors say there would be a chance for your dad to have the chemo once he got stronger or provide other treatment options? As you have mentioned above it would be a good idea to discuss the pros and cons with his medical team but for a general overview our cancer nurses may be able to help. You can give them a call on their freephone number 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

I hope your dad's strength returns soon sjfahey. 

All the best, 

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi,

This is difficult, but many of us have been through this. Your Dad hasn't been ditched, but his care team need to consider all the pros and cons. Not to put too fine a point on it, they need to consider whether he'd be able to survive the chemo. It would be pointless to kill off the cancer, if the chemo were to shorten his life more than the cancer would have. 

Hopefully once his physical condition improves the balance will shift the other way and chemo will be viable. We went brought something similar with my Mum a few years ago and I've no doubt I'll reach a similar stage in my own cancer pathway at some time n the future. I've also had friends who have been in a similar situation who fought off the infection, had the chemo and lived to fight another day. Annoyingly, we never know how these things will turn out, all we can do is hope for the best.

Best wishes

Dave