Hello and thanks for posting on the forum,

I can understand that this must be a difficult time for you all.  

Unfortunately when cancer has spread as in your dad's case the aim is to control the cancer for as long as possible. When the doctors meet at the MDT they will discuss his different options.  It is very difficult to be specific about his particular case as we don't have access to his medical records and we are not his doctors. There maybe different treatments that he may be offered which may help to control the cancer for a while.

We do have some information on our website about treating secondary cancer in the liver which you can look at here

There are lots of different decisions that the doctors will consider at the MDT which will then be discussed with your dad.  This includes what treatments may be beneficial at helping to control the cancer but not giving him too many side effects.  They will take in to account how well he is and how he would be able to cope with any treatments. We do have some information on our website about the different treatment decisions that the doctors have to make. Have a look here

I know that you have so many questions that you want answered but it is difficult to be more specific.  Once his case has been discussed with the team you will have more of an idea as to what is going on.  I can understand that there is so much to process when someone has just been diagnosed.  You just need to take one step at a time.

After the MDT (Multi Disciplinary Team) meeting your dad may well be given a CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist).  They are very good at helping navigate what the next steps.

It may help to have a read through the different links so you have more of an understanding about his different options but of course a lot will be dependant on what they decide at the MDT and your dad's general well being and of course what he wants.

I do hope that this has been helpful.  Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best Wishes,

Catherine

I really hope your dad gets the best treatment possible.

To the Cancer Research nurse,

I’d like to know WHY is it that just because cancer has spread it seems automatically that the NHS will not treat you to cure?

i have oesophagus cancer which has spread to my liver and lungs. Even though I am only 41 with no other health issues and am on no medication at all, from the word go I have only been given palliative chemo with any other treatments I suggest or research refused.

It seems as though to save money peoples lives are being unnecessarily shortened because everyone with cancer in more than one place is written off.

I myself have had to chase up trials and referral appointments at other hospitals whilst recovering from chemo, my oncologist and clini nurse seem oblivious to the fact that I’m supposed to be the patient!

Having spoken to other people, in the past many friends or relations who have been unfortunate to have cancer in more than one place have received treatment to both areas .

Has NHS policy changed? I also find it very frustrating that people who are 30 years older than me are being given operations on their livers and oesophagus but again as I have it in more than one place I’m not suitable for any other treatment.

Surely everyone deserves to have treatment and should be judged on an individual basis not all written off simply because our cancer has spread.

Well said , im exhausted trying to get my dad treatment and pain relief , like you say written off and waiting to die is the policy i feel . My dad is in a Hospice now dying due to the lack of urgency regarding the NHS . No wonder people go private . 

This government suck and so does cancer policy in the NHS regarding some cancers and their treatment of certain patients.