Lung cancer diagnosis complicated

Hi

My father went to hospital beginning of January 21 with severe breathlessness (he is already a COPD sufferer). Turned out he had an infection but also they told him they thought he had lung cancer. They then wanted to biopsy with bronchoscopy but they refused a few weeks later because of his oxygen stats and fitness...which was nothing unusual because of his COPD. After coming home for 3 weeks he still wasn't great (appetite) he went back to hospital and tested positive for covid after a few days, although tested negative on going in... apparently. He spent 6 weeks in hospital, receiving another CT scan which stated his disease had progressed...which I found astonishing and actually quite unbelievable really in a few weeks. They say there is no spread outside one lung but stage 4 the consultant said over the phone ..which I also find as *** (sorry)if it's cancer. Anyway, he got really bad with covid, but ended up fighting it despite the consultant saying he was on his last legs more than once. He came home last week looking ok, eating fine but lacks mobility....but he's slowly regaining some. They have signed him up to palliative care but he has no pain but is still on some oxygen. He is not on pain relief. They have refused chemo and radio or any sort of treatment. They say he wouldn't survive chemo. My dad is very mentally well, but has suffered with COPD and rhumatism for years so this has already affected his mobility and chest. They have said if he gets stronger they might look at it again. They also said they offer the treatment it's not for me or him to decide. I feel they are treating my dad like *** to be honest and just sending him to the dustbin. What options do I have? Any opinions on getting a private opinion? It's also been very hard as we haven't seen any of these Drs face to face due to covid.

 

  • Hi Rod44,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm very sorry to hear of what your father and all of you are going through with this. It sounds like a really difficult situation and made harder with the lack of face to face appointments.

    You're entitled to a second opinion if you feel you'd like one. You can find out more about this on our website here. And of course this could be via a private doctor if preferred.

    If you'd like to speak to someone about this, our nurses are available on 0808 800 4040 (Monday-Friday, 9-5).

    Altermatively Macmillan have various resources and support options and you can find out more about that here.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Rod44, it's so difficult to understand how cancer treatment works unless you've had it.  So my husband is now 75 and was diagnosed four years ago with stage 4 incurable lung cancer but was able to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy but it was very hard and he ended up with chemo induced arthritis, many many infections, blood transfusions and is now on immunotherapy but its not going to cure him, he now has liver cancer as it has progressed.  He has never had any pain from the lung tumour, apart from a cough he was well and his grew rapidly in weeks.  So if they can help him they would, it's not giving up on him it's being aware of what he could cope with and how much more damage could be done, his quality of life that he has left, or a longer life in pain and being constantly tired, an immune system shot to bits and tiredness you would never dream of.  Obviously if you feel you need a second opinion then it's your right to ask for one.  I've been on this forum for four years now and have written nearly everyday about what we went through.  So I hope this helps you see it a little more clearly.  Carol x

  • Thank you v much, I have thought of a second opinion. I will read the information and have a think. Thank you

  • Yes of course, I understand. I'm sorry to hear about your husband's difficulties. My father is 69, almost 70. He was offered some treatment in the beginning and they've refused now due to health after covid. He's survived covid, which I'm amazed at really considering COPD and cancer. He's at home now and doing well which I'm happy about. The consultant told me if we can get Dad more able and strengthened then they will look at things again. I understand it's not a cure but MAY give more time even though theyve not done a biopsy. It's been a tough time trying to deal with he hospital over the phone with different people speaking to you all the time and the covid situation. Thank you for taking time to reply