Is he dying sooner than expected?

My lovely father in law was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in May. He had surgery to remove a secondary brain met in June but in early August was diagnosed with multiple brain mets (inoperable). He has had whole brain radiotherapy and is due to start chemo next week. He also had a pulmonary embolism for which he is taking anti coagulants. 

He is off his food and has lost 18 kgs and has really swollen ankles and is increasingly short of breath.... Really only able to walk a few metres at a time without stopping. His consultant said he had about 3 months without chemo but up to six with but after seeing him today I am not sure. Does the deterioration slow down? Will the chemo improve his symptoms? I don't know if perhaps he is closer to the end than we anticipated. 

  • Hello DDIL,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I am really sorry to hear about your father in law's diagnosis and hope that the chemotherapy works well for him next week.

    Unfortunately it is often difficult to tell whether someone is deteriorating very fast. It is sad that he is off his food and that he has lost so much weight.  Perhaps you could give his consultant a ring or arrange an appointment and ask whether they have any diet advice and also what the chances are that the chemo will improve his symptoms? If this is a new symptom, you could also mention the breathlessness he is currently experiencing.

    Our expert nurses may also have some suggestions for you. If you live in the UK, you can reach them on this free number 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator