Palliative chemo

Hi there,

i just wanted some advice really, my mum was offered 4 cycles of gemcarb treatment for secondary bone cancer with unknown primary. She has decided after her two cycles that she can’t carry on because of the awful side effects. How will this impact on her prognosis? How much shorter lifespan will it now be? She was given 18 months with the treatment but I’m not sure now what will happen. She is so much better off the chemo and is already back to her happy cheerful self. I would appreciate any advice on what to expect now she is not having any more treatment, she is due a scan in 3 weeks to see if there has been any change. The doctor did say that there prob wouldn’t be much change in the scan after 2 cycles of treatment.

Thanks xxx

  • Hi sometimes can stop it growing rather than making it smaller it doesn't always work sorry I can't be of more help it can depend on the C treatment there are a lot of different types some stronger than others.

    Billy 

  • Thanks for your reply Billy, it’s just hard isn’t it, the not knowing. All I need to focus on is the here and now, and at the moment my mum is doing well. She is eating and is so much better since the chemo stopped so I’m just going to be there to do the things she wants to do and enjoy our time together xxx

    Thanks again for your reply xxx Helen

  • Hi ya ...

    You know we have to weigh up which way to go .. chemo may give your mum a little longer, but it's really harsh on the body .. and l can quite understand if she wants quality over quantity... now she's feeling better, make as much of whatever time she gets ... you can still make lots of good memories ... try not to look ahead ... live in the day .. and find out if theres something she still wants to do ... 

    Share these times and say all what's in your heart ... it's o.k to admit your both scared .. but by making the most of what you have now... you will one day be pleased you did ... since my cancer diagnosis, that's how I live each day ... and two fingers up to cancer ... and you will even have smiles and laughter along the way .. memories are pictures the heart takes ... Chrissie

     

  • Hi Chrissie, you are so right, that is what I intend to do, we have spoken about the things she wants to do and we are going to make sure she gets to do all of those things. She is so much happier now than when she was on the chemo, the difference is amazing! I’m going to take each day at a time and cherish the time I have got with my precious mum. Thanks again for taking the time to reply. Take care xxx Helen xxx

  • Hi ...

    I think your mum will be really proud of you ... too many let this precious time go when in life none of us know what tomorrow brings ... l have 2 son's, and no daughters but if I'd been blessed to have had one, I'd have loved one just like you ...

    My family have been right by my side, and let me take control of my journey .... something cancer wants to take away from us ... I'm all for people being able to do whatever they want ... but to have those we love just hold our hands is priceless.... Chrissie xx

  • Thanks Chrissie, I have such a close relationship with my mum, she’s my soulmate, my best friend and I know she is proud of me and always will be. I’m so proud to call her my mum, she is being so brave about it all. I will be there for her throughout this journey and support her in any decision she makes and be there for her every step of the way. Thank you so much for your kind words, they mean a lot xxx

  • Hello,

    so sorry to hear about your mum. I am in a similar situation and have a young family. Chemo is tough. Please ask for a referral to see an oncologist who offers immunotherapy options, as this may be more comfortable treatment for your mum. Also, a second opinion to identify the primary would be useful too. There is always hope.

    All good wishes,

    karen

     

  • I was diagnosed with lung cancer 11 months ago. Went thru 6 months of palliative chemo, lost 20 lbs, all my hair and was very sick. Dr stopped chemo in December and I have gained all my weight and hair back. I feel great. Have begun immunotherapy, but I believe it is not working as I can feel the growth inside of me getting larger. Dr has suggested returning to additional chemo treatment as it would buy me 4-6 months. It’s very hard to quit and give up, but I would like to die with a little dignity if that’s even possible with cancer. Very funny as I am not afraid of death but still have that drive to fight until the finish. I’m in God’s hands, His will be done.