Chemo has stopped

Hi

My husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer in his stomach last July and unfortunately it has spread into his spine,hips, ribs & shoulder.  he has had 8 sessions of chemo and the CT scans taken during the treatment and recently has shown that the chemo has stopped any further spread or increase in cancer in the sites.

His oncologist has stopped chemo stating that his body needs a rest other, than fatigue he has had no side effects from the chemo.  Plan is to have another CT scan in two months and take from there.  My husband has now ended up in hospital twice since chemo stopped with an infection (not COVID) and the doctors there cannot understand why chemo has been stopped if its keeping the cancer at bay.  That was my concern too why stop something if its working.  We know what the end result is but its about buying time just now as we have a 10 year old son.

I am not aure that our oncologist is being truthful with us.  We have a friend battling cancer (now terminal) but has had 100 sessions of chemo over a number of years to prolong her life.

Is it finance driven that if terminal they would only give us a set amount of chemo regardless of the fact its halting the spread?

anyone else experienced this x

  • Hi love, I don't think it is monetary as my husband is 74 years old with stage 4 lung cancer and he is now having immunotherapy after chemo and radiotherapy.  He also had a break because the chemo carries on working even when it's stopped.  We have regular scans so check that he will as well.  It must be so hard having a young son but even our grown daughters get upset but we are now four years on and he is doing well.  The oncologist would not lie to you as that's not to their benefit to do so.  You must have a contact McMillan nurse so why not call them as they can spend more time explaining what will happen rather than a ten minute appointment when you always forget to ask the questions you want answers to.  I'll put you on my follow list and see how you get on.  Big hugs your way and thinking of you,  Carol x 

  • Hi Jane,

    This concerns me too. My hubby had a secondary brain tumour removed in October last year and since then has been receiving chemotherapy for the primary tumour in his oesophagus. They also told him he has 5 tumours in his liver. His chemo is due to stop next month and I'm really worried. We have a face to face consulation, at my request, tommorow at the hospital so I've written lots of questions down so I don't forget anything. My hubby is refusing to come in the consulation room with me, it's not denial I don't think. He's extremely positive about it all and manifests positive thoughts all the time. He is also Stage 4 and I've thought about treatment abroad for him. 

    Take care, thinking of you. Sam x

  • Thanks Carol I will do that didnt think to apeak to our McMillan nurse about it xx take care xx

  • Thanks Sam its a dreadful time and not helped by COVID either take care & thinking about you both xx

  • You're welcome.  Let us know how it goes.  X