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Dad's esophagus cancer treatment has been shortened. V.angry

Tillyvanilly123
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My dad was given 2 options of treatment for his cancer, we have waited 4 weeks for the treatment which starts this Thursday.He went to hospital today for his tattoo for the radiotherapy and the nurse told him that they had decided they were only giving him 5 days radiotherapy now......because they felt he wouldn't benefit from 2 weeks treatment????

How dare they!!!

So what are they saying.......my dad isn't going to survive at 85(a fit 85).....so why bother with any treatment at all!!!!

so let's give him a token 5 days

I am absolutely livid!

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    Hello Tillyvanilly123 and a warm welcome to Cancer Chat, 

    I can understand why you are feeling rather upset about it and that you would have liked your dad to benefit from the full 2 weeks of treatment you feel he would be entitled to.

    It might be worth trying to discuss this with his medical team or perhaps seeking a second opinion on this just to double check whether these 2 weeks of treatment could be beneficial to him. You can find out more about getting a second opinion on this page.  

    Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 if you would like to talk things through with them - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    It must be really upsetting for you to find out that your dad's treatment has been shortened and I hope that you will be given a detailed explanation as to why this happened. Hopefully you will hear from other members of the forum who have also looked after a loved one who had radiotherapy for oesophagus cancer and they will be along shortly to share their experience with you. 

    I hope that despite this disappointment the radiotherapy sessions will go smoothly and work really well for him.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    What was the symptoms your dad had 1st? I hope he gets more help soon and has a better quality of life.

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    My father in law was diagnosed with lung cancer aged 85 too. Here's the thing, they decided that any treatment would most probably kill him sooner. Chemotherapy can be brutal,although much improved nowadays. My father in law was able to have a good quality of life for another 4 years and died peacefully aged 89. 

    It's not always about not thinking a person who is older isn't worth treating it can be kinder to not put them through an ordeal, is what I am trying to say.

    Big hugs to you it's horrible feeling helpless and you grieve while they're still here in many ways.

     

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