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Emails with life expectancies given

WorriedRelative
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Hi, I'm concerned about communication to a relative. It seems very harsh to me and I'm cross on their behalf.

Basically they were sent an email saying their lung cancer was incurable and they had 2 years to live. Then 2 weeks later another email saying that the hospital had sent the CT scans to a "top oncologist" who had reviewed them and actually the life expectancy is now 8 months.

I'm shocked that this devastating news hasn't been given face to face. Is this acceptable practice? Does anyone have any experience of this type of communication? Thanks so much. 

Parents

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat, WorriedRelative.

    I'm sorry to hear that your relative has been addressed in a manner you don't feel is appropriate.

    It might be a good idea to ring the hospital and ask if this is common practice? Sadly I can't tell you whether this is the norm or not but I hope others who know more will come here shortly to chat with you and offer insight.

    You might want to consider giving our team of nurses a call to ask, too, if you think that could be helpful. They're available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on this freephone 0808 800 4040.

    Best wishes,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

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  • Welcome to Cancer Chat, WorriedRelative.

    I'm sorry to hear that your relative has been addressed in a manner you don't feel is appropriate.

    It might be a good idea to ring the hospital and ask if this is common practice? Sadly I can't tell you whether this is the norm or not but I hope others who know more will come here shortly to chat with you and offer insight.

    You might want to consider giving our team of nurses a call to ask, too, if you think that could be helpful. They're available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on this freephone 0808 800 4040.

    Best wishes,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

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