Frailty - husband has secondary cancer, not sure whether we should go ahead with treatment due to poor health

My husband has secondary cancer and we have just been told that he has 9 to 12 months to live if he doesn't take treatment and 2 years if he does.

The doctor has told us that because he is in poor health (heart condition, high blood pressure, diabetes and cognitive impairment) he will probably go downhill fast because of side effects of the treatment.

Treatment being offered is immunotherapy in the form of a daily pill

Obviously I want him with me for as long as possible but not if he suffers badly due to the medication

He is 77 this year.

Has anyone else been in this situation?

  • A warm welcome to our forum, Jacky1.

    I'm sorry to hear about your husband's condition, what a difficult situation must be for the both of you.

    Considering your husband's age and existing health conditions, it's crucial to have open and honest discussions with his healthcare team about the potential benefits and risks of the proposed treatment as they can provide valuable insights into what to expect and help you make informed decisions based on your husband's individual circumstances and preferences.

    Facing such decisions can feel isolating, but it's important to know that you're not alone. Many families have grappled with similar choices when it comes to balancing treatment options with potential side effects, especially in cases where the patient's overall health is fragile and I hope you'll meet some people here who will understand how you're feeling.

    Best wishes to you both,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator