inoperable cancer

Hi my name is Pauline and I am 71 and in February of this year my husband was diagnosed with inoperable cancer of the bowl and also has an umbilical cancer that is called a Sister Mary Joseph since Feb. hw has been going through Chemo the first 3 month treatment did not work it had no affect on the bowl cancer and the umbilical grew half an inch, we then started another course of chemo and after 3 monthes he had a scan and it showed a small sign of shrinking so have now started another 3 months course. The umbilical one has been giving him some discomfort and Radiotheraphy has been spoken of but was wondering what the effect would be on him as the chemo makes him quite poorly at times.he has just had his 80th birthday but untill this started he was very fit really for his age.

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat Pauline,

    I am so sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis and his having to deal with both cancers at the same time. I do hope the chemotherapy treatment works for him and that the cancer keeps shrinking. 

    It might be worth asking your husband's medical team what they would recommend in his situation and whether they think radiotherapy is worth a try. We have some general information on radiotherapy on our website here.

    Don't hesitate also to ring our expert nurses on this free number 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. They may have some advice for you on your specific situation and circumstances.

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator