Following a review at the hospital today we have been told that my mother is not suitable for anymore chemotherapy treatment. Our family are very shocked and distressed of course as we thought even if the illness cannot be cured that it can be treated for a fairly long period of time. Here is our story...
Mum was diagnosed April last year and had radiotherapy to shrink the tumour in order to operate. It was then found the tumour could not be operated on as it was stuck to bone. There was a wait of approximately 3 months and then mum started chemo: 5fu and oxaliplatin. She only had 2 rounds... and just after the second round was taken into hospital just under 2 weeks ago with DVT and difficult swallowing. (It seems the chemo had a big part to play in her developing these symptoms) She has lost a lot of weight and is now sadly just over 5 and a half stone. (she used to be just over 8 stone). However despite this she is still very strong and is starting to get her appetite back and remains positive that she will get through this. We were deeply shocked last week to find that they had found 2 small lung metasases which must have spread very recently whilst she was receiving treatment.
The consultant has said today that they do not feel mum would benefit from further treatment due to her age (71) and weight loss. We are going to go to the Royal Marsden for a second opinion as I have heard of other treatments that can help once the cancer has spread. (ie. monoclonal antibodies (Avastin, Erbitux) and Radiofrequency Ablation. (RFA). I just feel so helpless... it feels like they are giving up on her due to her weight loss and age. We are also looking into alternative forms of treatment that will not harm her like the chemo has... and trying to remain positive. My mum also continues to be positive and strong throughout all of this so we will do all that we can to find a form of treatment that may at least slow it down...
Any advice/thoughts would be much appreciated?
FormerMember
Hi Jacqui - I thought your Blog was heartbreakingly poignant, and you must be living through your worst nightmare. I hate this coward of a disease and what it does to us and to those who love and care for us. I guess I can understand why they cannot give your Mum any more chemo, because it is such a toxic poison and our bodies have to be really strong in order to take such punishment again and again. I think you're quite right in seeking a second opinion, and I have heard really good reports about the Royal Marsden. I don't have the same type of cancer as your Mum, but like you, I share concerns about what happens when chemotherapy is no longer an option for me. There ARE other tings out there; clinical trails etc, so if you and your Mum are up for the fight - then go for it! Please say hello to your Mum, and to both of you; I wish you all the luck in the world on your journey to trying to find another answer. Hold on tight to all that you love, with lotsa love kate xxxxxxxxxxx
Hello Jacqui, So sorry to read about your mum, it's heart breaking to feel so helpless but a second opinion is a very good way to go. My very best wishes to you and your Mum. Positive thoughts flowing your way from linda j
