Confusing diagnosis

My name is Alison and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist | Macmillan Cancer Support.  I hope that you find the online community a helpful and supportive environment.

I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s situation in that he is being treated for Stage 3 bowel cancer | Cancer Research UK. It’s understandable to have concerns and questions about his treatment plan. Here are some insights that might help:

Treatment Goals

When cancer spreads to the lymph nodes in both lungs, it often indicates a more advanced stage. The goals of treatment can vary:

Curative Intent: In some cases, aggressive treatment may still aim to cure the cancer, especially if the spread is limited and the patient is in good overall health.

Palliative Intent: More commonly, the treatment may be palliative, focusing on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease to improve quality of life.

Communication with the Oncologist

It’s important for the oncologist to communicate the goals of treatment clearly. If you haven’t been informed whether the treatment is curative or palliative, it might be helpful to ask directly. Oncologists are usually open to discussing the intent of treatment and what you can expect.

Treatment Options

For cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in the lungs, treatment options typically include:

Chemotherapy: To target cancer cells throughout the body.

Targeted Therapy: If specific genetic markers are present, targeted drugs may be used.

Immunotherapy: This can help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy: Sometimes used to control symptoms or target specific areas.

Prognosis and Management

While a cure might be challenging at this stage, treatments can still be effective in managing the disease and improving quality of life. The oncologist can provide more detailed information based on your husband’s specific case.

Next Steps

Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the oncologist about the goals of treatment, expected outcomes, and any other concerns you have.

Support: Consider seeking support from cancer support groups or counselling services to help manage the emotional and psychological aspects of the diagnosis.

I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions or need further support, feel free to ask.

Best wishes

Alison, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref/BG

Thank you x