My dad was sadly diagnosed in A&E last night. Came in with severe back pain and unable to walk. The consultant found cancer in lungs, spine and ribs.
We are all shocked and overwhelmed.
He hasn't been spoken to about next steps yet. He is 78yrs old and worried they won't offer treatment to help reduce the cancer.
Does anyone have any experience of being diagnosed with cancer which has already spread as a 75+ year old. What treatment options will there be?
Thanks
Dear Mrsea53f524
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community.
My name is Carla and I’m one of the Cancer information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am so very sorry to read about your dad’s recent diagnosis. I am sure this must be such a difficult time for you and your family.
I am glad you have reached out and I hope you will be able to find some of our information helpful.
Here on the Support Line, we provide free, confidential, generalised cancer information and emotional support. We are separate from the NHS services and unable to access patient records to provide individualised advice.
Cancer treatment can be offered to patients at any age. Doctors cannot give less treatment based on age alone as this would be discrimination and is against the law.
Doctors tend to look at the whole person rather than just the age and diagnosis. They will look at someone’s overall health and wellbeing to help inform treatment planning.
Some people may require more support alongside their cancer treatment if they have other health conditions or are less fit.
Sometimes people choose to have a less intense treatment regime, one that can control the cancer, but that may have less risks of serious side effects.
I would like you to have a look at some information we have available on our website, it addresses some of the concerns that you may have around patients who are getting older and what to expect about treatment decisions.
Supporting a loved one with cancer can throw up a wide range of feelings and emotions. Please remember to look after your own health and wellbeing as well.
You might want to join our friends and family forum, here in our online community, in order to connect with others, receive support and share your experiences.
I would also invite you to give us a call to our Support Line. You may find it helpful to chat things over in more detail with one of the nurses, as we can often explain things better over a spoken call with the opportunity to ask questions.
I hope this helps to guide you. Don’t hesitate to come back if you need anything.
Best wishes,
Carla, 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.
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