Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Chemotherapy

Duds97f970
  • 1 reply
  • 43 subscribers
  • 158 views
  1.  My husband has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. The oncologist has point blankly refused to offer chemo or an operation as he has heart failure which has significantly improved but his output is not at 50%. We feel like has been "written off". There was no discussion just point blankly "it will kill you" if chemo is used. My research suggests this is not the case and it can be offered with carefully monitoring of both his heart and chemo. Help. He is 60, otherwise very well and no symptoms of either condition. There are no NICE guidelines I can find which state the treatment in his position. Your web page says it chemo can be administered with heart failure and we are at a loss. 

  • Hi Duds

    Thanks for reaching out to us here on the Ask A Nurse site. My name is Gemma and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am sorry to hear about your husband's recent diagnosis of Lung Cancer. This must be distressing for you both, and with the added complexity of heart failure.

    Your conversation with the consultant must have been frustrating and upsetting because of the diagnosis and also the information given to you regarding his treatment.

    It may be helpful to rearrange an appointment to discuss this further, especially since you have researched the situation yourself and reached out to us.

    Chemotherapy does come with side effects and risks; it would be helpful for you to know the types of chemotherapy they feel are a danger to him. Some of the drugs used can cause cardiac reactions (such as paclitaxel), including a slow heartbeat/low blood pressure. In rarer cases, it can lead to the heart suddenly stopping beating (cardiac arrest) or require a pacemaker.

    You can also use the appointment to discuss any other types of treatment that might be considered, such as radiotherapy or targeted and immunotherapy treatments.

    Exploring further with the consultant will help you understand why they have reached this decision. You can also ask for a second opinion. If you find it difficult to get a referral for a second opinion, you may be able to get help from patient advice services. These are different depending on where you live in the UK:

    It must be difficult for you both to understand what's happening, and it can be hard to manage the uncertainty.

    When your partner has cancer, it can feel like everything has changed. You may have many different feelings, including shock, grief, anger and anxiety.

    It sounds like you are doing all the right things, seeking out information and asking for help. Sometimes, your GP can also be a help in this situation.

     

    You may find it helpful to call our support line or contact us via Webchat. Our Macmillan Information Nurse Specialists are here to offer support and help with your questions on 0808 808 00 00 every day, 8 am-8 pm. You can also email us back, and we aim to reply within two working days.

    Best Wishes

    Gemma  (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/ gEs/ LR

     

     

     

     

     

     

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007