I've been searching and searching and I'm aware that there are some specialist bases that treat using chemotherapy with existing heart failure. ( Cardiomyopathy ) I can't find where these are in England (even private options). Could you point me in the right direction please?
Hi Duds97f970,
Thanks for getting back in touch. My name is Jo and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line. I hope that you found the reply to your previous Ask a Nurse question helpful.
I can appreciate that you would like to find a specialist who may consider using chemotherapy to treat your husband’s lung cancer, even with his existing heart failure. This sounds like a difficult time for you both.
Unfortunately, as we are not part of the NHS here on the Macmillan support line, we don’t have access to your husband’s medical records and are unable to recommend a specialist or hospital. However, I wonder whether you have spoken to your husband’s current oncology team about getting a second opinion. If not, then it would be as well to do so. You could also speak to his cardiology team. They may be able to refer your husband to a specialist heart and lung centre.
If you wish to consider private options, then the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) should be able to help with this.
Whilst the use of chemotherapy drugs for lung cancer might be an option for some people with preexisting heart failure, here is a paper which reviews cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. It discusses the challenges faced in making treatment decisions which you might find helpful.
It can be tough supporting someone close to you with cancer, so it’s important that you don’t feel alone in dealing with this. There are a number of ways that we here at Macmillan can offer help and support to both you and your husband so please do get back in touch.
There is further information and support available through our online community, especially the lung cancer forum. Also, the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and British Heart Foundation (BHF) charities.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.
I hope this information is helpful.
Best wishes,
Jo
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Ref: JD/RH
