hi there a family member has just gone through 25 sessions of radiotherapy for stage 3 snake cancer. Was denied chemotherapy due to 2 co-morbidities. Briefly had the results and the cancer has shrunk and no meta. still to be discussed at Mdt? Brachytherapy. I feel like I am asking if there is curative intent but not getting a straight answer. Also not a candidate for surgery due to the 2 co-morbidities.
Good Afternoon Bonnielassdd35c4
My name is Joanne and I’m one of the cancer information nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line.
Thank you for contacting us and welcome to our Online Community. I hope that you find it useful. You might also want to have a look at our Anal cancer forum and our Carers forum.
I hope that your relative is recovering well from their radiotherapy.
As nurses on the support line, we are separate from the NHS, so can’t comment on individual circumstances but can talk things through in general terms.
It might be useful for you to give us a call on the support line or use our webchat function so that we can have a two way conversation to find out more about what you have been told so far. I’m also unsure of your mention of ‘snake cancer’ and wonder if this is a typing error?
Our information on Challenging conversations about cancer care can be useful for future appointments and consultations.
The treatment for anal cancer is planned according to its Stage and type. This planning is done by the Multidisciplinary team (MDT) who will continue to monitor the benefits of treatment and plan the next steps.
Whilst chemotherapy and surgery can play a part in Treatments for anal cancer , these will only be considered if it is safe to do so. If the risks of chemotherapy or surgery due to co-morbidities outweigh any potential benefits the team will look at other options and management.
Dealing with uncertainty about what is happening next and what the outcomes of treatment may be can be particularly challenging when you are supporting someone with cancer.
I hope this information has been useful. Please let us know if you would like to talk things through in more detail.
Kind Regards
Joanne
Ref JH/PN
Joanne H - Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.
