Hi
my dad has been on chemotherapy tablets for 12 months and last week started intravenous treatment last week.
he has flu and we have had to call out paramedics today. The paramedic has said in the event of the worse they won’t resuscitate.
we have no signed documentation in place. Can they do this
Dear Vik,
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name is Penelope and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. I can see you have also joined the cancer chat forum, and I hope you are finding it helpful and supportive.
You mentioned that your dad is on chemotherapy tablets and intravenous treatment. I am sorry to hear that he has the flu. It is good that he was assessed by paramedics. When someone is on chemotherapy it is important that the chemotherapy team are also aware of any side effects or symptoms. Your dad should have a 24-hour chemotherapy alert card. If he has not already reported his symptoms he should do so straight away and not continue with any chemotherapy tablets unless they agree it is safe to do so. If your dad does not have a contact number, then the hospital switchboard should be able to provide it.
You asked about DNR advice. I assume you are referring to ‘do not resuscitate’ or as it may also be called DNACPR – do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation. You are correct that there should be some signed documentation regarding this. A DNACPR decision is usually recorded on a special form. This needs to be kept with the patient. If the paramedic has said that resuscitation would not be attempted and there is no signed documentation, the paramedic may then liaise with a GP or other healthcare professional to have this formally documented.
Discussions around resuscitation can be distressing and emotional so if you have not yet had the opportunity to talk this through with a healthcare professional involved in your dad’s care you could get in touch with us on the Macmillan Support Line (0808 808 0000 8am to 8pm every day) for further information and support.
DNACPR is about CPR only. It does not mean that your dad will not get care and treatment. He will continue to have all other appropriate care, treatment and support.
The information in this NHS link Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions goes into more detail about the reasons why a DNACPR may be suggested and how this is documented. Resuscitation Council UK has information which explains that CPR isn’t always the best treatment for an individual which is why CPR conversations need to happen.
A DNACPR decision is made on an individual basis, so do speak to your dad’s GP or cancer team directly for the rationale behind this decision. You could also ask them about any paperwork and to raise any concerns you or your dad may have about this decision. For reasons of confidentiality the healthcare professionals will not be able to disclose medical information to any family members unless your dad consents for them to do so. If you would like to talk things though further please do get in touch with us directly on the Macmillan Support Line and when prompted chose the option ‘clinical questions’ to speak to a nurse.
Best wishes,
Penelope, 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/ PN/DT
