Dr's not providing info on what to expect

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I'm new here. Thank you for letting me join the group. I have metastatic cervical cancer. It's currently in my liver and a tumour in my pelvis. This is my 4th time being treated for cancer and this time I'm on palliative chemo and targeted therapy with an estimated life expectancy of 18 months when I was diagnosed in Feb.

I'm struggling because I can't seem to get a straight answer out of the Dr's or Nurses about what to expect when my health starts to deteriorate. All they have said is not to worry and they will help manage any pain I have.

I'm currently on chemo (cisplatin and paxitacol) along with targeted therapy (bevacizumab). The last scan showed it has reduced the masses for now so I currently feel pretty good when I've got over the first week of chemo side effects each cycle. They've said they will keep tweaking it and keep me on chemo as long as possible and the Beva indefinitely.

So I can picture end of life in a hospice or hospital but what does the bit in-between look like? Presumably the cancer comes back again and spreads other places? Do people deteriorate slowly or quickly? I guess it can vary a lot but I just want a rough idea of what to expect and no one is telling me. Can anyone help? Thank you.

Stella2020 1 day ago

Hi Annabelle

I have bowel cancer spreading the pelvic and lung so it is not quite the same as yours. I think the oncologist does not give you a straight answer about the end phase (last 3 month) is they just don’t know. Generally doctors only talk about the very next step then see how that goes. They probably have an idea about the general direction but they can’t be certain and it causes a lot of stress on patients.

Maybe you could ask to be refer to the hospice service and they are marvellous and would probably help you with your worries? I have done a living well programme with them and it was really helpful and relaxing.

We all try to seek some control with this horrible disease. I am trying to have short term plans so for the better chemo week I have something to look forward to. Try to live in the present rather than focus on the ends.

Stella