Looks like straight to palliative care

[hannie]

After a meeting with a consultant at the hepatology where my mum is right now.

Basically told he wouldn't recommend chemo as it would only extend life by 4 weeks.

So to talk to palliative care and make plans.

Saying this we still have a appointment with oncology but it wasn't today it's next week!

Wish that the hospital wouldn't have been so slow with everything. I know it's probably because of the time of cancer but it seems so unfair on my mum!

She has said she still wants to try chemo whatever.

[rsk1974]

Big hugs,I have nothing really to say,but good for your mum that she wants to try the chemotherapy, a positive attitude is a major part of the battle.x

[sandraW]

Just wait and speak to Oncology next week, they are the ones (hopefully) who know what is best in your Mum's situation. I am sure if your Mum is well enough, for treatment, she will be given it, so lets hope she continues to improve, take care sandrax

[hannie]

sandraW wrote:

> Just wait and speak to Oncology next week, they are the ones (hopefully)

> who know what is best in your Mum's situation. I am sure if your Mum is

> well enough, for treatment, she will be given it, so lets hope she

> continues to improve, take care sandrax

Thanks Sandra

They even said that oncology would agree with what he's said as they are apart of he's mtd.

Very frustrating!! I would like my mum to get referred to a specialist unit which I knw there is locally at the next county. I know at the end of the day it's my mum's choice but I dnt want doctors forcing her into just because of the costs etc

[Slewis7313]

I totally agree with Sandra here Hannie. I have always been led to believe that if a patient can tolerate chemo that they would be given it if they so wished. Keep the pressure on the Doctors to ensure your Mum has input to the treatment decision.

Good luck

Steve

X

[PCUK Nurse Jeni]

Hi Hannie,

You can ask for a second opinion should you wish. Chemotherapy can extend life a lot longer than 4 weeks, as folk on here will testify, but it largely depends on whether she is fit enough to take it or not, nothing else should determine it being offered.

You don't need to go to a speicalist centre if its palliative chemotherapy, but do ask for a referral to a different oncologist, or an oncologist in a nearby hospital, if you think she is fit enough for it.

Whether she is fit enough would include - other major illnesses, such as history of heart disease etc..., is she able to wash and dress herself (take a shower /bath unaided), is she up and about more than 50% of her waking hours, can she take a short walk, can she prepare food for herself, can she go out to the shops and do light housework - this type of thing. If for example, she is bed-bound most of the day, and when she does go out, she is in a wheelchair, and needs someone to do everything for her, including wash her, then its unlikely she could tolerate chemotherapy.

But do ask the questions, and yes, the oncologists are the experts, although they might have made a joint decision, its still good to see them.

Kind regards,

Jeni.