My father has squamous cell carcinoma T4 N0 M0 on upper right lung. Can’t have surgery due to location and can’t have chemo due to MRI brain showing some vessels enlarged .. as this could lead to a stroke . So he is just started plan of 20x Radical radiotherapy treatments.
Clinic letter from oncologist after feedback meeting says the “aim of the radical radiotherapy treatment is to shrink the cancer down and keep It under control. It is unlikely treatment itself will kill the cancer”
Not sure that was the way the info was shared at the oncologist feedback meeting . Any help regarding What this means Would be much appreciated.
Also, as the location of cancer is pressing on his voice box he is obviously having difficulty with voice ( symptom from which he got the diagnosis) and gullet. He is really struggling to eat or drink as This triggers need to bring it back up and so is obviously weak at times. He is managing a couple of protein drinks prescribed and couple glasses of milk each day over the last several days. Prior to this he was managing small amounts of food. He is taking dioralyte to replace fluids lost, nausea tablets and gastric reflux tablets.
Any advice on this would be appreciated too... although we have been asking health team
Thank you in advance
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I think you should contact the lung cancer nurse specialist(LCNS) involved in your dads care(he will have been given the contact details at his hospital appointment).The LCNS will know your dad's individual medical history and management plan and will explain any information about treatment decisions that you are unclear about).The LCNS is the best person who individuals and their carers can contact in between scheduled hospital visits. If they are not in the office when you phone leave a message with your number and ask them to call you back.
I would also ask the LCNS if your dad could be referred to the hospital dietitians who are experienced to assess and treat a wide range of nutritional issues or concerns that develop as a result of a cancer diagnosis. The dietitian can suggest what nutritional support he may need to prevent malnourishment ( this may already be in place).
Since he is struggling to eat or drink he will need particular attention to his oral hygiene. A prescription could be requested for a mouthwash.
If you would like to speak to one of the helpline nurses please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0800 358 7200 (Option2) from 9.00-5.00pm Monday-Thursday and 9.00am-4.00pm Friday.
I do hope that your father will make good progress as his treatment continues. The effect of radiotherapy varies considerably from one person to the next, but in my case it did help to shrink the cancer in my oesophagus. I was told that at the completion of my radiotherapy treatment I would have an increase in secretions, and this did happen. My appetite, like your father’s was affected quite severely but I persisted in eating very small meals and protein drinks. Any particular foods that your father likes should be offered as regularly as possible.
The way my appetite was affected made me feel quite low, especially as I enjoyed food before. I am sure that your father’s appetite will return in time so please reassure him about this.
I found that the specialist nurses offer excellent help, and they with the dietician will be invaluable to speak to if you have any concerns at all. Do make good use of them as they hold a wealth of information about cancer care.
I do hope your father will start to feel better soon. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you feel I can help further.
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