How do you cope when your loved one is moved to palliative care with no further treatment?

[Texas22]

So we had a follow-up meeting with the oncologist today following my husband's hospital stay last week where they found that the original tumors were growing back despite shrinking after chemo, he has new tumors on both lungs now and tumors on his liver. They are not continuing with treatment and are placing him on palliative care. I asked for a prognosis and the doctor said maybe a few months. I am beyond devastated. How does anyone cope with this news? I am heartbroken!

[Palpman]

I'm so sorry to hear of your husband's prognosis.

The way I see it is that there are 3 main types of treatment or care.

1. Curative. The treatment is to eradicate the cancer.

2. Palliative. The patient is treated to keep the cancer at bay.

3. End of Life . Care given to the patient to ease the symptoms of incurable cancer.

My wife was on Palliative Care and received only 6 radiotherapy treatments. This shrunk the cancer and made it inactive. Her pleural effusion disappeared too.

She is now 5 months into zero treatment but is monitored frequently.

Hang in there as all is not lost.

[sassassas]

I’m so sorry to hear this Texas22 I hope you are able to have some good times with him over the coming months. Thinking of you x

[Cockailschemocancer]

I am so sorry to hear that too, speak with your hospice that hopefully they have referred you too. They will be able to help you all as a family at this time and hopefully suggest any other alternatives that maybe viable xx

[Red58]

Hi I have just been told same I’m try to take it in and carryon I’m scared as it’s going into what is going to happen I can only say treasure each day sending hugs❤️

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello Texas22,

It is always difficult to hear the news no more treatment, it will be very new territory for you both. Palliative care is also referred to as supportive care, it is for people with long term health conditions that can’t be cured, the aim is to keep a good quality of life for as long as possible by dealing with symptoms and side effects quickly such as pain, bowel problems, nausea, anorexia etc, it is not unusual to be referred to palliative care while still on active treatment. As Palpman has said a section of palliative care does deal with end-of-life care when it is required.

The prognosis from the oncologist is only a guideline and if you read others stories on this forum many have lived beyond what they were told to expect.

If you feel that you or your husband need support Maggie's center's provide lots of practical support and counselling, for anyone who is affected by cancer, these are often connected to major cancer centers

maggies.org/

If you would like to discuss anything at please get in touch email at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team