What do the doctors/nurses mean by being fit enough for treatment?

[Sharkey1234567]

Hi all

My mum is waiting for oncologist appointment on 16th August to discuss treatment.

The lung nurse has said that at present she needs to get fit/strong/healthy enough to start treatment.

What do they mean by this? How fit/strong/healthy?

We want to do as much as possible in the meantime to get her on track but don’t know what the bench marks are for this?

Any experiences and info would be a huge help…

many thanks in advance

[Ellejayb]

Bless you Sharkey, you are doing so well by your mum.

I would imagine it depends if she’s got any other medical condition so I don’t think anyone on this forum could give an informed medical opinion.

However, from an attitude point of view, I would say go for the ‘fit, strong and healthy’ and ignore the word ‘enough’. Personally, I always told everyone loud and clear I was fit, strong and healthy and that did it (even though I probably exaggerated a bit). I also did my hair and my make-up, dressed-up for my appointments, etc. Not an approach that works for everyone, but I was determined to be a survivor so I acted as one from the outset.

Sorry I can’t be of more help. But there will be others who will come in with their own experiences and what worked for them.

[Unicorn3344]

Hi SharkeyIt depends if your mum has other medical conditions.My husband had lung cancer and had part of his right lung removed but he also has COPD and peripheral vascular disease which has a big effect on his general health.He can’t walk very far without getting out of breath because of these conditions and also he doesn’t have the same lung capacity since he had the op.He had 4 sessions of chemo after his op and was supposed to have radiotherapy next but when he went to see the oncologist he was so out of breath and hardly able to speak by the time he got to his appointment just walking from the car park to the office the oncologist said he wasn’t fit enough to have the radiotherapy as it would make him worse and possibly house bound.The good news is the chemo got rid of his cancer so he doesn’t need the radiotherapy now but he is still struggling with his COPD.If your mum is getting about to do her daily activities then she should be fit enough.Hope this helps good luck and take care x

[Sharkey1234567 in reply to Unicorn3344]

Thank you that is helpful x

[Red58]

Hi just check she has no underlying health issues that would cause her problems with treatment hopefully she will be ok wish you n mum all the best c

[Sharkey1234567 in reply to Red58]

Thank you that is helpful x

[JanetteR57]

Such phrases can be puzzling but it doesn't mean able to lift weights or run marathons - but the treatments can be very harsh and many lung cancer patients often have other conditions like COPD that can impact their lung health.... surgery has pre-op fitness tests that can include a shuttle walk test, 6 minute walk test, something called 'sit to stand' exercise and also questions about everyday living as well as 'lung function' tests to determine whether removing a part of the lung would be feasible in terms of future breathing capacity and fitness. Always ask the medical team if any terms or phrases are unclear - as there may be different levels for different treatments.... good luck.

[Sharkey1234567 in reply to JanetteR57]

Thank you that is helpful x

[Cockailschemocancer]

Hi Sharkey,

The medical team never know how well treatment will be tolerated, so fit strong and healthy means, eat well, sleep well, exercise if you can, 20 mins walk a day would be good (up hill better) don't start a new eating regime and cutting out sugar and things, just do all the stuff we are meant to do to help your Mum with her treatment, whatever that may be. Best wishes to you both x

[Sharkey1234567 in reply to Cockailschemocancer]

Thank you so much

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello Sharkey123456,

Some treatments especially certain chemotherapy regime’s can be very hard on various other organs of the body, before starting the team will want to know how good your mums general state of health is, this involves various blood tests to assess amongst other things kidney and liver function. They may well want to do an exercise test or lung function tests, to make sure she will be strong enough to tolerate the treatment, any underlying health conditions will also be taken into consideration before deciding the best treatment option for her.

Below is a link to our chemotherapy booklet

roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

Cancer research have an video and article on preparing for cancer treatment, I have added the link below

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

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

[Sharkey1234567 in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you I have read the resources veryHelpful thank you

[Nopinkforus]

Hi Sharkey,

I think they look at how you are overall when they decide whether to treat and how much to treat you.

A friend of mine, who is only 10 years older than me, was diagnosed with Stage 4 nsclc at roughly the same time I was.

I've always been fit and a good average weight with a good appetite and gave up smoking in my 20s

I have been offered treatment.

I was shocked (but not surprised) to hear from her husband that my friend is not to receive any treatment

She is very underweight, smokes like a chimney and is a heavy drinker. I'm guessing they think her body won't cope with the stress of chemo etc. Unfair, but I suppose they have to look at the bigger picture.

I think they look at a person's overalll attitude as well. Is it likely that the person will try their best to look after themselves and follow all the advice to keep well. ie eat properly and take all the meds .