my father in law has just found out that he has to have chemotherapy?
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When cancer spreads any further than just a local area such as to the liver, lungs, brain or bone etc., its not a good sign.
Talk with his Oncologist and find out if the cancer is curable. Often times they use the word "treatable" which is not the same thing. Ask him what your father-in-laws chances are of complete remission in 1 yr, 5 years and then 10 years to life. Sometimes the doctor administers chemotherapy to prolong life knowing they cannot cure the cancer. The doctor may say they can get 1 extra year if they treat the cancer. If they dont treat , they may tell you he can live 8 more months.
If your father in law wants to live longer, this is ok. If they know that they cannot cure the disease, he may choose quality of life over quanity of life because some chemotherapies are very difficult to tolerate. Some Oncologist are not absolutely frank with the families of their patients. If you would like, I strongly reccomend 2nd opinoins from another Oncologist from a different practice, That way you will get 2 opinions instead of just buying everything 1 doctor says. If your father in laws Oncologist is opposed to a 2nd opinoin, this should raise a red flag. Beware. Everyone is entitled to another doctors professional opinion . Insurance companies pay for them and usually do not question the reasons.
Hope that helped without being to harsh. I have been a chemo RN for 11 years.
Other Answers:
Why don't you just ask him if he wants to talk about it? Ask the doctor, too.
My ex boyfriend is currently going through this same thing. If the doctors think the chemo will help, then try not to stress out too much over it. I can understand how hard it is not to, but right now your father is going to need your support. Wait and see how the chemo does before you totally freak out. Best of luck to your father and your family.
I think people's opinions may just further your worry. Ask a Doctor or (if in UK) call NHS Direct and ask them. They will explain all.
I had cancer and chemo and it's not nice but necessary to remove the cancerous growth or cells..It will be a long road but one that is made easier if u support ure dad and help him,which no doubt u will do anyway...Some ppl made me feel like i was fragile when i was having treatment and that isnt what most men want..If ure dad is a proud man then he wont want to hear u crying etc cos that will break his heart ..Just support ure dad and be there for him and soon he will be ok and u will have ure dad back the way u want him to be..Wish him luck and i will say a prayer for u tonite..God bless..
In general any spread of a cancer beyond the original site is not favorable.
May be scleroris of the liver from heavy drinking. Very difficult to turn it around. A malignant tumour/cancer is irreversible, so nothing can be done. My best wishes to your family to stay strong and to enjoy the final days with each other as much as you can.
The truth is you should read this:
http://health.yahoo.com/topic/cancer/treatment/article/healthwise/ncicdr0000256491;_ylt=AkMmAzWZ23FNdLi09omy1AhLvs8F
There is every reason for your father in law to believe he will recover from this. Chemo is unpleasant (Ive been there) but it is effective and there is hope that now the cancer has been discovered, and hopefully removed via surgery, he will go into remission.
It's understandable that you're worried for your father in law, but try to stay positive and always look for the best. My thoughts are with you.
Chemo is so dangerous and I understand this is a very sensitive time for him & for the family.
We are very good at looking masking the symptoms and don't really understand what is going with the human body. The doctors are not really our friend, because I use to live with when I at Uni. Also I know how they operate, they driven and influenced (by their education) by pharaceutical industry which is driven by profit not well being of mankind (why have they not discovered the super pill that you take once and you are curred).
Chemo as you know kills good & bad cells - great when we already weak, we get even more weak.
We need to first analyse why did this type cancer (effect) occur (cause) - it mainly due to bad diet mainly red meat, lack of veg, salads, too much refined food (white sugar, white bread, etc), lack of excercise. I can not possibly know your FIL, his diet or lifestyle.
Finally, let me reasure you there is a cure for this type of cancer and Dr Max Gerson discovered it over 60 years ago, but it is natual, cheap, simple, effective.
I know most people think we are mad, but majority are not necessary right. We trully care for mankind, we do not want any money, control, prize, etc
Good Luck!
my partner is going through chemo at the moment he has multiple melanoma, cancer of the bone, this is the second time hes been on it, the first time was nine years ago, so the cancer stayed at bay all those years.
but every form of cancer is different.
I would worry more about the chemo, they never given you the truth facts - what he should ask is the chemo going to cure the cancer or just prolong his life - what's life like after chemo ?
My father in law had chemo - I wish he never had it, he might of lived a few years with the cancer, instead I saw him stuffer 2 years of hell because of the chemo.
my aunt has had that done it was nearky to years ago now so shes fine now she got a colostomy bag over the cancer in her bowel then half her liver removed it is the only organ that can grow back so now shes fine she got chemo and her hair never feel out she was great and has good spirits
It depends on the progression of the cancer and also what specific category it is. And also how far it has progressed.
Take care and God bless
Every cancer is different.
People think lung cancer is bad, and it is, but not everyone dies from it.
I had chemo 2x, and I am glad for it.
I have a friend that has had cancer for about 5 yrs and she is on chemo and off, but she is doing great.
It just depends on the person, and you never know.. Personally, I would do it, but its just me.
God Bless
I don't blame you for worrying. Trust the doctors! they are trying to save his life!
I had cancer a year ago & now I'm ok! Have faith and it will work out ok!
My prayers are with you.
ok the chemo must be done to prevent other cancers from growing see if the can also add radiation therapy it helps with the fighting of the cancer e-mail me at raven555000@yahoo.com
i am a doctor if u need answers email me
i felt exactly the same when my father in law told us about his cancer and treatment.
his cancer was in his throat, the oesophagus, different than yours i know but the survival rate of his cancer is very slim.
he had 5 weeks of chemotherapy and he was great. he had a few mouth soars and was tired alot but apart from that he was great!
he then had 5 weeks of radium which made him sore but again he coped really well. now 3 months on he is in remission!!
it takes 5 years of being cancer free before you can say you are a survivor because in that time it can come back but hopefully you father in law will come out of this on top too and you will find him more loving than ever because he wont take this precious life we have for granted.
good luck to you all. keep your family strong for him, unite in your support and pray for him if you want to. I'm sure you've lots more years to enjoy his company x
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