Cancer of the blood

[carmen66]

My elderly father in law of 80 has recently been told that he has blood cancer docs aren't quite sure which at the moment well so they say anyway.. He is undergoing tests and has an MRI scheduled for next Tues.. The whole family is in shock as it started off with weakening of his left leg it kept giving way he has always been very active .. He has also been given an appt for Macmillan correct me if I'm wrong but we all think that it's the end now that he has been sent here.. I mentioned to my hubby that it is a support group to which he replied "yeah when there's no hope"... I feel that once you reach a certain age they don't want to treat you because of cost so worried :-(

No, that isn't the case, carmen. In fact, the opposite can happen where a frail and elderly person is 'coerced' into complex tests and treatments, some of which can have the effect of shortening life. HCPs are in a difficult situation. Now laws have been passed saying that you cannot discriminate on the grounds of age, with a shrug, 90 year olds have to undergo colonoscopies (along with the days of diet and prep that involves), barium enemas, aggressive chemotherapy regimes. They do it so relatives cannot sue them for discriminating against grandad because he was old, so he is 'treated' like a bloke half his age.

I obviously wouldn't seek to comment about your poor FIL's precise situation, but I have to say that, on a daily basis, I see very elderly people undergoing diagnostic tests that will in no way alter the course of their condition, but, imo, could even hasten the end as the tests are so physically demanding, confusing, put a lot of strain on elderly bodies and sometimes are painful for the patient concerned- and, again, imo, are tantamount to elder abuse, to be honest!

McMillan does not mean the end, lots of people think this.

McMillan can advise on symptom control, psychological support for patient and family, advise on benefits help etc as well as offering a palliative service.

Good luck to you and your family.

Carmen,

You have my sympathies, I have previously been in a not too dissimilar situation in relation to cancers of the blood.

My counsel for what it is worth is to learn as much as possible about his form of cancer and Macmillan. Knowledge after all is power.

Macmillan does not automatically mean no hope (tsk to your H) and or the patient's end of life; your H is totally wrong in that respect and he does not fully understand what these people do. Macmillan provide valuable support and advice to the patient; knowledge after all is power.

My Nan although younger than your FIL was given the same treatment regimen as anyone else and also the treatment regimen that was available at the time (it mainly consisted of blood platelet transfusions).

Things have moved on quite a bit in the last 20 years or so re blood cancers and more is now known. The internet was not around in the days my Nan was diagnosed so information on her particular type of blood disorder was scant to say the least but I know she was not denied any treatment regimen to try and tackle this. The hospital staff were kind and did everything possible to keep her alive, her age was not an issue and cost was never mentioned.

Thankyou all for your kind words of reassurance.. I have looked at the Macmillan website & have told my husband that they provide support.. The hospital hasn't told us what type of cancer he has but it's aggressive it doesn't sound good tbh.. To think it all started with a weakness in his leg he was waiting to see a specialist about his heart condition as the docs thought this was the problem initially but one day his blood pressure shot up so my MIL took him to hospital he was in 2 weeks they then said he had a trapped nerve in his spine but after further tests discovered an abnormality in his blood he's going to see a specialist in this field next week.. It's a very worrying time ..