another question about chemotherapy

[sphil]

My Mum, who has advanced bowel cancer, is on six cycles of palliative chemotherapy, of which she's just begun her third. Does anyone know what's likely to happen at the end of this? I know a lot depends on how she is - but is it usual to have a break, or start a new course of treatment straight away?
TIA

Totally depends on how she responds. My dad was on palliative chemo for four years and it varied greatly. His last chemo finished last may and he was advised to begin a new course straight away, but he refused because he had had six months straight on treatment and wanted a break. unfortunately for him it was a mistake, but don't think his body and mind could have done another session any way.
Sometimes he went back to back, depending on his blood counts and how he was withstanding the effects, other times he was able to have a good few months with no treatment.
Sorry can't be more help. A horrible thing to watch some one go through.
But NEVER give up hope, my Dad defied his original prognosis by about three wonderful years.
Please enjoy your Mum now, so glad i did and We have some fantastic memories which now feel like a gift from heaven especially for my children.

Thanks so much - that's a very positive story, though I'm sad for you about your Dad. We are really trying to enjoy the time we have, and not think too much about the future. Mum has been told that her biological age is 63 - ten years younger than her real age - and because of that the oncologists are fairly positive about the chemo. The effects are pretty grim though - I think she's hoping to have a break at the end of this cycle, but obviously if it's better for her to start again then so be it. It's hard - she's so much more 'ill' since she started chemo than she was before, even though we've been told her cancer is extensive.