Stage 4 cancer spreading with chemo

[IncessantNameChanger]

Relative has stage 4 that has spread during chemo. Family obviously not talking about what this means.

Is this bad news? Or can they change their protocol?

It's bad news.

There might be a different chemotherapy regime depending on the type of cancer and specifics, but generally speaking no its not a good sign.

It’s hard to generalise as there are different treatment options depending on the type of cancer & where it is. & everyone is different. Relative may be abLe to switch protocols if this is their first type of treatment - or not depending on what specifics are!

I’m stage IV & while my cancer shrunk in the first 3 months of chemo it grew in the next 3 months, so I was switched to targeted therapy and that shrunk the cancer again/ stabilised it for 6 months. Now on a third line of treatment as it started growing in one area so we’ll see. Your relatives oncologist will have the information.

as for family not talking about it some people find it hard and bury their head in the sand. Does the person with cancer want to talk about it? It might be better family is prepared IMO

I’ve had to spell it out for my family really.

Not 100% sure what relative wants to do yet, early days for this news. I suspect they want quality over quantity and being tied to hospital right now is closing down options while they still feel well.

The relative who is closer seems to think they need to be close to the hospital at all times, getting treatment. Hoping for the best.

I'm worried that the wider family want them to do everything they can until the very end but I can see the patient is thinking about things they can't do while on a weekly treatment cycle. So utterly sad. Mets in three different organs.

@mowly77 thank you. I hope everything keeps on working for you and you get more time and your pain free. Life is so unfair. Utterly unfair. My relative isn't even 30 yet.

Tough one. At the end of the day it’s down to your relative to do what they’re happiest with. I totally understand quality over quantity especially if they feel well now. Weekly hospital visits are extremely draining and limiting. & once side effects from treatment are factored in it just may not be worth it for your relative to want to continue, and the family are going to have to accept that and respect your relative’s decision.

It’s so hard and so unfair and I’m so sorry your relative is going through it.