Taking the no treatment route

shelleyadderley · New User Joined: 28 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

I have recently joined the forum looking for expieriences from people who have opted out of treatment, or taken the decision not to opt in.
My partner recently diagnosed with secondary liver cancer(primary in the bowel) has decided not to go ahead with the treatment on offer, his decision stems mainly from his needle phobia and his experiences with the preliminary scans. His oncologist has told us that the 2 spots on the liver are very small, and he is optomistic that they will reduce, having read the treatment plan my man has been detered by the amount of needle invasion. I have to respect his decision but I find myself angry that he will not take the chance they offer, also what can we expect? from this illness ? how will it manefest itself ? he is very well at the moment having recovered from the original colorectal surgery.
would appreciate any comments and expieriences.

brainman · Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 9:43 am Post subject: Re: Taking the no treatment route

Hi Shelley. I am very sorry about your partner's struggle with colorectal cancer. If I understand your message correctly, he has had surgery for the primary cancer, correct? That is one big step he has taken. Has his oncologist given you a prognosis with and without treatment? To make an informed decision, your partner need at least that information. We also need it in order to advise you better.

I do not know how rapidly, but I suspect that your partner will go into liver failure at some point. You will first notice this by the white in his eyes gradually turning yellow. He will not feel like eating and will loose weight. It is not a very pretty picture. Most likely, even with chemotherapy, eventually this probably will happen to him. The only hope for him it to seek aggressive treatment. Otherwise, it is just a matter of time. I am sorry that I cannot give you a more positive answer.

You and your partner are in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendroglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 817 Location: UK

What is the connection with the original question?

happyfeet · Regular Joined: 11 Dec 2007 Posts: 12 Location: London UK

Hi, can you determine whether his difficulty is with facing taking the treatment or is it strictly phobia of needles?

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