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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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When Is Palliative Treatment Started For A Cancer Patient?

my sister, 77 years old, has thyroid cancer; it s advanced (has been developing for 15 years, gone untreated... she did not believe in doctors.. now she does!) Prior to radiation treatment, she could not swallow, so a feeding tube was inserted; she had 15 days of radiation, which ended June 26. She thought then she d have chemo and then surgery. However, she now indicates that they are going to wait 2 more weeks and then give her a pill to get all the cancer cells but she said it was not chemo, that it was palliative .... which freaked me and other family members out because I understand that as end of life treatment. I should also say that she is being very circumspect with information because she does not want family and friends to know how sick she is. It s frustrating. But, my question is... what might be this stage of treatment? many thanks, Joette Parsons
posted on Mon, 17 Jul 2017
Twitter Wed, 15 Aug 2018 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 23 Aug 2018 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello

As per my clinical experience, lot many factors are considered before deciding for palliative treatment of cancer as

@ Stage of cancer
@ Individual vital parameters
@ Availability of possible medical treatments and its possible outcomes
in relation with the current stage of the disease
@ Relatives and patient concern

In general, one can predict that disadvantages of definite treatment over weigh the possible advantages, the decision of palliative care should be considered.

I would like to guide further with all reports as scanned copy in attachment.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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When Is Palliative Treatment Started For A Cancer Patient?

Hello As per my clinical experience, lot many factors are considered before deciding for palliative treatment of cancer as @ Stage of cancer @ Individual vital parameters @ Availability of possible medical treatments and its possible outcomes in relation with the current stage of the disease @ Relatives and patient concern In general, one can predict that disadvantages of definite treatment over weigh the possible advantages, the decision of palliative care should be considered. I would like to guide further with all reports as scanned copy in attachment. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.