Would chemotherapy on its own help my dad?

fam
fam Member Posts: 2
My dad has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. It has not spread yet and we have been advised by his doctor to consider surgery. However, he is 85 years old and has heart problems and asthma. The surgeon at the hospital has told us that the risk of surgery is very high for him. His own cardiologist has also advised against surgery. It is suggested that my father does a ‘ low-dose’ chemotherapy instead. Considering the risk and benefits of various treatments we are finding it difficult to decide what to do: surgery, just chemo, or do nothing.

I would appreciate any advice you may have based on your experiences. Thanks

Comments

  • tinamae69
    tinamae69 Member Posts: 2
    stomach cancer
    Has your dad been to a cancer center? Is the cancer slow growing? What stage is it? These are some questions that you need to ask an oncologist at a good cancer center before you can make a decision. How did they diagnose his cancer? It usually does not have symptoms. My wife has stage 4,no symptoms except anemia. Is your dad able to eat a normal meal?
  • fam
    fam Member Posts: 2
    tinamae69 said:

    stomach cancer
    Has your dad been to a cancer center? Is the cancer slow growing? What stage is it? These are some questions that you need to ask an oncologist at a good cancer center before you can make a decision. How did they diagnose his cancer? It usually does not have symptoms. My wife has stage 4,no symptoms except anemia. Is your dad able to eat a normal meal?

    Would chemotherapy on its own help my dad?
    My dad had stomach bleeding, ulcer, and was taken to hospital. They performed Endoscopy, Echocardiography, MRI and Biopsy. The biopsy showed “poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma” which is a aggressive. It has not spread yet, that is why surgery was suggested by his doctor. As the surgery is too high risk for him we are advised to do Chemo. We are worried that chemo may not help his cancer and just make him worse. My dad can at the moment eat normally, usually eats softer food.