When you’re faced with a new cancer diagnosis, it’s natural to want to start treatment as soon as possible. But before you dive in, it’s also important to make an informed choice about your treatment plan. That’s why you need to know the ins and outs of a common term used in oncology: “palliative chemotherapy.” Let’s unravel this term so that you know what questions to ask your oncologist if you’re being offered palliative chemotherapy.
What Is Palliative Chemotherapy?
Let’s start with the hard part. The phrase “palliative chemotherapy” typically refers to chemotherapy that your oncologist does not expect to lead to remission or cure. In other words, palliative chemotherapy is exclusively intended to help manage symptoms related to the cancer and – ideally – improve the quality of your life.
Why Call It Palliative Chemo?
You might wonder why it’s called palliative chemo instead of something more straight-forward like “non-curative chemo.” Medical terminology is often vague and even frustrating, and this phrase is no exception. But now that you understand what it means, you have an opportunity to take control of your treatment plan. Here are three key questions to ask your oncologist as you consider a palliative chemotherapy treatment plan.
1. “When you say palliative chemotherapy, that means there’s no cure, right?”
This question is about more than the literal answer—which you now already know the answer to. This question is more about gauging how your doctor communicates uncomfortable truths. Some people prefer a doctor who sugarcoats things, while others want blunt honesty. Observe how your doctor responds. If their communication style feels right to you, that’s a good sign for your ongoing relationship.
2. “What is my best and worst case scenario with this treatment?”
With this question, you’re seeking clarity on the expected timeframe you have. Understanding whether you’re looking at months, a year, or more can significantly influence life and treatment decisions. Knowing the potential time you gain can help you decide whether to endure the treatment side effects or prioritize other life experiences.
3. “Can we promise that we’ll talk about my other options if this treatment isn’t supporting my quality of life?”
The focus here is on crafting a treatment plan that aligns with what you value most. Perhaps it’s spending time with family, attending a graduation or wedding, or simply extending life regardless of condition. Lead this conversation to ensure your treatment pathway supports your personal goals. For many, this will at some point include a conversation about transitioning to hospice care in order to prioritize peace and comfort at home. If you’d like your oncologist to be open with when they would recommend hospice for you, be sure to tell them that explicitly.
Taking Control of Your Care
The ultimate aim is to ensure that you are at the heart of your treatment plan—rather than the cancer itself. Engaging in these conversations not only helps you make informed decisions but also asserts your role in your care process. If you find these questions useful, consider sharing them with others who might benefit.
Closing Advice
If palliative chemotherapy is on the table, make sure your oncologist also offers you palliative care. This complementary care focuses on quality of life and symptom management, which is indispensable during treatment. And most importantly, you can receive the support of a palliative care team alongside your cancer treatments.
Stay informed, stay empowered, and remember—you’ve got this!