Transitions Center

When Treatment No Longer Works
nolongerworks

Being told by the doctor that treatment is no longer working may or may not come as a surprise. However, it may signal a transition and a shift in gears. The focus shifts from getting well and hoping for a cure, to improving comfort and the quality of life that's left. Sometimes the doctor will say treatment is not working and sometimes not. No matter who says out loud “Treatment is not working,” it does not mean you have to give up hope. This is an opportunity for everyone to shift the focus of care.

There are trade offs between continuing aggressive treatment for cancer and focusing on palliative or comfort care. Patients need to discuss these trade offs with their family and doctor. Depending on the cancer treatment, patients may experience fatigue, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, infections, or bleeding. You may decide being comfortable is what is most important and hence, decide to stop some treatments.
Making the decision to stop a treatment can be a particularly scary time. Having basic information about what can happen will help. Your doctor, nurse, and care manager can give you information about what to expect if you do decide to stop a treatment. It is important to learn and thoroughly discuss the pros and cons of stopping each treatment. Talking with others who have decided to stop a treatment is also very helpful. They can share their experiences and give you a better idea of the reality of this decision.
Written by Linda Miller, RN, MA
Edited by Rachael Myers Lowe, cancerpage.com

This page was last edited on 04/18/2008

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