Hello there xx 

Sorry to find yourself here xx 

My understanding of this is that incurable (different to terminal) means the cancer can’t be completely cured, however, it can be treated so the person may go on to enjoy life (....and as you may see from this site, treatments have really come a long way) xx 

So the first doctor said it wasn’t terminal (limited life left) and the second doctor said it’s incurable.....they might well be saying the same thing there (I.E it is not terminal but it is incurable - but that could mean the person can live for many years). 

Certainly on this site, you will find people that have been given an incurable diagnosis and they’ve been living with cancer for several years and are living as they did prior to their diagnosis or very similar...still very much enjoying themselves, working, getting out and about. I see post from people who are living with cancer long term quite a bit here! ️

Sadly, for my mum, she was told (and we were told) it was terminal (...they made that very clear because she’s was extremely poorly) xx they didn’t mention ‘incurable’...her treatment plan was more palliative for terminal cancer than anything else xx 

It is such a shock receiving a diagnosis like this...xx I hope you are doing ok considering xx 

I used to work as a volunteer for people with HIV and AIDs. It wasnt possible for them to be 'cured' but it was possible with care to live almost normally [ie with a bit of extra care ] for quite some time. And now many people with HIV can expect a 'normal' lifespan. 

There's a sense isnt there in which you might say we're all terminal?  One of my friends used to wear a badge that said 'Stick around for the cure.'

He's still going strong.

Love to all x

I think that’s a very good way to describe it, Monica. I get HIV is a completely different condition but I guess it can be said that the same rules apply to those guys too (iE technically HIV can’t be cured...but that doesn’t mean those guys are terminal. Some people who experience cancer can be NED - no evidence of disease when they are incurable). 

That sounds like fabulous work you did x x 

Hi,

I was diagnosed with CLL (chronic lymphatic leukaemia).  I was told that it’s wasn’t  curable but treatable.  Six years later,apart from three monthly blood tests, I have needed no treatment.  When they say it is incurable it means that it can be managed it doesn’t mean it’s terminal.  Why don’t you ask the consultants exactly what they mean or make an appointment with your GP and ask them to  explain it to you, mine did and he was excellent.

 Unfortunately I have now been diagnosed with breast cancer and had my lumpectomy two weeks ago.  

Good luck.

Hi Lol,

The answers you've already had are spot on, my own case is a good illustration.

5 years ago I was given an incurable diagnosis at stage 4 and referred for palliative chemo which was pretty devastating. .I asked if it was terminal and was told not necessarily but as always the doctors hedged their bets and said I probably had between two months and two years depending on how my treatment went. I still have cancer and will never get rid of it but I am managing to live with it, as are over 2.5 million people living with cancer in the UK. Just over 50% of people diagnosed are now expected to still be around in 10 years.

There doesn't seem to be a formal definition of terminal but the most common interpretation seems to be that death is probable within six weeks. 

None of this will help stop you worrying I know, but it may help you ask the right questions about your Mum's condition and her care plan.

Good luck
Dave

Hello there , my first response is to say ,well done for asking questions ,so difficult when you are in a state of shock ,your Mum needs you there to listen and ask questions and be by her side supporting her in this way ,i can`t emphasise enough how wonderful a daughter you are being.,eventhough it is such a shock for you.  Incurable means ,with treatment ,radiotherapy and chemotherapy the cancer will still be there but there is a chance it can be controlled ,allowing a quality of life ,no one can say for how long with any accuracy ,it can be for a short time or a very long time ,that is the hard part to accept not knowing .Treatments can be harsh ,some people decide not to accept treatments and others have everything offered and live with their cancer as so many people we meet are . When we are told the cancer is terminal many factors are taken into account here,the staging,the spread ,the type of cancer ,it is not an easy diagnosis a terminal one ,but it is made to save the patient from devasting treatment that may well reduce the patient`s quality of life knowing that the treatment will not bring a positive result because of the prognosis , It is very important for you and your Mum to keep asking questions ,ask your GP,the Oncologist ,the consultants for radiotherapy and chemotherapy ,your McMillan nurse ,they are there to help ,they want to help,to explain and support ,If you dont understand ask again and again ,there will be answers sadly they cannot give ,no one can ,but i can tell you one thing for sure you are there for your Mum and that is wonderful .Carole.

You’re a very good example, if I may say so Dave :-) You’ve well and truly got this :-D xx 

Best wishes, Polly x x hope everything goes well with your next lot of treatment x x 

You're an absolute star, Dave. Stories like yours bring hope and belief to so many of us.

Shine on, mate.

god bless you i wish you all the best, it takes such bravery to help others suffering with cancer when you also have it. My prayers are with you