@knshopper, deciding whether to continue with treatment or not, or to choose not to have treatment might be a personal choice. But, it is a choice that affects the whole circle of family and friends supporting them too.

Your family member's cancer team considers health status, age, medical history, effectiveness of treatment, patient preference and other factors when recommending treatment.

The best decisions are made when the whole family is equipped with good information. The cancer team can help answer questions like:
- What are the potential side effects of the recommended treatment?
- What is the expected outcome of the treatment?
- My definition of quality of life includes __________. Will treatment affect this and my definition of quality of life?
- If I decide to take treatment and change my mind, can I stop?
- What will happen to me if I decide not to have treatment?
- How will you keep me comfortable as the disease progresses?
- Can I get a referral to a palliative care team?

Sometimes people make choices without asking questions. Sometimes family members are worried that the person with cancer is giving up. These are important things to discuss so everyone feels comfortable and supportive of the decisions. I know these conversatons can be hard to start. An oncology social worker can help. That is an often overlooked service offered at large cancer centers. You may find this blog post, written by the Mayo Clinc oncology social work team, helpful to learn more
- How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/how-an-oncology-social-worker-can-help/

How are you doing with your family member's decision?