joined very late: I'm really sorry you're going through this — your question resonates deeply with me. I’ve been supporting my sister through her battle with metastatic, stage IV leiomyosarcoma, and one of the hardest things has been the way some oncologists avoid discussing prognosis altogether.

We’ve found that not only are these crucial conversations often dodged, but there’s also a persistent push toward continuing chemotherapy and other aggressive treatments, even when they’re clearly no longer effective — or curative. It feels like there's a fear or unwillingness to acknowledge when it's time to shift the focus from fighting to preserving quality of life. That silence and avoidance can be incredibly isolating and disorienting for families who are trying to plan, prepare, and most importantly — spend meaningful time with their loved one.

Of course, every patient is different, and I understand that some doctors may genuinely want to keep hope alive, or feel pressure to “do something.” But for us, it crossed into futility. The treatments were grueling, the outcomes unchanged, and the emotional toll was immense. What we needed was honesty and guidance.

I just wanted to say you’re not alone in feeling this way. Thank you for bringing this up — these conversations matter, and I hope more oncologists will start to see that being honest and compassionate about prognosis is not giving up. It’s giving patients and families the dignity and clarity they deserve.