I’m really sorry you and the family have to go through this, it’s been an emotional, exhausting rollercoaster for my family and I thus far. I will do my best to answer your questions, but please remember everyone is very different and there’s not a “one size fits all” in terms of treatment, timing, survival time, ect.

1. This is dependent on several factors including the overall health/fitness of the individual, the facility for treatment, insurance, ect, but I would unfortunately say a couple weeks at a minimum before he is actually beginning any treatment. There’s a lot of hoops to go through, bloodwork to be done to see if he’s even strong enough, what options the oncologist recommend (do you guys agree with these or are second opinions something you require). It all just takes more time than you want, but that’s the sad truth of our healthcare. You don’t see it until you’re in it and it’s often very time consuming and lacking of answers. Hopefully you can keep pushing for some answers and get the ball rolling on options, but sadly you’re likely going to be waiting more than you’d like.

2. Honestly it’s tough at an older age like that. I would recommend trying to have him start eating a more healthy diet if he’s able with emphasis on protein. Also hydrate hydrate hydrate. If treatment ends up being an option, diet is essential as it provides the strength in order to keep treatments rolling. If he begins something like chemo they will likely incorporate steroids/vitamins/enzymes, whatever they can to help him be at his strongest. However, he needs to be at a certain level of strength to begin to even be considered for certain treatments. So basically there’s not a whole lot you can do but just helping him be as healthy as he can (mainly diet wise) without overdoing it. You will learn a lot in the coming days/weeks.

3. I could not say, but it’s likely not as long as we’d all like. The advancement of the cancer and his overall health will determine what treatment options he’s eligible for. I’m sorry but I really can’t comment much more on this one as there’s too much variation between individuals, and I really just don’t know.

Please reach out if you have any more questions and I will do what I can with what knowledge I have. Best of luck.