Hey everyone,

My uncle has just been diagnosed with stage 3 palate cancer, although we will still seek a second opinion if the stage of the cancer is misdiagnosed.

My question is, please we really need advice guys, is there any hope at all? Is there any chance left of curing the cancer if it is indeed stage 3?

Right now his family has chosen the path of 'wait for him to die' kind of strategy. They don't want radiation therapy or chemotherapy because the doctor told them this would only prolong his misery and pain. Is this correct? is stage 3 palate cancer really hopeless?

I was kinda shocked because I am a fighter. I wanted him to fight for his life no matter how small the chances. He is only 42 and too young to die especially since two of his three children are still in school. It is a life still worth saving.

I am inexperienced in oral cancers. Please tell me if stage 3 palate cancer is as hopeless as the doctor said? and that we should just wait for him to die or if there is still a window of possibility we could cure his palate cancer at this stage?

For additional info he is having a hard time eating anything. And is reduced to an extremely thin state. His palate is also almost gone and when he drinks water it spills out his nose. Is this really bad?

Also is there a chance the cancer will spread to his brain? considering how close the brain is to the palate... but isn't the brain protected by the blood-brain barrier? Can cancer cross that barrier?

Thank you so much guys for your advice and support.