Is extending life by weeks worth the toll some cancer drugs take? Doctors push for ‘common-sense oncology’ [Video]

Tom Somerville’s decision to stop medical treatment for his end-stage cancer was a personal one.

Somerville, 62, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021 that later spread to his liver. He had six months of chemotherapy to slow down the cancer, which he said also left him exhausted with nausea. 

The Kingston, Ont., resident decided to take a break from treatment to enjoy a trip with his wife to Victoria. 

“Things that you cherish change, right?” Somerville said. “I used to love being out in the bush, but now it is just nice to have a sunny day, sit with my family [and] have visitors.” 

Somerville said he came to terms with his prognosis and decided to enjoy the rest of the life he has left, extending the chemo break to a full stop. He said he was relieved to not “feel crappy” from the treatment anymore.