What questions do I need to ask?

[JPotter42]

My dad was recovering well from his stage 3 lung cancer, chemo worked well and his last 3 scans showed no further evidence of his tumour ( coming up to a year in March) Unfortunately my dad started recently having some flashing lights in his eye, fit and well in himself apart from that. His consultant ordered a head MRI to check for problems and we found out yesterday he has a 2cm tumour on the brain. I knew this was a possibility but I was still shocked as he was told on his own straight after his MRI scan without warning. The lovely lung specialist nurse has arranged for a meeting with my dad and myself for Monday to ask questions, and hopefully he will be discussed at an MDT on Tuesday if able or the Tuesday after. Please could you advise on the questions I may need to be asking the consultant as at the moment I don’t even know what area the brain it’s in. He had a bone scan but thankfully that was ok. Any advice on staying strong would be helpful, he’s totally gutted he’s been told he can not drive which will be difficult to get his head round. He’s only 69 normally well, even off playing golf as I write this Thanks anything would be great x

[JanetteR57]

Always a shock when scans reveal something like this especially when the person appears to be responding to treatment - Roy Castle lung cancer foundation has a brain metastases booklet with more information as well as suggesting questions to ask. for me one of the most important questions to ask is 'if we have any questions after our appointment today, who can we contact?' as although generic information is helpful, the clinical team dealing with the patient can be much more specific as we're all different even often with the same condition... good luck to you both...roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

[JPotter42 in reply to JanetteR57]

Thanks Janette, I’m hoping there are treatment options tomorrow and will read the information you sent so I am prepared. I suppose it depends on which area of the brain it is, so that will be one of my questions. I’m praying that we will have some hope for treatments….he will try anything.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear JPotter42

So very sorry to hear about your dad and such a shock for you both. It is good to hear you have a very supportive lung cancer nurse specialist and it will help having the face to face chat with them.

It is encouraging that your dad feels well in that it is a good place to be to start any treatment. JanetteR57 has kindly provided the link for our booklet on brain metastases and this details what treatment options there may be.

It may be helpful to write down spontaneously what you would like to know from both you and your dad and they will be the questions to ask. eg. where in the brain, what effect will it have on your dads recovery, what treatment and side effects, what does it mean for your dad long term.

If you would like to discuss anything at any time you can either email us at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

All the very best for you both

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Support Team