My brother has been diagnosed with cancer 8 months ago. He initially had radiotherapy and chemo. He responded well. The cancer was deemed to difficult to operate on.
Since then he was told the cancer has spread to his adrenal glands. This time he was given targeted radiotherapy. Again he responded.
He is about to have another scan? Obviously we are all worried.
I am trying to get my family to talk but it’s very hard.
It's natural to worry but it doesn't change the outcome. The majority of UK patients are detected too late for surgery to be a possibility but there are several treatment options and modes. Recurrence to adrenal glands can often be treated with chemotherapy as some in online patient forums have experienced. It's a long 'journey' but dealing with the ups and downs is something we have to adjust to.... sometimes ablation (SABR) is offered for certain locations but systemic treatments (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted agents) are all used dependent on the characteristics of the tumour and any other conditions your brother has.
Many people feel unable to talk due to fear and think if they don't, then the situation can't be happening - it's important if you want to talk to find support for yourself. Roy Castle lung cancer foundation and Macmillan offer nurse led helplines for anyone affected by cancer not just the patient and not just at the early diagnosis stage.... for me I found reading and learning more about it helped my imagination running riot. One book I found really helpful was 'cancer is a word not a sentence' by Dr Rob Buckman.... good luck to you and your brother.
Thank you Janette. I shall look for the book you mention.
Hello Cagw,
I am very sorry to hear that your brother has been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer this must have come as a great shock to you and the family as a whole. As JeanetteR57 has said for many lung cancer is not diagnosed until it is to late or difficult to attempt surgery. We have lots of information booklets on different aspects of lung cancer and its treatments which are available here
roycastle.org/help-and-supp...
We have a range of support services, from one to one support to online support groups through zoom , if your brother is interested he can register here.
roycastle.org/help-and-supp...
The Maggie’s center's can provide support to patients and their families , they provide practical, financial and emotional support, these centers are often connected to main cancer treatment centers, if you have one nearby they are well worth contacting.
maggies.org/
It is not uncommon for patients and their families to feel very anxious while waiting for scans and then the results, if you would like to discuss anything, you can email ask the nurse at lungcancerhelp@roycastle.org or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600.
Kind regards
The Roy Castle Support Team
I live overseas but will try to get my folks to look at what you are offering.
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