My Brother

[Brianderrick12]

Hi everyone- my brother has been on his journey for a couple of years now - he’s T4N2M1a - just had a little blip - the hospital lost his scan results back in July so we had to start again with that - coupled with his oncology appointment being postponed a few times - we’re running about 4 months behind . Last week we were told they’d lost control of the cancer - the odd thing is that they’re resting him from his treatment until January- he has Pembro - everything else was taken away in May due to renal impairment. He’s plunged into a depression- he suffers with his mental health even before his cancer. Does anyone know anything about a ‘ rest ‘ period & why ? I’d be grateful. In himself he’s relatively ok & we focus on that & keeping him positive. Thanks to everyone xxxxx

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Brianderrick12

So sorry to hear about your brothers cancer and the journey you have all been on, this is understandably a difficult and stressful time for everyone.

Sometimes, there is a pause given to treatment to allow for either side effects to resolve or for blood levels to become more normal, and sometimes just for the body to have a rest.

I assume he has been to his GP about his depression, which is an awful thing to have with his cancer, and for the family.

Immunotherapy has been shown that it can continue to work in the body for a few months, even after treatment is stopped or paused, which is encouraging.

We have a range of support services, from one to one support to online support groups through zoom , if you or your brother are interested in any of these you can register through this link:

roycastle.org/help-and-supp... , alternatively you can email [e-mail] and there is a carers group on a Friday at 10am-11am

You are welcome to contact us if you would like to discuss any thing, you can email ask the nurse 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

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Brianderrick12 in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thankyou so - it’s just so confusing- he’s had a letter through now saying he has another 4 months of immunotherapy starting in January- think we just need to keep going - the family are just in a state of constant panic - Thankyou as always for your support x