My brother was due to have immunotherapy tomorrow, however his blood test has shown his calcium levels are high. He now has to go and have a saline drip to flush his body and decrease the levels. This was a shock for him and his family. What does this mean, will the immunotherapy now not happen. I'm so scared for him. He hasn't really accepted his diagnosis yet and now this.
Hello Jaxx11,
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community.
My name is Carole and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
When someone you care about has cancer, it is normal to experience many different feelings. Going through treatment can be very emotional, with many ups and downs. This can be true for both the person who has cancer, and for people who are close. It’s understandable to feel like you do.
It sounds as if the high calcium level (hypercalcaemia) was picked up when your brother was having his bloods checked, prior to having treatment. Once they’ve got the calcium levels under control, your brother’s team will try to find out the cause and will then decide about treatment. This information is from the Canadian Cancer Society and explains how hypercalcaemia may be treated.
We know how disappointing or upsetting changes to treatment plans can be, but doctors will only do this when they think it’s for the best. Unfortunately, we don’t have access to medical notes which means we can’t say what this might mean for your brother.
Coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis is difficult for many people. Some people find it easier to talk about how they are feeling, with people they don’t know well. We’re just at the end of the phone if your brother would like to talk to one of the nurses. And we are usually able to refer people for free counselling through our partnership with Bupa.
I hope this is helpful,
Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.
The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.
I see that you’ve joined our online kidney cancer group. Our family and friends forum can be a good source of support too. It’s a place to share feeling with people who understand.
Best wishes,
Carole
Our ref: RH
