Regorafenib

Hello Bennett1990,

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I’m Heidi one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line.

I am sorry to hear your father is experiencing side effects since commencing Regorafenib.

Firstly, it’s important that if your father experiences any unwanted side-effects or symptoms as a result of treatment, it is very important he lets his team know. They are best placed to assess and manage these symptoms and can give your father individual advice.  

With any new, changing, or worsening symptom we always recommend that he contacts his treatment team, GP, or NHS 111 to be assessed urgently.

Side effects can vary from person to person. They also depend on what other treatments your father may be having. It is understandable you would want as much information as possible, particularly when it impacts on his quality of life.

It is difficult to say if symptoms will improve over time because everyone is so different and may respond or experience side effects in different ways, and to a lesser or greater degree.

However, it is important that your father is supported with his symptoms. We have a booklet that you can download, or order, about the side effects of cancer treatment that your father might find useful. The booklet also includes a symptom diary.  Recording symptoms can provide useful information to his specialist team and help them to work out the best ways to manage his symptoms.

You mentioned that your father has foot pain and hand issues, there are different ways side effects can be managed.  These may include medication and input from other professionals, such as the pain team or physiotherapist. Complementary therapies can also be helpful in controlling symptoms, but it is important that your father speaks with his specialist team to make sure they are appropriate for him, and the practitioner has training in treating anyone with cancer.  

I am sorry to hear that the pounding in your father’s ears is a particularly difficult symptom to cope with. Please do talk to his specialist team about this, Regorafenib can cause high blood pressure and they may want to check this and make sure the treatment is not affecting his heart in any way. They may also suggest a hearing check.

Dealing with cancer and the side effects of treatment can be an emotional time and your father might find it helpful to read our web pages about getting emotional support.

We have a very welcoming online community and you can also check our webpage to find details of support and information organisations in your father’s area.

I can appreciate this can be a worrying time for you, remember to look after you too.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch again if we can support you further.

Best wishes

Heidi

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

Ref/GH/HC