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Brain Tumours

Michele3210
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Hi there my mum had a brain tumour removed last year from the right side of her frontal lobe they classed it as stage 3 progressing to stage 4. she had radiotherapy and a 12 month cycle of chemotherapy. she has literally finished her chemo therapy and a week later had another seizure for which she was admitted to hospital for. they repeated her MRI and have found more tumors this time on the left hand side frontal lobe and corpos Callum. My question is how can this happen when she has been having chemo for the past year which has wiped her out and left her very frail.? we are going to see the oncologist for a plan but I doubt she will have further treatment because of the way it has left her feeling. I have so many concerns for the future and don't really know where to begin even tho I am a professional myself (OT). Thankyou 

  • I am Sharon, one of the nurses on the Macmillan Cancer Support Line.

    Thank you for reaching out to us for support. I am sorry to hear about your mum’s bad news, that must have been a big shock for you all. If you think it would be useful to talk things through with someone do give us a call on 0808 808 0000.

    Chemotherapy works by destroying cancer cells as they are dividing. There are different types of chemotherapy to treat different types (and subtypes) of cancer, so there is no ‘one drug works for all’. Oncologists start people on the chemotherapy regime that has been shown by research to be effective for that type of cancer, but it doesn’t always work like they are expecting it to.

    Sometimes chemotherapy works well initially, then the tumour starts to grow again, or metastases appear elsewhere despite treatment. This is because cancer cells continue to evolve, and some may become resistant to treatment over time. If these cells survive, they can start growing again.

    If a particular chemotherapy has stopped working, they may consider a different one or another treatment option. If mum’s specialist offers her treatment that she doesn’t want it would be entirely appropriate for her to ask what alternative options are available, if any. She will not be forced to have treatment that she doesn’t want. She shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions.

    It would be a good idea for someone to go with mum when she goes for her appointment, not just for support but also for another ‘pair of ears’. She may find it useful to take a notepad to jot things down. She could also write down questions that she wants to ask so that she doesn’t forget anything that is important to her. Some people ask if they can record the consultation so they can listen to it again if needed.

    It is difficult supporting a loved one who has cancer. It is important that you consider your own well-being too. We are here for both of you if you need us. As well as our support line, we have webchat, a carers forum and brain cancer forum on our online community, where you can get support from people who are in a similar situation.

    Take care

    Sharon

    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 send us an email. Ref; SA/SH

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