Shadowing on the brain after kidney removal

Dear Geoff/BeefyMoo,

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 can see you have joined our Kidney cancer forum, The Room and Cancer surgery forum, I hope you are finding them supportive and welcoming. We also have an emotional support forum that you might find helpful.

I am sorry to hear that following a suspected stroke and a further MRI scan some shadowing was found on your brain. It is understandable that this has been upsetting, particularly as this did not appear to be visible on previous scans.

Steroids help to reduce the swelling on the brain so are used for symptom management rather than treating the cancer itself. Treatment for secondary brain cancer aims to control the cancer and your symptoms. It can also prevent problems from developing.

Uncertainty can be one of the hardest feelings to deal with. It is natural to feel frightened when you are unsure of what is going to happen next.

It is important that you are able to talk to someone from your specialist team about how you are feeling. If you have a specialist nurse they should help and support you, or you could reach out to your GP.

There is no wrong or right way to manage how you are feeling at the moment, but it might help to think about getting prepared for your next appointment. Writing down any questions you have can help to get the most out of your next meeting.

You might also want to focus on your health and wellbeing. Distraction, relaxation, diet, and physical activity can all help you to feel more in control.  

You mentioned that the shadowing is suspicious of cancer cells, but I am not sure if this has been confirmed. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch again if you would like more information about this. If you would like to talk things through we are here everyday 8am to 8pm and would welcome your call.

Dealing with cancer can be a very emotional time and you might find it helpful to read our web pages about emotional support. You can also check our webpage to find details of support and information organisations in your area.

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

With 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/DS/HC

Thanks for your reply Heidi.

I'm so confused and am struggling to think clearly (part of what's going on in my brain) so it's hard to articulate a reply. 

I think I'll leave it here and will have a think about it.

Thanks again, 

Geoff.

Good morning Geoff,

I’m Helen, one of the cancer information nurses that works on the Macmillan support line.

Thank you for coming back to us. I am sorry to read you are struggling to articulate a reply because you’re confused and having difficulty to think clearly.

There could be a number of reasons you’re feeling this way that you would benefit from having a further assessment. If you’re experiencing any new, worsening or changing symptoms since you contacted us last week, I would recommend calling your GP, NHS 111, consultant, or clinical nurse specialist today for clinical advice.

It may also be helpful to call us to discuss your current needs and concerns. By talking to us we are able to gain a better understanding of what’s happening and give you the best guidance on what to do.

I hope this information is helpful but if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes,

Helen, 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/HeP/GMcR