Blood pressure issues

Hi Librarian 

Thanks for getting in touch. My name’s Louise, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

It can be frustrating and disheartening to have treatment cancelled, especially when you thought your blood pressure had improved when you checked it yourself.

If your blood pressure remained high when it was checked last week, we would suggest contacting your GP today for a review of your medications.

You can also contact your consultant or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) to ask them what time frame you have for your blood pressure to improve for you to start having the immunotherapy. The consultant or CNS can be contacted via the medical secretaries, who can be reached through the main hospital number (switchboard).

Sometimes people’s blood pressure readings can change depending on their environment. For example it can be higher when they are in a clinical setting like a hospital because it can be stressful, whereas at home it can be lower because you are in a more relaxed environment.

It might be useful to take your blood pressure at home in the morning, afternoon and evening and write down the readings so you can show your treatment team at the hospital.

It sounds like your hospital team is keen for you to still have the treatment. I hope this goes ahead next week, but I appreciate you wanting to know what the next possible steps might be so you can be prepared if it doesn’t. It’s important to understand your treatment options.

You don’t mention your diagnosis but I can see you have joined the kidney cancer forum. Because we don’t have access to medical records here on the support line, it’s difficult to say what the exact next steps might be as there are different types of kidney cancer, and each person’s diagnosis and treatment plan is unique to them.

However, you can ask your healthcare team questions about other types of treatment that might be more suitable. Our information on kidney cancer explains the types of treatment available.

It might also help to talk to us. One of our nurses would be happy to talk things through.

Best wishes

Louise

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: LR/KHa