I am still in shock my brother only found out yesterday, the whole family is in shock.
He has been poorly for a couple of months, starting with bleeding, diarrhoea and constipation and severe pain, his GP didn't believe him and said it was just piles and prescribed him laxatives and Ibuprofen. This went on for couple of weeks and he finally got referred for a investigation. Waiting and waiting for appointment he was in so much pain he went to a&emergency to be told it was piles again...
Something not right you know your own body, three and a half weeks ago my Dad took him back to hospital and insisted he be seen and taken seriously. He was admitted and after 3 weeks in hospital an exploratory op and biopsy was done on a tumour in his rectum, he was sent home, the next day called as an emergency to hospital, had MRI and told he had an abnormal mass on his spine. The tumour had fractured his spine and gone into bones, they then informed him waiting for results of biopsy but that it was terminal cancer and they could not cure it.
We are all devastated he is only 42!
It's hard enough for men to go to the doctors but then he said why bother when they don't believe you!
Hi and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your brothers diagnosis, this must have been such a shock to all the family.
A terminal cancer diagnosis in the family can be very challenging but you may find talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer support journey will help you and the family navigate this very difficult time.
When it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from talking with others caring for family and friends so do check out our Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
To join a group just click on the link above then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens.
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones), you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
All the very best ((hugs))
