Hiya
Thanks in advance for reading and any support offered.
My Dad has been diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer that started in his kidney and has speed to lungs and lymph nodes. He had more scans at the weekend on his head and rest of his body to see if it has spread.
His first scans were in Jan and he waited until April to speak to a consultant - the delays drove him mad (understandably).
He has now been invited to start treatment the day after the next consultation meeting, which makes me think the scan from the weekend showed it has spread and they starting treatment quickly because of the severity. We don’t know what the treatment will be exactly yet - likely immunotherapy.
We’re looking at getting all the legal bits sorted like power of attorney etc. I’m just finding it hard to navigate as I’m an only child with divorced parents - so it’s quite lonely! And heavy for that matter.
I’m not sure what the future holds for him and how he’ll react to the treatment and the support I might need to give him.
Anyone able to offer any advice? Is stage four cancer that has spread treatable? No one has said it’s terminal at this stage and I hope they don’t but the mind wonders.
It’s just a lot and I’m tackling it head on by sorting stuff for him.
Any advice / comments / similar situations are very much appreciated!! Thanks so much
Good afternoon, Animallover64.
Firstly welcome to the forum and I hope you find it very supportive. I am Jamie one of the online Community Champions. My own kidney cancer journey is in my profile.
I am sorry to hear about your dad and having stage 4 kidney cancer which has spread. I have read a lot of positive outcomes on here, from others who have had this spread to lungs and lymph nodes too. Just because it spread dont always mean its not manageable and with treatment can help to control symptoms.
I have also started immunotherapy, and I would say try not to worry to much when his clinical team mention all the possible side effects. They have to tell him so he is informed, but it dont mean he will get all of them or he might not get any at all. Its all very individual. I had my second dose last Saturday. So far, I have fatigue, cold hands and feet at times. All depends on which treamtnent his clinical team decided is the best option for him. They will know more once they fully review his scans and discuss his case in a MDT meeting.
Its a good idea to get his legal stuff sorted (even before serious illness) and LPAs can be done online through the gov.uk website. You can also give our helpline a call who can also offer you more advice and support. It is hard doing this on your own being a only child, but there is lot a support out there.
I have included our information on kidney cancer here. Just click on the link below. It explains things more easier to understand becasue often medical reviews can get over whelming and DR google is negative at times.
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/kidney-cancer
I hope this helps, and I am sure other will soon come along and offer their support to.
Please let me know if you need further support or just a chat. We are all here to support you.
Best wishes,
Jamie
Helpline number 0808 808 00 00
7 Days a week. 8am to 8pm
