Anaplastic thyroid cancer

Hi Florence

It’s Wayne here from Macmillan’s Online Community team. I saw your post and wanted to share some information with you while you wait for others with a similar experience to reply.

From looking at your profile activity I can see you recently posted in the New to the Community forum and mentioned your Dad has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. When being there to support a loved one living with cancer it can cause a range of emotions, so I am glad you have found the Online Community. We have the Family and friends forum that may also be useful space for you to chat to others, ask questions and talk about how you are feeling.

Please know that Macmillan is here to support you and your family. As well as using the forums on the Community, you can also contact a Macmillan Professional in our Ask an expert forum. Our experienced Cancer Information Nurse Specialists can answer questions about treatments, side effects and more. Whilst you can also speak to our Information and Support Advisers who are here to answer any questions you might have. They can answer questions about the emotional, practical and financial impacts of cancer.

The Ask A Nurse group is open from Monday to Friday, and you can post your question by clicking the ‘+ New’ button in the top-right corner of the page. The Ask an Information and Support advisor is open 7 days a week. We also have a helpful blog on how to access support during the festive season, just in case you need any assistance over the holidays.

If you would rather speak to someone directly, we have our Macmillan Support Line when you want to talk things through with someone for advice, emotional support or even just a listening ear.

Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00. If you would rather speak to them via message, you can also do so via live webchat.

Please know that when you are looking after a loved one with cancer, Macmillan is here for you too. We understand how this can sometimes affect you physically, emotionally and financially. You're likely to need support too and we are here to help. Visit our website here for more information.

I hope I’ve been able to reassure you that there’s lots of support available and we are here to help. If you need any help using the Community or finding additional support, please don’t hesitate to email community@macmillan.org.uk.

Thank you Wayne

Dad has now been diagnosed with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer and being referred to Community Palliative care team

We are all really struggling with this. 

Hi Florence,

Not sure if you are still using this page, I've just found it.

My dad was diagnosed with atc on 25th Nov 25 and we were told we would be lucky to see Christmas with him.

He start immunotherapy at the start of Dec and was doing really well on it that we did thankfully make it to Christmas.

Unfortunately in Feb on the day he was due to get his 4th treatment he took a seizure and was in a coma for 3 days.

They told us that he only had 12 hrs left but he did pull through and make it home, though his immunotherapy had to stop.

He continued on his chemo tablets for 1 more month but all treatment was stopped in march.

Dad passed away on Easter Monday (just over a month ago).

Not sure of your current situation but I just wanted to reach out to say I'm thinking of you.

Lynsay x

Thank you Lynsay

I'm so sorry to hear that your Dad had this cancer and has passed away.

Dad was diagnosed with Anaplastic thyroid cancer in November 2025. We were initially told there was no treatment and things would progress very quickly. At the end of December he was tested for the BRAF gene, he was positive for the gene which meant he could start Targeted Therapy to try and slow the cancer down. By this time he was really poorly.

He started this in January and within 2 days he was a completely different person. Dad has had 3 months of fairly good quality of life.

Unfortunately the targeted therapy has caused acute heart failure and AF which has really affected his daily life.

The decision has now been made to stop the treatment because of his heart.

We know our time now is very limited. Dad is under the care of our local Hospice and District Nurses so all support is in place when we need it.

I am so sorry your Dad and you and your family have had to go through this.

I'm so sorry your going through this as well.

I'm thinking of you all x