Hello SomersetGuy and thanks for posting

I am sorry to hear about the situation your find yourself and appreciate this must be a difficult time for you.

As you will know the tissue sample is needed to test the cancer to see if it has any particular mutations that could be matched with a type of immunotherapy treatment.

I'm afraid no one here will definitely be able to say what type of biopsy they are planning as there are a couple of different types. It may be possible to repeat another fine needle aspirate, however if a larger tissue sample is needed a core biopsy using a larger needle may be required. I understand there are instances where a more invasive procedure may be required but i'm afraid only your team can answer this.

Do continue to talk with the nurses and doctors involved about your concerns and any other questions you have to help guide your decisions. All treatments have possible side effects and whilst immunotherapy can cause side effects, when picked up early they can often be managed well.

Unfortunately it is difficult to predict how well anyone will be or feel having treatment and often it is a matter of weighing up the benefits versus the risks when deciding what to do.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes,

Naomi

Many thanks

Hi Graeme,

This is a very similar story to my dad’s…I hope you got the treatment you needed and are doing ok. 

Thanks

Immunotherapy had no effect so now it’s palliative chemotherapy with the usual side effects. Been there before, got the t shirt so knew what to expect. Once you get your head around the inevitable, it’s strangely ok, I’m now just waiting for my (now grown up) kids to be able to accept it too. 

Appreciate your kind message, if it’s appropriate, I hope your dad's ‘journey’ is stress free. 

Thanks for replying…my dad was offered a life altering operation this time around which wasn’t guaranteed to be curative, so we explored alternatives and went for proton beam therapy. Although initially it was positive and appeared to be curative - he was given the all clear in May, he suffered the usual and horrendous side effects.

I sincerely wish you well…