Hello and thanks for posting,

I am sorry to hear about your dad's situation.

Unfortunately, if the kidney cancer has spread to the brain then it is considered to be secondary cancer. This means that the cancer cannot be cured. I am sorry if this is difficult to read. Your dad's doctors will try and reduce any of his symptoms, and try to improve his quality of life. Sometimes, steroid medication can help any swelling in the brain. They may consider radiotherapy to help as well. 

We have information on our website, 

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/secondary-cancer/secondary-brain-cancer/about

and treatment,

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/secondary-cancer/secondary-brain-cancer/treatment

I hope that this reply is of some use, and that you are able to find out more soon about your dad, 

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.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda

Thank you for your reply. They've mentioned radiotherapy but haven't started it yet, but he is on steroids and tablets for the seizure. He's so confused and forgetful, he doesn't seem quite with it that makes sense, like he's not taking anything in. Is that a expected side effect? I know it's probably very hard to tell but what is usually the life expectancy in this situation? I feel like we ed to know this kind of thing to mentally prepare ourselves for what's to come

Hello KRG, and thank you for getting back to us. 

I am sorry you are going through this with your dad, it is a very difficult time for you all.

As nurses, we are unable to say what dad's life expectancy (prognosis) might be, but his team may be able to answer that question. It would be good to also talk to a palliative care or Macmillan nurse if your dad has one. If you don't think he has one then do talk to his team or GP as they can refer him. They are experts in symptom management and will be an emotional support to you all. They are also good at navigating the local services to help care for your dad as he becomes more dependent.

We do have information about living with advanced kidney cancer that is helpful for you to look at.

Also, although it will be painful for you to read, I think there may be answers to some of the questions you have right now on these pages here.

Take care and do give us a call if you think it will help talk this out the nurses on our helpline are on Freephone 0808 800 4040. The lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

Sarah.

Thank you. He's tested positive today for influenza which they've said is obviously not good at all in his current state and they can also see something on his liver but they think this could be from the influenza.