Hello and thanks for posting

I'm sorry to read about your mum's situation. This must be a difficult time for you both.

Your mum's doctors are trying to work out whether she has one cancer that has spread (kidney cancer spreading to the lung) or two primary cancers. Having two primary cancers is very uncommon but it can occasionally happen.

If it’s kidney cancer that has spread to the lungs, it is treated as a kidney cancer because kidney cancer cells have travelled there. In this case, doctors usually treat it with immunotherapy, which is why the urology team mentioned this to her.

If it turns out to be two different primary cancers at the same time, treatment becomes a bit more tricky, because each cancer may need different treatments and it may be difficult for your mum to cope with both.

I think when the respiratory doctor said they might not be able to do anything, it’s possible that they meant they may not be able to treat both cancers at the same time. They may need to treat one cancer first, or choose what gives the best quality of life to your mum.

The lung biopsy tomorrow is important as it will tell doctors exactly what type of cancer the lung tumour is. Once the results are back, the oncologist will make a clear treatment plan and explain the possible options.

 I hope this helps. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene