Hi Heather72

Thanks for posting. I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds as though you're dealing with a lot at the moment, and the symptoms you're having are understandably having a big impact on your day-to-day life. I can appreciate why you're looking into all the options that might help.

As nurses who aren't involved in your care, we're not able to give a medical opinion or recommend particular treatments. Your specialist team are really the best people to discuss this with, as they'll know all the details about your cancer, the treatments you've already had, and your overall health.

Sometimes surgery can be used to remove as much of the cancer as possible, which can help improve symptoms for some people. Whether that's an option depends on several things, including where the cancer is, which areas are affected, and how well someone is generally. Your doctors will carefully weigh up any potential benefits against the risks and side effects.

I wondered whether you've considered getting a second opinion. Some people find it helpful to hear another specialist's view, particularly when they're looking at what treatment options may still be available to them.

I was also wondering if a palliative care team is involved in your care. Despite what many people think, palliative care isn't just for end-of-life care. They're specialists in helping people manage symptoms and improve their quality of life, and they can often be a valuable source of support. If they're not already involved, it's something you could ask your team about.

I realise this may not be the answer you were hoping for, but I hope it helps a little. If you'd like to talk things through in more detail, you're very welcome to give our nurses a call on the freephone helpline. We're here Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, on 0808 800 4040.

Take care,

Hi Jemma,

Thanks for responding.

There doesn’t seem to be much in terms of contact with nurses, I have to initiate everything at the moment. I understand the palliative care that i’m under and usually I ask for a specialist nurse to come see me whilst i’m getting chemo/immunotherapy.

Second opinion is a route - for example, i was in hospital 2 weeks ago for a few nights with pain/sickness, all with kidney/bladder issues - anyhoo, mentioned to oncologist doc on rounds about surgery & she was of the opinion, “depends on the surgeon “ but surgery shouldn’t be ruled out. 
I understand the difference between the open surgery vs keyhole, but i’m fit & healthy (they tell me!) 

I may well explore for a second opinion though or push my oncologist to reconsider me.

thanks again,

Heather

Hi Jemma,

Thanks for responding.

There doesn’t seem to be much in terms of contact with nurses, I have to initiate everything at the moment. I understand the palliative care that i’m under and usually I ask for a specialist nurse to come see me whilst i’m getting chemo/immunotherapy.

Second opinion is a route - for example, i was in hospital 2 weeks ago for a few nights with pain/sickness, all with kidney/bladder issues - anyhoo, mentioned to oncologist doc on rounds about surgery & she was of the opinion, “depends on the surgeon “ but surgery shouldn’t be ruled out. 
I understand the difference between the open surgery vs keyhole, but i’m fit & healthy (they tell me!) 

I may well explore for a second opinion though or push my oncologist to reconsider me.

thanks again,

Heather