Help with caring for brother with bowel cancer

My younger brother has been diagnosed with bowel cancer for the second time. First time was 9 years ago and he was successfully surgically treated. Now it is not curable because it has spread to his liver and kidneys and lung lymph nodes, but it is treatable and he had his first chemo last week. He is exhausted, wiped out and has been unable to return to his flat where he lives on his own, so just in a few days I have become his carer and he has had to stay in my flat where I live with my daughter. It’s not great as he has to sleep in the living room, we have no spare room, and it’s impossible now to know if he will be able to go back to his place. Me and my daughter and some friends are prepared to adapt his flat to make it more comfortable for him but the fact is he will be living on his own and he feels completely unable to cope with that right now. Any advice or help would be appreciated. Thank you 

  • Hello JackyS

    I'm sorry to hear about your brother's diagnosis and how much he is struggling at the moment. Undoubtedly this would have been difficult news for you all to hear and it's understandable that he's feeling so low after his first chemotherapy treatment. 

    It sounds from your post as if there is lots of support available from yourself, the wider family, and friends however having that additional support for your brother, and yourselves would be helpful both now and in the future. 

    Does your brother have contact details for a cancer nurse specialist? Or do you know if he's been referred to the palliative care team? If you have contact details for either of these health professionals then do give them a call and ask for some advice and support in helping your brother to access carers. You can also get in touch with his GP surgery to explain the situation and ask for support from his GP so that he can hopefully move back to his flat with some carer support and input. 

    If you'd like to chat things through with one of our nurses for some advice and support you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope that you're able to get the support you all need put in place. Do keep in touch and let us know if you have any other questions and we'll do our best to try and help. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator