My Dad has been diagnosed with Kidney Cancer and its apparently been growing 10 years already. Struggling to process everything.

My dear dad was diagnosed with kidney cancer which has spread to the lungs and is involving the vena cava. I just feel shocked and struggling to process everything. The key worker said that he needs an urgent MRI scan before Wednesday but they gave him Friday appointment. Find it hard to understand why they say one thing and do another. We have no plan of treatment and I'm panicking because I'm not sure how long he will live and if I need to take time off work to help or do anything. I feel scared I will miss anything if I'm not there. My mum said to me today she is crying inside but trying to act normal outside. He is not sleeping at night well due to discomfort and sits on the side of the bed with his head in his hands my mum said. It's quite distressing for them both. He is also very sleepy in the day. Any advice anyone can give on how to cope with all this would be well received. Thank you for listening. 

  • It's 100% natural to worry, despite everyone, including me saying don't worry about the 'what ifs'.

    They won't be able to give a treatment plan until they've got all the scans done. IMO they said by Wednesday if, for example they have a MDT meeting on Friday with multiple teams discussing patients. They won't hang around for stuff that needs attention quickly.

    I'd encourage you to ask the hospital if they have any specialist nursing teams and contact them for advice and support. My colorectal team are fantastic and were there from the very start. There's also Macmillian and local cancer charities that are available from the start of a cancer diagnosis. Use them, they're there to help.

    Wishing you all the best for your dad.