Undiagnosable cancer - has anyone else been in this position before? How did you cope?

My younger brother got diagnosed with cancer this August. Thankfully according to doctors it’s supposed to be a recently developed tumour however they’ve done a biopsy and removed his kidney where the tumour was located and they cannot figure out what type of cancer it is other then it being kidney cancer. It’s been to different hospitals and the European board but they still don’t know what it is exactly. Apparently that doesn’t usually happen and even his doctor has said she’s never experienced that before. I was wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences and how that went, how people dealt with it and not having an answer or a clear plan on what to do. Thanks

  • Hi Peony07757, 

    I am so sorry to hear about your younger brother's cancer diagnosis. It must have come as a shock to you but it sounds like it was caught early and that they seem to have determined that it is kidney cancer though they can't exactly tell which specific type. There is information on our website on kidney cancer which you might find useful to read and I also wanted to let you know that we have a nurse helpline you are welcome to ring on this free number 0808 800 4040 - it is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm so don't hesitate to talk things through with them and ask for further guidance on this unusual case. It must be a bit puzzling for you to hear from the doctor that she has never experienced that before. 

    I hope that you will hear from other members of our community who have been through something similar before and that they will give you some insights into how they dealt or coped with this uncertainty. I hope that despite the lack of clarity, that the specialist will have a treatment plan soon and that the treatment will be effective for your brother. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator