Kidney cancer with lung metastasis

Hi all - my Mum was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer 2 weeks ago which has spread to both her lungs.  We are a close family and are devastated.  My Mum is 65,  is well in herself, still getting out on her scooter seeing friends doing things around the house.  Her main symptoms are reduced appetite, fatigue and some weight loss.  She had biopsies last week and are awaiting the results.  She was first seen by gastro on a 2 week wait for cancer of unknow origin - they informed her of the results and said because she has COPD and some heart failure, she would not be considered for an operation, but would be offered immunotherapy and chemo with an aim to extend her life by 2 - 4 years.  We then saw urology who said that she would be borderline for treatment and the aim was quality over quantity, but that the over arching decision would come from and MDT.  We are just confused by the mixed messages, and are dreading the MDT outcome to be not for immuno or chemotherapy.  Anyone have any advice?

  • Hi Pol1877 and welcome to the forum.

    I'm sorry to hear your mum has been diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer and for the mixed messages you have received from the gastro and urology departments.

    Unfortunately no-one will know for sure what your mum will be able to have until that MDT meeting takes place. You can find out more about MDT meetings just here, but if you'd like to talk any of this through with someone, do give our cancer nurses a call on 0808 800 4040. Their phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they'll do all they can to help.

    Waiting for news is one of the worst parts of this journey Pol, but our community are here for you and I'm sure it won't be long until some of them stop by to offer their support and advice.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator