Any advice very welcome

My dad, who is 85, was diagnosed at the end of November 2016 with terminal renal cancer. The consultant wrote to his GP with little info; the GP was very unhappy with the info provided, and has written to both the consultant and the haematologist for further info / guidance. No response has been received as yet and I'm really worried as my father's riveroxiban (blood thinning) medication has been stopped (and no replacement put in place) and we would hate to see him end up in the same poor state of health he was in before this was prescribed. It feels very much like my dad has been abandoned to his fate as I have been trying to contact his consultant and haematologist without success to try and get a reply to the GP. What can I do? Please advise if you can - thanks

  • Hi Chris.  The hospital treating my husband have a patient liaison service that anyone can access via phone, email or by popping in.  It's called PALS and I think it is an NHS-wide initiative so google them or look them up on your local hospital website.  I think they are there for the very thing you are dealing with.  All the very best to you and your Dad. x

  • Many thanks Doodahbird. I've found the PALS contact number and will ring them tomorrow xx

  • Hi Chris

    I always go through the consultant's secretary to find out anything extra. Tell them how concerned you are and ask for another appointment asap. My husband has renal cell cancer that has recurred and metastacised in his stomach. He is on a drug called pazopanib, that is immuno-therapy drug, they call it chemo and it has lots of side effects but it might give him a few more months. He is 64 but he also has MS so his immune system is low. It is supposed to target the cancer as it is inoperable due to it being stage 4 as it has spread.

    Your father should be getting more help and the oncology unit should be there to help as well. We have a help line number to phone 24 hours. Ask about this as well. If your phone the hospital and ask for complaints department they should put you through to the correct person this is another option. Hope this helps and you have success helping your dad.

    Chrissie

  • Thanks Chrissie, I rang McMillan nurses myself and since they became involved comms have greatly improved
  • Glad things have improved. We found out today that the pazopanib has stopped the growth of the tumours and it hasn't spread so happy with improvement. Advice was- keep taking the pills.