Brother has laryngeal cancer, having trouble coping

Seabcat · New User Joined: 15 Oct 2007 Posts: 3

My brother is 51 and was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer last summer. He had his larynx removed, etc. a couple of months ago and has decided not to undergo radiation therapy. I have a feeling he's in the advanced stages, but he tends to keep this kind of information to himself. Although he has a grown daughter, he rarely sees her. He lives alone and is quite independent, so he spends most of his time taking care of himself basically. He's feeling very depressed these days and although I can't relate, I can certainly understand why he feels this way. I want to know how I can help him without making him feel helpless. He doesn't have a computer, but I'd like to find a support group for him near his home. Can anyone tell me how to go about finding one?

Thank you.
Seabcat

brainman

Seabcat, I can certainly relate to your brother's situation in the sense that I too live alone far (at least physically) from my children. I can also relate to the depression that goes along with living alone and with cancer. I got so depressed that I needed to seek professional help.

Certainly there are support groups that are a good source to look for. What kind of support does he need? I mean, do you think he needs a cancer support group, a depression support group, a grief support group?? If he need a cancer support group you have several options. Start by contacting your nearest branch office of the American Cancer Society. Often, they are the sponsors of cancer support groups. You can also contact your brother's oncologist's office. They might have a support group or know about one. Third, you can contract a social worker at your local hospitals. One of them might have a cancer support group. They might also know about other support groups in your area. And finally, you have the option to volunteer to start a support group with any of the above.

Hope this helps.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

Seabcat · New User Joined: 15 Oct 2007 Posts: 3

Thank you, Jim, for replying to my email concerning my brother. I will definitely contact the sources you suggested.

The fact that you're a cancer survivor helps, too. I wish you continued good health.

Take care!
- Seabcat

DocSeiwert · Site Admin Joined: 14 Oct 2007 Posts: 20

Also consider contacting Spohnc, which is an organization specifically for head and neck cancer patients.
---> http://www.spohnc.org/

Also based on your post I cannot tell if he is still able to talk or not. If not there are some ENT procedures that can help. It may be worthwhile to see an ENT physician at a larger center, who specializes in this.

Lastly sounds like he is depressed. I don't want to sound too optimistic, but this can and should be treated! Sometimes this can make a big difference and improve quality of life. Maybe talk to his primary care doctor or oncologist. Sure there is an underlying reason that is difficult to resolve, but maybe worth a try.
_________________
Tanguy Seiwert, MD
Medical Oncologist, University of Chicago

Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please always consult with your physician.

Seabcat · New User Joined: 15 Oct 2007 Posts: 3

Thank you for your response and suggestions. I will certainly pass this information on to my brother and other family members.
- Seabcat

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