I know infections are common following treatment. Im worried about my brother. He’s been ill for over a week now. Firstly with suspected flu, then they thought it might be his picc line so they removed that. He developed a terrible cough. Over the weekend he started having difficulty breathing. On Monday they moved him to a high dependency unit. He’s on oxygen and all sorts of antibiotics, anti viral and anti fungal medication.
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Hello @Drake
Thank you for taking time to sent in your post the the forum
I sounds like your brother is quite unwell and clearly this must be a huge worry for you and the rest of your family. I feel it is important that he is receiving good care, and that he is surrounded by his medical experts who will do all they can to make sure he is as comfortable as possible.
I’m confident that you’re being kept updated with everything, and I sincerely hope your brother makes an improvement soon.
How are you coping ? Do you feel you need support ?
Please remember you can Call us for free on [0808 2080 888](tel:0808 2080 888) (Option 1) to speak to one of our Support Service Nurses in confidence.
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Do feel free to let us know how everything goes
Kind regards
Mike
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Dear @Drake
I’m so sorry to read this. It’s completely natural that you’re terrified—having your brother ill for over a week and then seeing him moved to HDU must be both scary and exhausting.
Infections after treatment are reasonably common, but that doesn’t make it any easier to watch someone you love go through it.
HDU can also feel like a scary environment I know I’ve spent many weeks in them over the past three years with my elderly parents in and out of hospital with sepsis but it does mean he is in the best and right place for the very best continuous care, oxygen, and antibiotics.
Thinking of you both. Lean on us here as much as you need, and please update us when you feel up to it.
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Hello @Drake
We are so sorry to hear what your brother is going through. We can imagine this is worrying for you both.
It sounds as though the team are covering all possible causes with the antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals while they work out exactly what’s causing the infection and breathing problems.
Moving him to HDU can be daunting but means that he is in a safe place to provide the extra monitoring and care.
Please know if you would like to talk through anything, you can call us on 0808 2080 888.
It’s important to be kind to yourself too. Supporting a loved one through this can be difficult, we do have a page that may be helpful to read over during these times My friend or family member has blood cancer | Blood Cancer UK. We hope you get some answers soon and, most importantly, that your brother starts to show signs of improvement over the coming days. Thinking of you both.
Warm Wishes,
Emma (Support services nurse)
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Thank you all for your supportive words. It really helps to hear someone say something hopeful and encouraging even when I feel at times im at a loss.
My brother has done so well with his recovery over the last few days. He’s still incredibly weak and exhausted but his breathing has improved and he’s beginning to get his appetite back which i think is always a positive sign.
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That’s great news hope he continues to improve.
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