Timelines/ palliative care

[Tracyd02]

Hello, sadly I have just been told there is no more treatment for my mum, the cancer has spread in her shoulder bone, brain, lymph nodes and abdomen. The dr has not given us any timeline, I’m just wondering what happens next? I think the palliative care team take over as contact at the moment I’m not sure what to ask. My mum wants to make plans to do things but not sure because she doesn’t have a timeframe and will she be well enough? Any advice welcomed

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Tracy

So sorry to hear that there are no treatment options for your Mum. If you Mum is well enough to do things, or even if she needs assistance, then that would be amazing for her, to do what she wants, and a comfort for you, knowing that you helped her achieve this. No one can know or say for sure timelines, and everyone is different.

Perhaps ignore the timeline for your Mum to do things but go with how her current health is on a daily basis and take it from there.

The palliative care team are a great source of support, information and advice. They will be able to guide you to what happens next and assess both your Mum's needs and the families.

If you wish to discuss anything you can call us on our Freephone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

Kind Regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Tcam]

I’m so sorry, I know how it feels we went through this last year with my mum in law.

If she’s well enough, take her out, enjoy her, make memories and have a big family Christmas.

Sending love and hugs.

Xx

[MissyD1]

Hi Tracy

So sorry to read that you are going through this. My mum had a similar diagnosis a couple of years ago, it is so hard.

We didn’t ask for a timeframe, just took each day as it came and did things depending on how my mum was feeling at the time. My mum had other complications as well as the cancer. She had good days and bad days and did get tired more quickly but we did manage to get out and make some nice memories.

I would say go with how your mum is feeling and try not to think too much about a timeframe.

Debbie xx

[Tracyd02]

Thank you x