Mums diagnosis

[Olliex]

Mum 88 diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in both lungs and pet scan shows it is behind her brain at the back of her skull, possibly in her bowel. This has come out of nowhere the shock is immense she has never been a smoker didn’t even have much of a cough. Her consultant has said no treatment available taking into account her age and fragility. She has gone on steroids yesterday to relieve terrible sickness. What lies ahead is there a sequence of events to follow or is no one person the same as the next?

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Olliex,

I am very sorry to hear of your mum's diagnosis, it is always a shock to receive this type of news especially if she had been in relativity good health beforehand. It is difficult to predict the course of someones disease and early input from palliative care teams can make a big difference, they are the experts at treating and dealing with symptoms as and when they occur. They will be able to offer support not only to your mum but for the whole family. Maggie's centers also have an abundance of advice and services that they can offer I have added a link below.

maggies.org/

If you wish to discuss anything you can either email us at [e-mail] or call our freephone nurse led helpline number on freephone 0800 358 7200

Our website has a host of information and inspirational stories that may be of help for you and your family: roycastle.org

Kind regards

Roy Castle support team

[Nimrod2]

Please ensure she is referred to the palliative care team. They are so helpful not just to the patient but to the family. They will talk you through everything and help with any equipment etc you may need. Most importantly they have a phoneline 24/7. My husband died in December and neither of us could have managed without our local team.

[Olliex in reply to Nimrod2]

Thanks so much for your advice, at the moment I can speak to mums Macmillan Nurse on the phone and she has been helpful but in the present climate she won’t be calling direct with her. I just feel I don’t want to take up their time asking questions . It has been such a shock and I don’t know what to expect in the future and how to care for mum with what lies ahead.

[Nimrod2 in reply to Olliex]

Please dont feel like that. That is what they are there for. Please ask about palliative care. I found with my husband you go with what they want and need. No amount of housework or anything else can replace time spent with your mum. Make the most of time together even if she is sleeping. I wouldnt trade the time I spent with my husband for anything in the world. Good luck. X