Advice please

[JohnF58]

My Mum has just been diagnosed with a large lung tumour with what appear to be extensive metastases in her liver. She is 87 years old and also has COPD, asthma and angina.

I want to understand what her likely life expectancy is how, in practical and real terms, the disease progresses so that I can better prepare her, and myself and my two siblings, for what is to come.

Im looking for practical advice, not sympathy - my intention is to make her remaining life, and subsequent death, the best it can be and also to help those who remain to cope as best they can.

Thank you all in advance.

[Cockailschemocancer]

John, sorry to hear about your Mum. I would ensure you self refer or get your mum referred to a hospice as they are brilliant in ensuring whatever path your mum takes treatment or not, that she has the best quality of life for the rest of her life. Wishing you all the best.

[Cosmic54]

MacMillan nurses are awesome they will guide you through anything you need to know . A hospice will care for her with dignity but also give you and your family support.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello JohnF58

I am very sorry to hear that you’re your mum has been diagnosed with lung cancer, this is understandably going to be a very difficult time for the whole family.

A palliative care referral by the oncology team or your mums own Gp will be the first step in getting the care and support that she needs. Palliative care involves supportive care and they are the experts in dealing with any symptoms such as pain, poor appetite and shortness of breath that your mum may be experiencing. In each area of the country the services are often run differently but in general they work closely with the local hospice and sometimes can provide a hospice at home service. The aim is to improve the quality of life by dealing with side effects and symptoms quickly.

Marie Curie have a web site that has wealth of information on support and how you can access it I have added a direct link here. mariecurie.org.uk/help/supp...

Maggies centers are also a great place for patients and their families to find support in the local area. maggies.org/

Penny Brohn are a charity based in Bristol they provide in person and online support they are a cancer help and well being charity, it might be worth having a look at their website. pennybrohn.org.uk/

Macmillan have a lot of resources, They also have a service which can inform you of benefits such as attendance allowance which your mum may be entitled to.

macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf...

If there is anything else you would like to discuss you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600.

Kind Regards

Roy Castle Support Team