My mother in law was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus just after Christmas after becoming unable to swallow solid food.It is incurable but treatable.
She has had two rounds of Chemotherapy and is becoming increasingly depressed.
I have suggested she phone a helpline but she seems reluctant and doesn’t use a computer.
Her husband is elderly and needs caring for himself.They have myself,my husband and her other son nearby so we can do all the practical things but wondered if anyone could advise on the emotional side,
Thank you
Written by
Cazzer8282
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Hi there - I’m sorry about your mum in law and it’s so hard right now with COVID - I would suggest calling her local Maggies Centre and asking them for advice - all the best
I found and still find that meditation really helps.
If you could get her a 15 minute meditation that she can do on her own I think it would really help.
The breathing in deep is what really helps, it calms your whole system down.
I ah e gone through the chemo, radiation, surgery, complications of every sort and a massive recovery.
What really helped me was reminding myself that none of us know how long we have on this earth whether we have cancer or not. Try to live in the present and enjoy each day. All the best to your Mum in law and to all of you. Cancer is a family affair.
Its difficult- most of us when diagnosed really don't want to believe it, some of us research everything and then say nothing (I was one of them, I didn't even tell my wife until she went with me to see the consultant and he said about having the IL operation next week, ( that was in 2009) I just didn't know how to approach it to be honest and thought that ignorance was bliss, in retrospect it was definitely better to talk- I only wish I had known of this website before. I have spoken to a few people from here who were going through similar circumstances, some are still here some have gone on, but they all seemed to appreciate that we MUST live for today, my philosophy is - live for today , dont worry about yesterday and hope for a tomorrow. As has been said none of us know how long we have so I believe in living TODAY to the best of my ability as I may not have a tomorrow .
Sorry to hear about your mum. There is a great deal of help available for your mum as a patient and yourselves as carer's. As mentioned for emotional support Maggie;s canter's if around you, CLAN centres, MacMilan centres around your area. OPA have support groups UK wide and you can see if any group near your location in the OPA website below.
This forum is a great help as well. Please also use the search function on this forum or simply browse older posts which you can find relevant information.
Please reach out to the OPA on the landline below or email on the website. You can ask for "patient buddy".
Cancer & Awareness Support Helpline: 0121 704 9860
Our Helpline – 9.00 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday (24 hour answering machine).
Cancer & Awareness Support Helpline: 0121 704 9860
If you have a query about oesophageal or gastric cancer or maybe you just want to talk through any concerns; our friendly fully trained staff are only at the end of a telephone line. You can talk in complete confidence.
We’ll understand and we can put you in touch with one of our patient “buddies” across the UK who can understand and help with your concerns.
As a carer for you and your family the zoom meet below would be of immense help.
"We would like to let you know that the OPA are hosting two Carer's Meetings via Zoom and inviting participants to attend on a first come first serve basis.
The purpose of these meetings is to provide the opportunity for those caring and supporting patients recently diagnosed with oesophageal or gastric cancer to meet with those who have cared for those diagnosed some years earlier.
Our host will be Philip Wright, OPA Carer's Advisor.
To be held:
Saturday 27th March 2021 @ 11.00am - 12.00pm.
Saturday 27th March 2021 @ 2:30pm - 3:30pm.
Participants: a maximum of 12 attendees for each meeting.
If you would like to attend this meeting, please reserve your place by registering for your attendee ticket via the links below on Eventbrite.
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