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Cancer patients in hospital help

Ellice
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Hi, I currently have my nan in hospital who’s has had cancer for the last 9 years ( stomach , and in few other places ) and has very slow progressed worse over the years. They have given a terminal diagnosis a couple of years ago and she has been on different types of medication to help. We have recently had the news she’s got fluid on her stomach and is currently in hospital they are trying to send her home multiple times with little information. Problem is at home we have grandad who has early set dementia and my aunt who has cerebral palsy . Luckily I live next door and have help as much as I can. They advise there is nothing wrong with her and to come home. They haven’t given support or information of the next steps or what to do even after asked but she’s not in a position mobility well enough to come home. Just wondering if there is any information out there I could use to our benefit! Many thanks! 

  • Dear @Ellice,

    Thank you for getting in touch. I'm sorry to hear that your nan has a terminal cancer diagnosis and that she’s currently in hospital. I’m also very sorry to hear about your grandad and aunt’s illnesses too. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you all as a family so I’m glad you know we are here to support you at this time.

    The hospital do have a duty of care to ensure your nan is fully supported after her discharge from hospital so it’s really important that you share your concerns with the hospital team as soon as possible to ensure they arrange the appropriate care package to be put in place prior to her being discharged. You can find out more about this from our Going home from Hospital booklet.

    I do also wonder if your nan is under the care of the palliative team at the moment @Ellice? This team specialise in pain and symptom management as well as offering emotional support and helping to co-ordinate any additional care, support or equipment that is needed at home. This team sometimes include Macmillan nurses - we fund these nurses’ training and posts which is why they bear our name, however they are actually employed by the NHS and work on a referral basis so the hospital can also arrange this type of support prior to discharge if this isn’t already in place.

    It may also be worthwhile having a chat with your grandad’s and aunt’s GP to ensure the relevant support is in place for them too, given their illnesses. The GP can arrange for a referral to be made to adult social service for a needs assessment to be carried out to see the type of support they may benefit from, such as personal care, equipment or even home adaptations being made. You can also self refer via this link –

    Gov.uk   Needs   Assessment

    You don’t mention in your message how you are at the moment so please know that we are here at Macmillan Cancer Support to support you and your family in many different ways, including offering emotional support to you too. We also have a money and work service who specialise in many areas including financial queries like benefit entitlements, wills, insurances and rights at work. In addition, we have a team of cancer information nurse specialists who are able to help with any medical queries you may have. And as well as being here on the online community, we  also have our live web chat service, our freephone  number 0808 808 0000 which is available  7 days a week,  8am-8pm as well as local information and support centres which you can find via our In your Area search.

    I really hope this information helps and that your nan, grandad and aunt have the appropriate care in place as soon as possible.

    Take care,

    Marie S - Macmillan

    Cancer Information and Support Adviser

    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.

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