Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Mum diagnosed with cancer

Lorv
  • 1 reply
  • 12 subscribers
  • 111 views

Hi,

My mum has just been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It is in the bowel and lungs ...I am devastated and do not know what I should say or do to help. We will know more about her treatment strategy in the coming weeks. What is worse is that I do not live in the same country so am now trying to figure out when is the right time to take time off etc to support....not sure when is the best time to give more support. 

I am trying to say positive for her and my family, but I find myself thinking about it all the time and am on the verge of tears constantly. Is there anything I can do to make me more resilient...or will this just take time.

Also, mum has lost her appetite, is there anything I can advise her to take and also what are the most nutrientional foods she should be eating?

Sorry for the ramble...I just can't think straight right now.

  • Hi  

    Thank you for getting in touch with us about this. I’m sorry to hear about your Mum, I can see that it is an anxious time waiting to hear about her treatment and what will be happening. It’s understandable you can’t make any plans regarding taking time off until you know more about her diagnosis and the plan going forward.

    We are here to help you through this. In addition to the community, we also have a freephone support line 0808 808 00 00 and an online webchat service. Both open 8am – 8pm seven days a week. You’d be welcome to get in touch with us and we will talk things through and provide you with guidance.

    You mention your Mum has lost her appetite and you need some guidance about this and an appropriate diet for her. Our cancer information nurses here will provide you with information and guidance about that. You can contact them in the ways mentioned above.

    It’s quite understandable that with this going on it’s difficult to think straight, but we are here to help you, so please stay in touch with us about it  .

    David, Information and Support Adviser

    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2024 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007