brain tumour emotional and practical help

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My mother in law was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in may this year, at the diagnosis appointment a macmillan nurse was present and advised that the would be there for anything we needed and were the "bridge" between the Drs and us.

Since then weve had no help or advise. the diagnosis was given in one location and my mother in law was later moved to another city altogether to be closer to us and we havent been given any telephone numbers or emails to be able to contact anyone to ask about advice.

Weve been wrapped up in caring for my mother in law and a few times things have happened and we havent known what to do or where to turn.

So my question is - where do i find the telephone numbers for the people who give advice/help/support to us and my mother in law?

  • Hello

    Thank you for reaching out to us here  

    I’m sorry to hear about your mother-in-law's diagnosis and health, it sounds like there is such a lot going on, so I am glad you are reaching out.

    To check   when your mother-in-law moved cities to be closer to you, did she register with a GP in the city where she now lives? As your mother-in-law is living at home her GP would oversee her care, which is why I ask about the GP.

    Her GP should have ways to refer through for support and have contact details for those who can help her. What kind of support do you feel your mother-in-law would currently need    

    There are a few ways to access support through Macmillan and I would like to explain this now, I hope this is ok.
    Our support line is open 7 days a week 8am-8pm providing emotional support, a place to talk through how you are feeling, ask questions, and gain information on how to access practical support at home such as social care and nursing support. We have helpline nurses who can provide clinical information and guidance – it is important to know that our nurses are separate to your mother in laws healthcare team and NHS. We also have a Money and Work team who provide support with finances and work-related concerns. Our support line is available by calling 0808 808 0000 and choosing the relevant options for the support you need. We also are available through Online chat and email support.

    It is also worth knowing about our community Macmillan nurses who provide support in person with managing and controlling pain, symptoms, and side effects as well as providing dietary support and emotional support – so having someone to see your mother-in-law within her own home and talking through things as well as clinical support too. Our Macmillan nurses can be accessed through her GP or hospital team due to them being funded by us but managed through the NHS. Further information can be found here - Macmillan Nurses

    For more practical support such as carers and equipment, this can be arranged again through her GP or through her local social services - Social services needs assessment

    I imagine with information not being accessible, this must be hard for you all just now. We are here to support you as well are your mother-in-law, so please do reach out if you and your family need to. I feel it beneficial to take a read through our emotional support guidance, it can really help to take a read through our guidance around Supporting someone with cancer.


    Please take care and come back to us should you need to,

    Kind regards

    Katie, 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.