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.

No more treatment

Former Member
Former Member
  • 1 reply
  • 43 subscribers
  • 535 views

After 8 years of my mum battling terminal cancer, we got the news last week that there is no more treatment.  Mum has defied all prognosis' so far, so we know how lucky we have been to have had so much time with her. 

It's hard not knowing how long mum will be us now, or how the cancer will react now there is no treatment.  Does anyone have any advice or experience with this? I'm just finding it hard to get my head around.

Mum was diagnosed with kidney cancer, but by the time they operated to remove the kidney, it had ruptured and there are now tumours in 3 different lymph nodes and 1 on her main artery. 

  • Hi Tmcdee,

    Thank you for getting in touch with us at this difficult time and welcome to our online community.  My name is Adrienne and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses at Macmillan.

    I’m so sorry to hear that there are no more treatment options for your mum and it’s completely understandable that you would want to know how things will progress. 

    It is impossible to know how long your mum will be with you.  Prognosis depends on a number of things, including the type and grade of the cancer, where the cancer spreads to and any other underlying health conditions your mum may have.

    As your mum is no longer having any treatment, it would be helpful for her GP to refer her to the community palliative care nurses as well as the district nurses.  Together, they can assess your mum going forward and advise on how things are progressing and what to expect.    

    The palliative care nurses can also provide help with any symptoms that may arise, such as pain or nausea, as well as offering emotional support to the whole family.  They are usually attached to the local hospice and often work along side physiotherapists and occupational therapists to ensure your mum has everything she needs in her home to be as independent as possible for as long as possible. 

    I can only imagine how hard it must be, trying to get your head around it, but please know that you can call us at any time to talk things through.  Our lines are open from 8am to 8pm every day and it can help to talk about how you are feeling.

    I see that you’ve joined our friends and family forum.  I really hope you find this helpful.  It’s important to remember to look after yourself too and please do reach out to us to talk things through. 

     

    Take care and best wishes,

    Adrienne (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

    You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref/ EB

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

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2026 © 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