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My mom

Rolo1978
  • 1 reply
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  • 265 views

Hiya 

im hoping someone will help us my mom was recently diagnosed with bowel cancer and secondary in the liver and we have now been told it’s her back and bones I worry about moms pain as think she’s hiding it well she’s on pain relief slow releasing however how will we know when she needs more pain relief etc or when the time right to move into hospice I feel like a bomb has been dropped with very little support with a diagnosis as above what is the timeline ? What does that feel like ? Please help 

  • Hi Rolo1978,

    Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is David, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am sorry to hear of your mom’s diagnosis of bowel cancer which has now advanced (metastasised) to other areas of the body. This must be an extremely worrying time for you all as a family.

    Pain relief can be difficult to get right straight away. It normally starts off on low doses and is gradually increased to the point where it is effective.

    Understanding the type of pain and what types of pain relief is required will be continually reviewed by the team looking after mom.

    We don’t want anybody in pain at this point and at the very least, then the least amount of pain as possible.

    If you’re concerned that mom is still in pain, it may be an idea to ask the palliative care team to review mom’s pain management.

    You could also ask if a syringe driver would be appropriate. This is a small pump that helps deliver a slow steady release of pain relief as well as other medications over a twenty-four-hour period.

    You asked about timeline but, this is best answered by the team looking after your mom. They may be able to give an indication on prognosis.

    Perhaps having a discussion with the GP or the Palliative Care Team will help give some clarity of the situation.

    The Palliative Care Team can also advise regards whether Hospice care would be more appropriate or available locally. You could also ask if a Marie Curie service is available.

    When someone is being cared for at home it is important to reach out for as much care and support as possible.

    It is vitally important you are looking after yourself as a carer. We have further information on emotional support for carers which you may find useful.

    In the meantime, the very fact that you are there and able to hold mom’s hand will mean the world to her.

    If there is anything else we can help you with please feel free to get back in touch.

     

    Best wishes

    David, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     

    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 send us an email.

     

    Ref/**

    DT/FP

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