Mum has cancer

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Hello! My 79 year old Mum has been through 2 cycles of cancer in 2023 and the most recent cycle didn’t have any impact and the cancer in her liver has grown, it’s in her lung, lymph nodes and peritoneum. She is at home and cracking on with life and my brother and I are taking it in turns to stay with her.

I’d like to know what signs should we be watching out for that the cancers are taking control? I just want to be familiar so that as and when they appear I know that it’s to be expected. We haven’t been given any life expectancy and she was diagnosed with liver cancer in September 2023…..it was the cycle commencing in October 2023 that failed….and doesn’t feel any different now to how she did then. I’m at the stage of not wanting to think about making plans for later in the year because I don’t know how aggressive the cancer will become and how it’ll show itself .

Thank you for the amazing and progressive work that you do. I’m doing The MacMillan Thames Mighty Hike in July this year which is the second time I’ve done it as my way of giving back to you amazing souls

Thank you for any answers you can give to my questions. D xx

Paula - Macmillan 3 months ago

Hi Crown girl

Thanks for getting in touch.

My name is Paula and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

Welcome to the online community. I hope you’re finding it helpful.

Thank you for supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and signing up for your second Mighty Hike in July, to support people living with cancer. I wish you well on your challenge and it’s very much appreciated.

I am sorry to hear mum’s cancer has progressed whilst on cancer treatment. Sometimes this happens and it can bring a lot of uncertainty for both the patient and their families. It’s good to know that your mum is at home with her family receiving the support she needs.

Getting a life expectancy or prognosis is always difficult to predict at this stage. Mum’s team should be able to give you more information on this.

Knowing what to expect is always difficult to recognise as mum’s cancer progresses, as those symptoms vary from person to person. Managing those symptoms is the key and making sure that mum remains comfortable.

Mum should be referred to a palliative care team if this hasn’t been done already. The palliative care team provide support to patients with a life limiting illness and their families. The referral to their services can be done by a healthcare professional. We would suggest speaking to your mum’s hospital team or GP for a referral to the community team.

Coping when a family member has an advanced cancer can be difficult for many people. There are no set rules how to manage the situation as it brings a lot of uncertainties. It’s really important to look after yourself.

You might find our carers forum supportive helpful to look at, or you might feel it helps to talk to one of our nurses on the support line. Sometimes giving us a call can help. It’s a free phone number on 0808 808 0000 and we are here 7 days a week, 8am-8pm or email us.

I hope this information has been helpful, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

Ref: PW/PL

Paula-Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

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Mum has cancer