my nan

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Hi, I’m 17 years old and I live with my mom and nan. My nan has been diagnosed with lung cancer which is effecting her spine aswell (the cancer is attacking the spine aswell as it’s the part closest to the lung). It’s not nice as my nan is very active, does loads of things, drives, eats all her dinner, drinks all the time. She’s had one round of her treatment which is radiotherapy, as they said she’s too weak for chemo (as my grandad, my nans husband, passed say from lung cancer a few years ago, so we think it’s mentally she’s weak to do chemo but not sure) and she had a biopsy four ish weeks ago and just waiting for the results. since then, she’s lost a lot of weight as she has no taste buds, and isn’t drinking alot as she can’t taste it. she’s on a lot of medication, which is weird as nan never really has been ill in her life and doesn’t have medication often till now. My mom is looking after my nan. I have anxiwty, and have had it for a few years diagnosed, and it’s just not a nice feeling at the moment as it’s the unknown. and i can’t do anything to help nan. nan is in a lot pain recently, she’s crying alot, and it’s not nice to see as im helpless.

Helen P - Macmillan 1 month ago

Good afternoon N0t_A6ix

Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. I hope you find it supportive. I’m Helen, one of the cancer information nurse specialists here on the Macmillan support line.

I am sorry to read about your Nan’s lung cancer diagnosis and that she’s been in a lot of pain recently, crying a lot and you feel helpless. It’s understandable you’re feeling anxious about being able to help your Nan.

The symptoms of lung cancer can be distressing for the person living with cancer. Caring and supporting a loved one who has symptoms and struggling with day-to-day life can be upsetting and challenging for you too.

As your Nan has cancer which has gone to her bones, this is known as secondary or advanced cancer. There are different services in the community who support people living with advanced cancer to enable them to be cared for at home.

If the GP hasn’t already done so, they can refer your Nan to the community palliative care team. They help people living with advanced cancer with symptom management and medication, arrange additional care at home if needed, and support your Nan and you as a family with emotional support.

As your Nan is currently experiencing pain and isn’t drinking a lot, I recommend speaking to your Nan and Mom today about seeking a new medical assessment. You can do this through her own cancer team 24/7 helpline, GP practice or by calling NHS 111.

If she has any new worsening or changing symptoms today such as severe pain, breathlessness, a high temperature, drowsiness, or confusion, not eating or drinking then please call 999 for an urgent assessment.

As you also you also mention your Nan has lost a lot of weight and has no taste, our guide on eating problems may be helpful for you.

We’re also here on the Macmillan support line for you to speak to someone and talk through what’s happening currently with your Nan. Sometimes a two-way conversation can help us gain a better understanding of your situation and give you the best guidance on what to do. There are also ways we can help you with getting emotional support.

I hope this information is helpful but if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

Best wishes,

Helen, 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 email us.

Ref/HeP/GMcR

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my nan