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LYMPHOMA B cell none hodgkins Lymphoma

Bethany0d0024
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Mum had 6 infections within 2 months. We wondered why mum was so ill. They did a scan on mums abdomen and found a big mass. They did a biopsy and we was told Lymphoma has came back after 20 years. Mum had her spleen removed atound 20 years ago because of the Lymphoma. Mum is very weak and frail and has been in hospital coming up to 3 months. I was informed yesterday by the consultant and the nurse that Mum will not be able to have chemotherapy or radiotherapy as its much too strong for mum and she will end up more ill. She offered low dose steroids short term but warned us about the side affects and because mum is diabetic again not in her best interests because of blood sugars. The risks outweigh the benefits as we dont want mum getting anymore infections as she has just got over 6 infections in the space of a few months. Pallative care is the only option and I don't really understand it ? What happens now please ? Could you please give me more information please . Lymphoma is stage 4 as it is around the bladder and in the uretha 

  • Hi Bethany0d0024,

    Welcome to the online community.

    My name is Keith and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists

     Welcome to the online community.

    This really sounds like a really difficult time for you right now.

    From your posts it sounds like everything possible has been done to do the right thing for your mum. However, with all the best intentions and medical knowledge, in some situation it may be the kindest thing to do less rather than more. As you said risk versus benefit has brought you to this point, with the support from your mums’ clinical team.

    There is no rule book in how you should manage a situation like this. It’s all about your mum and what she wants.its important to let her know you are there to support her through the days to come.

    You won’t be expected to do this alone. This is where palliative care comes in.

    Palliative care is there to provide the best possible care and support your mum will need with her diagnosis. It is often also called supportive care. This varies from person to person, but it can include:

    • help to manage pain or other symptoms
    • emotional support
    • advice about practical problems and planning ahead
    • support for the people close to her
    • practical nursing and personal care
    • care in the last months, weeks or days of life.

    This link will explain this in a little more detail.

    If you haven’t already been introduced /referred to your mum’s local palliative care team, we would always advise  contacting her clinical team and GP to discuss this further and don’t be afraid to ask and discuss any questions or concerns you may have at any point with them.

    Palliative care is usually provided 24hrs 7 day a week, make sure you have the correct contact numbers should you need to contact them at any point in the future.

    When looking after your mum, you may feel like you're all just doing your bit, but the help you provide is so important. We understand how this can sometimes affect you physically, emotionally, and financially. You're likely to need support and it’s important that you look after yourself too.

    Looking  through the carers forum in our  online community, and in your area. may offer you additional support.

    Sometimes you may just need a listening ear.

    It may be worthwhile for you to  give us a call  where you can have a two-way conversation with one of our nurses  to discuss your situation in more detail. . We often find it is easier to discuss things over the phone when we can get a clearer idea of your situation.

     

    Or alternatively you can  contact us via our web chat platform

    take care.

    Keith, 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 KM/IY

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