Hi my dad has liver cancer and unable to have any treatment. Unfortunately we were given a 3-6 month timeline however he is still here 18 months later.
He is really stuggling with shoulder pain and stiffness including massive mood swings. Could this be related?
Myself and my mum are stuggling to know how to help.
Hi KatieA19,
Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Jo and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.
It is quite understandable that you are struggling and have questions about the symptoms your dad is experiencing due to his advanced liver cancer. This sounds like a challenging time for you all.
It would be difficult for us to say from the information you have given what is causing the shoulder pain and mood swings that your dad is experiencing, and whether these are related. However, being in pain can affect how a person thinks and feels.
If your dad is still under the care of his hospital team, then you could contact them about this. It is always a good idea to let them know about any new or worsening symptoms or concerns that you have. They are best placed to offer advice and support, as they are familiar with your dad’s diagnosis and have access to his medical records.
Alternatively, it may well be that your GP now has overall responsibility for your dad’s care. In which case it would be a good idea to speak to them about his current symptoms.
If you are unable to make contact with either your dad’s hospital team or GP, or if his symptoms are worsening, then we would advise seeking urgent medical attention.
If it hasn’t been done already, you could also request that the GP refers your dad to the community palliative care team. They are experienced in assessing and managing cancer symptoms, as well as providing emotional support to you all. They will be able to give a better idea of what is causing the symptoms your dad is experiencing, and how best to manage them.
It can be emotionally challenging supporting someone close to you towards the end of their life, so it’s important that you don’t feel alone in dealing with this. There are a number of ways that we here at Macmillan can offer help and support, so please do get back in touch.
There is further information and support available through our online community, especially the carers and supporting someone with incurable cancer forums.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.
I hope this information is helpful.
Best wishes,
Jo
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Ref: JD/RH
