My mum has been put on a syringe driver she has got bladder and lung cancer i do not want to lose her but i do not want her to be in pain im so lost numb and upset my world is falling apart is there
time frame of when she will pass. Thank you 
My mum has been put on a syringe driver she has got bladder and lung cancer i do not want to lose her but i do not want her to be in pain im so lost numb and upset my world is falling apart is there time frame of when she will pass. Thank you
Hi Leem7,
Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Jo and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with the emotional impact of your mum’s advanced cancer diagnosis, and have unanswered questions about her condition. This sounds like a really difficult time for you both.
As we are not part of the NHS here on the Macmillan Support Line, we aren’t familiar with your mum’s cancer diagnosis and don’t have access to her medical records. So, whilst we can give general advice and support, unfortunately we are unable to answer any specific questions.
Here is some general information about syringe drivers that you might find helpful, including the reasons why they are used to help with pain control. It also discusses concerns about how long someone might live after being put on a syringe driver.
As far as the time frame for when your mum will pass is concerned, I wonder whether you have spoken to whoever is caring for your mum about this. If not, then it would be a good idea to do so. They may be able to give some idea about this based on your mum’s symptoms.
It can be physically and 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.
There is also information and support available through our online community, including the supporting someone with incurable cancer forum.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to talk things through. Sometimes it can be helpful to speak to one of our nurses so we can gain a better understanding of the current situation and give you more specific advice and support.
When you are struggling emotionally and feel like your world is falling apart it can also be helpful to give the Samaritans a call.
If you have any further questions, please do 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/SS
