Hi, I am 26 and a full time cater for my mum who has terminal cancer. The consultant and nurse said she has ‘short months.’ Does this mean 12 months, 6, 3 or less? I understand nobody can give an exact time but I’d just like to understand what medical staff mean by ‘short months’
HI wanderer64
welcome to the online community. Sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis. I feel your frustration at being told "short months".
My husband was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in Sept 2020. We were given an initial prognosis of 12-15 months then 6 months later were told in a letter from the oncologist that the expectation was that he had "a few short months". That was March and this is November and he's still here. (long may that continue). Now we can't get any expectation from them and my husband doesn't want to know.
Personally I feel doctors are becoming increasingly vague about giving a prognosis but perhaps you could ask the team to be more precise - do they mean 3-6 months or more or less? Everyone going through this journey is different and there really isn't a clear cut answer for any of us.
All we can do is take each day as it comes and make the most of them all.
I've found this group a great source of support over the past year. There's always someone around to listen who "gets it" so perhaps one of the other members may have a different answer to offer. You could always reach out to the helpline too. It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, benefit and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Hang in there. Stay strong. You are coping so much better with this journey than you feel you are.
Sending you a huge virtual hug
Wee Me xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
