Hi guys I’m Lottie.
8 weeks ago my mum at only 60 was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that has spread to her brain and bones and is incurable.
She has had radiotherapy and chemotherapy but nearly died from an infection and has rapidly declined, she can now barely walk and has no strength or energy. We are unsure if they will continue with treatment.
Her prognosis was 12 months but this is no longer the case. I am hoping to spend one last Christmas together.
I am 29, her only child and sole carer and I don’t even know where to start with how to feel or what to talk about, it is all incredibly hectic and overwhelming.
Hi Lottie Florence and a welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your mum’s diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time but I do hope you will find the Community a safe place to get support from family members who are navigating the same journey.
As you see the Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend you also join and post in our general Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer support groups where you will connect with others dealing with the same challenges while supporting family.
It is an emotional time supporting family so you might find this Macmillan information your feelings when someone has cancer helpful as well as this link getting help with your emotions.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just connect with a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.
Please do get back to me if you need further help.
