Took my mum to A&E 2 weeks ago & our lives have been turned upside down. She was diagnosed with secondary liver cancer after a week in hospital and became really tired and couldn’t walk. On Friday & Saturday she was really chatty & eating well until yesterday morning I received a call from the nurse to say they think mum has had a mini stroke and she couldn’t talk, it is absolutely heartbreaking as she can hear me talking to her, she just can’t answer, it’s only been a week since her diagnosis, I stayed with her last night & want to stay with her as I’m so worried she will slip away & I won’t be there for her. My emotions are all over the place, it’s the hardest thing ever to watch, it’s been such a short timeline which I can’t get my head around, im trying to stay strong but it so hard, I feel so sad.
Hello , I’m sorry to hear about about your Mum and her stroke, I’m not surprised your emotions are all over the place. I wanted to welcome you to the online community and as you have mentioned palliative care and secondary liver cancer I also wanted to make you aware of a second group that may be of help, I have no idea if the other group which is called supporting someone with incurable cancer is the right timing for you, but as you said your emotions were all over the place it might be but I hope not. My mum was in a nursing home in the last year of her life and she would often just squeeze my hand to show she was ok and listening.
Support someone with incurable cancer link - https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/nearing_the_end/discussions
There is also the Macmillan support line 0808 808 0000 that you could talk to, and the hospital may have some support on site like a Maggies or a Macmillan booth where you can gather your strength. I am a reader when I need to cope, so you might also find the below section of help.
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/your-emotions/someone-close-has-cancer
Sending a virtual hug ((()))
Thank you for your reply KTatHome, I’ll have a look at the links attached, appreciate your help xx
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007