5 years ago my Mum got her first cancer diagnosis. It happened at Christmas but at the time we were all very positive as it was operable with good chances.
Just before the original lockdown we heard it was back and spreading quickly. Due to Covid, treatment was delayed. Finally mum got on a course of Chemo and she was so determined it wouldn’t knock her down... after months of struggles with the side effects she was told it wasn’t effective. So she moved onto a new load of treatment, more aggressive with more side effects. She started talking more and more about her not being around anymore- she was giving up. Now her third course of treatment has failed and we have been told she has months left.
My dad is overwhelmed, trying to care for her all the while struggling with his own health. I am a working newly qualified teacher so unable to be in close contact with them. How can I help them? Is there any ideas out there on how to make her last months comfortable- she’s struggling to eat/drink/move? I am terrified of having regrets with so any suggests would be welcomed.
Thank you in advance and warmest wishes to all x
Hi
Sorry to hear about your mother and her journey with cancer, we often hear of treatments being successful but of course that does not come to everyone.
Your parents must be so proud of you becoming a teacher, I am sure they would be really delighted to know how you and the children you teach are getting on.
When my parents went through quite a long illness we would often talk about what things were like when they were little - and their life before children. The sort of family history that can be irreplaceable.
Hopefully your mum has had a needs assessment and your dad a carers assessment, There is some advice here on how to go about those if not.
<<hugs>>
Steve
