My mother got diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, 2 months ago. Chosen not to get treatment due to the toll chemotherapy had on my farther (passed of lung cancer) she had spent the first half of the year nursing her mother in law through end of life care (also cancer)
18 days ago my mum had 3 mini and a full stroke. She is now weak, constantly feeling sick and has hardly any use of her left side.
I realise she is dying, as does she. But she expected a few more functional months. Before the strokes took that away.
She is low in mood (never been like that) and only gets any kind of relief laying down. Still feeling poorly, just less so.
I dont know how to help, feel or tell her. Anyone else had cancer/stroke overlaps? Her main stress is nausea and constantly feeling sick (not wanting food or drink)
Selfishly, my mental health is struggling too.
Hi Rahnea1e942
Welcome to our community, I hope you find it both informative and supportive.
Sorry nobody has answered sooner, I have experience of people with cancer and people with strokes but none of them overlap but certainly recognize some of what you talk about from loved ones who have had strokes so know how difficult than can be.
As a carer for my wife I can safety say that from time to time my mental health has suffered too - just trying to manage in extra ordinary circumstances and feeling that is not selfish at all. What really helped me was a living with less stress course and a key element there was helping me see what we have rather than spending lots of time trying to work out what next.
<<hugs>>
Steve
