Hi
Has anyone here considered going back to the UK for end of life care?
I have lived in Europe for the last eleven years but am really missing support groups etc. I have secondary breast cancer in my liver. Unfortunately there are no English speaking support organisations where I live.
I have this real urge to go back even though it will be a huge move. I am not sure I can face this stage in my life here.
Cathy
Hi Ctahy welcome to the forum and I am sorry to hear about whats been happening to you. Its a huge upheavel for you and its difficult decision you need to make to stay or go but only you can make that one unfortunately. You would need to find accommodation in the UK, Register with a GP to start the process of being referred too various services, then get a hospital nearby to offer treatment if needed.
I cna appreciate it must be very isolating do they have translators at the hospital.
Hi Gail
Thanks for replying. My oncologist speaks English and I have no complaints about my treatment. It’s just as I face this final phase of my cancer journey I am missing being able to talk to people in a similar situation. It’s strange because when I first was dx with my metastasis I was adamant that I wouldn’t come back to the UK but as reality sinks in I find that I am feeling vulnerable and need those support systems that available in the UK. Of course there is also my family support system there.
Such a huge decision and upheaval!!
I was just wondering if anyone else had faced this dilemma.
Thanks again for replying .
Cathy
Hi there, I’m being treated in Spain. Also at the stage where not sure if going back to the UK might be best. Currently stage 4 Triple Negative breast cancer with mets. It’s all been a bit hit and miss treatment wise, currently on regular chemo to hold the beast at bay. I do miss the lack of emotional support, I’ve approached a few organisations here but unless you speak fluent Spanish, no joy or even any interest in helping. Cudeca are the only one I would hold out any hope for. Luckily my oncologist speaks good English so that helps.
Have you decided what to do? Agree, it’s such an upheaval and I’m not sure I have the energy to actually follow through and make the move.
Hi. It sounds like we are in exactly the same position. I am still undecided, one of the problems is that I know my husband wouldn’t be so happy in the UK. I think I will try spending more time in the Uk to see how I feel. The main problem is that my treatment which is Kisqali and Fulvestrant require regular blood tests and injections. So I can’t like spend two months in the Uk without travelling back and forth for treatment.
I am also like you in that the thought of a massive upheavel is so difficult.
Decisions, decisions
Thanks for replying x
Hi there, to be truthful I don’t think my husband or I would enjoy going back. I don’t think he quite gets it, says we could try temporarily. Hmmm now for me I’d guess I’d be on a one way ticket? just had results of my latest CT scan and chemo didn’t work, I have significant progression. I’m taking a little break to decide what to do next. Taxol then Trodelvy my options. I’m tired of it all, 2 years of all this sh*t.
Hiya, so sorry to hear about your progression. I understand about dealing with the changing medications etc all the time. Everything seems so difficult, one positive I think is that living in Europe does give us access to new drugs a lot quicker. I just wish that I could be more confident here that if and when the end game starts that I could rely on palliative care etc.
I just can’t see my husband being happy in the UK, need to talk this through a bit more I think…
I think it is a good idea to take a break and think things through. Hope you get some clarity.
I’m thinking perhaps the palliative side might need to be in conjunction with Cudeca or privately. I have the question on my list for the oncologist next week. I always have a list, too forgetful otherwise. Chemo brain.
The progression seemed to surprise onco more than me, I’ve been watching health get worse and tumour markers rise.
Every day I change like the wind, stay or go. I still have family back in Scotland so could go there temporarily whilst I sort things out.
I think that subconciously I am fighting returning to the Uk because I see It as some sort of failure or not wishing to accept that it would be my final ‘adventure’. It is such a rollercoaster of emotions isnt it. I would love to speak to someone who actually did return and how they have managed the transition.
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