2 new primary cancers

FormerMember over 5 years ago

1 reply
30 subscribers
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Hi, I’m new to this group. I’m looking for advice on how to access macmillan nurses for my gran. She has just been diagnosed today with a large obstructing colonic primary cancer, and incidentally the CT found a lung primary with local spread to the mediastinal lymph nodes. She started off today with no known serious health problems to this. It looks like these will not be amenable to curative treatment so palliative care is what she requires. However she doesn’t want to be admitted to hospital or hospice and certainly wants no surgery, but needs care in her home such as good pain killers and other symptom relief. Can anyone help point me in the right direction to set this up. There is no hospital doctor involvement so far, just the GP. Thanks very much

FormerMember over 5 years ago

I am so terribly sorry to hear about your mum. What an absolute shocker of a day.

Generally speaking, it’s her GP who should be supporting her. Your mum should be able to meet with the GP to write an end of life plan. If I were you, I would call in at the surgery and explain the situation to the receptionist who will be able to point you in the right direction.

There is some information you might find useful here

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/at-the-end-of-life

Many people in your kind of situation say they feel very alone. It can really help to connect with others. We have a group here supporting someone with incurable cancer. Click on the link, start a discussion- maybe just copy and paste what you wrote here - and I hope you’ll find lots more advice and friendly words.

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/nearing_the_end/

You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00This free service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.

We also have our ‘Ask an Expert’. section where you can post questions to our mostly Volunteer Experts but please allow 2 working days to get a reply.

I wish you all the best