Hi,
My mum diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2019. She's had radiotherapy but unfortunately it hasn't helped the tumour. This has now unfortunately grown slightly. But good that it hadn't spread to her bones.
She's on her own and was so independent, but she feels now she's losing her independence. She's 81.
I get so frustrated as she won't accept my help, or carers that now visit. She wants to do everything herself. Self medicate, but she often forgets -. Ive argued more with her now than I have done in my teens. I cried so much as she's struggling, but she is in denial over it all.
I rang Macmillan today as needed to talk and directed me to this page. Wow, what a fantastic community page this looks.
I think I will be using this
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about your mum.
Having a 90 year old mum living very independently it is a big challenge.
A cancer diagnosis can bring a different dimension with a lot of stress, confusion and questions on all the family but talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot.
Can I first direct you to this link to our very supportive Lung Cancer group as this will open up your concerns to a wider audience who know exactly what you are going through at the moment.
Just follow the link I have created then hit the ‘Join This Group’ tab just under the main group name, then go to the 'Start a Discussion' tab and set up your very own Discussion and introduce yourself to the group and ask your questions.
As I was the person with the cancer my experience of supporting someone is very limited, although my wife has been amazing over my 20 years. You may also find our Carers Only and Friends and Family groups to be good places where you can connect with others support family through their cancer journey but more importantly the carers care for each other.
You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00 This 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.
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find information covering cancer diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.
Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing.
When you feel up to it try putting some information in your profile. This really helps others when answering. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. Just click on YOUR username, select 'Edit Profile'. Put as much or as little in your profile and you can amend it at any time - you can see members profiles by hitting our forum names.
All the very best.
