Hello everyone, I am hoping that you lovely people will be able to offer a little support and advice. I have gone into isolation with my parents (2 weeks ago) and I am feeling very alone and the usual support networks are no longer available. My lovely mum had emergency surgery at Christmas and was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer and it had spread to her bowel. There was a blockage in her bowel and she now has a stoma bag. The cancer was very advanced and the prognosis was 3 to 6 months. Mum was very fit and active before this although she has alzheimers it was quite mild, mostly befuddlement occasionally and a lot of repetition.
My dad has lung cancer and was supposed to start SABR treatment soon but that is probably not going to happen. However, he is coping with it well currently, although a tad grumpy. My real concern is my Mum as in the past few days her legs and tummy have swollen. In fact, she looks 6 months pregnant. She is very tired and starting to have pain in her abdomen.
Two weeks ago the palliative care nurses were supposed to come out to see Mum and put the care plan in place for end of life but they cancelled and said they were no longer doing home visits until actual end of life. I had to order the 'Just in case' meds from the GP myself and they posted the Care Plan for me to complete.
When I noticed the swelling last week I rang the district nurses to see if they would come out but they told me to ring the GP and ask for a home visit. The GP now only does telephone appointments which we did on Thursday. I uploaded photos of Mum's tum and legs. GP was sympathetic but said it was people like my mum that would no longer get the care and support they need during this crisis. She thought it was the tumour causing the swelling and fluid build up but offered no real practical help.
I just don't know what to do and don't want to let my lovely Mum down if there is something that could make her more comfortable at this time. Also, she has been coughing for over a week but I really think this may be caused by fluid build up, her chest sounds wheezy. There are no other Covid symptoms so I am trying not to be paranoid. She says it is a tickle in her throat and it hurts the top of her stomach when she coughs. She has had a tickly cough for months but it is definitely worse.
Anyone have any ideas ?
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about the challenges your are facing.
A cancer diagnosis at the best of times can bring a lot of stress, confusion and many questions but at the moment this is off the scale.
My expereance is rather different but talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot.
I see you have joined our very supportive Ovarian cancer and Carers only groups so I think you should copy and paste your post in these groups as this will open up your concerns to a wider group of people who know exactly what you are going through at the moment.
Follow the links I've created then introduce yourself to the group and post questions after selecting 'start a discussion' and you can also join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
Can I also highly recommend our various Macmillan Support Line Services - you can call them free on 0808 808 00 00 This service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link but you will find these lines very busy at the moment.
You may want to put some information in your profile as this can help a lot. Click here to see how to add details as this helps everyone to see a little about you and how best to reply to you.
All the very best and ((hugs)) from a safe distance.
