My mum was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer last year.
She lives with her partner who believes he gives her enough care, but it's clear they aren't coping and he doesn't seem to remember the important things or nurture her when she isnt coping
She had a 5 day course of radiotherapy this February to help reduce some of her symptoms which didnt seem to do much. At the latter end of March she unfortunately was admitted to hospital via ambulance as she was in diabetic ketoacidosis but luckily after some time in intensive care pulled through and was discharged a couple of weeks later
Since being home she has developed confusion ( being treated for a UTI) which hasn't seemed to have passed despite antibiotics. She is constantly asking what should I do, and struggles even with basics of doing her insulin ( she has been diabetic for 60 years). On a positive note her appetite after 6 months of barely eating has returned in full and she is now eating lots and the constant nausea she has had for months has vanished !!
I'm terrified to leave her and as a result me and my sister are staying with her in shifts (both in our 30's) but long term this wont work as we both need to work full time
Has anyone else experienced confusion associated with radiotherapy? Is this normal? She had a recent scan which shows no secondary cancer.
Our second thought is maybe PTSD following her recent hospital stay. She is clearly terrified to be left with her partner she she knows he isnt looking after her diabetes well.
Help and advice welcomed
Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community
I'm very sorry to hear all that your mum has been going through and it's no wonder that you are worried about her and have lots of questions on how to help her.
The community is divided up into cancer specific groups so could I recommend that you join the bowel cancer group where you can ask questions, share experiences and get support from others living with this type of cancer.
You might also like to join the family and friends group as it's a safe and supportive place to share your worries and concerns.
To either or both of these groups join just click on the links I've created and then choose 'join this group' on the pages that open. You can then introduce yourself and post questions after selecting 'start a discussion' and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
When you have a minute it would be useful if could pop something about your mum's journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Edit Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
Sending a supportive ((hug))
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Thank you so much for your lovely response. I am going to have a good old look around the community site this evening 
So far it has been really positive if not emotional experience, but I am sure I am going to take lots of things away from this
I'm glad to hear that your impression of the site is positive
If you need any help finding your way around just give me a shout.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
