My mum is 79 and is being treated for lymphoma. She started her treatment just before the lockdown so I help look after her with the help of my 84 year old dad. It’s just that I can’t get her motivated to do anything, she literally spends most of the time in bed and won’t do anything for herself, she doesn’t eat hardly drinks anything I struggle to get her to take her medication. She has lost so much weight I’m really worried for her. The thing is the treatment is working well but she doesn’t seem bothered and i don’t know what to do. I have found myself getting quite angry with her as she is so negative all the time and that upsets me as I know she is ill but I wish she would start helping herself.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about your mum’s Lymphoma diagnosis but I am sure that you will find the support in the Community very helpful.
A blood cancer cancer diagnosis can indeed bring a lot of confusion, stress and many questions but I found talking with people who were on the same type of journey helped a lot.
I see that you have joined our supportive find our Carers only group as this is a good place to connect with others supporting family through their cancer journey.
I have been treated with my type of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma for over 21 years now so can understand the challenges this type of treatment can bring but it sounds like she’s is not coping well with it.
Some of the treatments used will effect her muscle mass and she will lose weight so the only way forward is small but regular exercise....... just getting up will be a good start and eating little but often high protein foods like cups of good home made liquidised soup.
I have to say that when my head went down and I was having a pity me party my wife delivered some ‘very tough love’ as it was the only way to snap me out of my little world :(
Lymphoma is very treatable even at her age but laying in bed is most likely the worst thing she can do when receiving this type of treatment as her body will just not recover well. A week in bed is like adding 10 years to your age and the more she does it the worse this will get.
With over 80 types of Lymphoma we don’t have a group for each type but the main types have groups and I have put the links below.
General Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Posting in these groups will give you the opportunity to talk with people who know exactly what you and your mum are dealing with at the moment.
Follow the link(s) I've created, join the group, then hit ‘start a discussion’ and you are ready to go.
You could then copy and paste the information from this first post into your new discussion or you can just join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
Can I also highlight our various Macmillan Support Line Services 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 may find the service very busy at the moment.
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find information covering cancer diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.Always around to help,
((hugs))
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