Hi, I am currently a carer for my someone who has been diagnosed with SCC of the mandible, at the time of her diagnosis we were given the options, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not an option due the her age and the cancer being in a bone, the only option we were given was the removal by a long (12 to 14 hours) operation. Having thought about this option and the risks it had and given she has other health conditions IE heart failure it was decided the risk was to high and we were told to enjoy the time left (we both agreed with this). I moved in to care for her not long after the diagnosis, not because of the cancer but her memory was also starting to decline. We have input from her GP, district nurses and McMillan nurses, but as she is relatively okay at the moment she has requested minimal input, as she has me here. I have worked in palliative care but it was many years ago (seems like a lifetime ago) and I really don’t know what to expect, her cancer is now very noticeable, painful, she sleep more (which is expected) and she has a cough (but she smokes). I personally believe the cancer has spread, at her diagnosis it was in a lymph node, but I have noticed lumps on her elbow and wrist to, she also sound chesty.
I have looked on the internet for some kind of answers on what to expect and it is limited on this cancer, I would love to her off anyone who has dealt with this cancer before to give me advice, even if it’s not good, I am a person who likes to know how to deal with things before they happen. Thank you
Hi and a warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community, a Community that no one really plans to see themselves joining, and so sorry to hear about your friends diagnosis and it’s wonderful that you are doing so much to support her.
A cancer diagnosis brings a lot of confusion, stress and many questions but talking with other people who are on the same type of journey helps a lot.
You may also find our Carers only, Family and friends and Supporting someone with incurable cancer groups a great benefit as you will connect with others supporting family and fiends through their cancer journey.
.Follow the above links then choose ‘click to join' or ‘join’ when the pages open.
You can then introduce yourself, post questions or just join in with existing discussions by clicking on 'reply' even copy and paste the text from this first post.
Its always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support or just a listing ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available.
You can use other methods to contact our Support Services (LINK) and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
All the very best.
