My Mom was diagnosed with bowel cancer almost two years ago. All was well as it could be (surgery was fine, stoma was working well, chemo seemed to be having a positive - if still limited - effect) until the pandemic hit. She was due her second round of chemo towards the end of March but that was postponed, for all of the reasons we know about.
She started treatment again a few months later but, unfortunately, she took a turn for the worse and suffered from recurring infections which she couldn't quite shake off. Move on a couple of more months and she caught covid in the hospital, and broke her hip there too in an accident. Both things that she could really have done without.
We're planning for her discharge so she can come home and spend time with us while she is receiving palliative care. I had assumed there would be some kind of hospital bed delivered, but it turns out that won't be the case. So here I am, in the very early hours of Christmas eve, trying to work out what kind of mattress to buy for a single bed that we can put in the most suitable room in the house (on the ground floor - for safety reasons).
First off, should I even be looking at a single bed or should I move her double bed downstairs, with the mattress she's comfortable with? If not, what mattress do I buy? She likes a firm mattress but is that suitable for her with her broken hip and always being on her back?
We'll likely need other equipment, possible oxygen (if she's still not fully recovered from the damaging effects of the covid on her lungs) and stuff to help her stand etc. and it's a wee house so space is tight.
I'm just wondering what other people have done and what they have found most comfortable?
Her first choice is home care, so we want to make sure that happens. If things get a bit too much for her, then there is the option of a hospice but if we can make her comfortable here (and the right mattress is key to that) then that is better.
Any advice anyone has would be most welcome.
Thank you and stay safe.
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community, a Community that no one really looks to see themselves joining, and so sorry to hear about your mum’s diagnosis.
From my experience with my elderly mum (not cancer) the hospital team and the local authorities home support team put everything in place before my mum got home so do talk with them or her GP.
Talking with other people who are on the same type of journey can help a lot so you may 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 through their cancer journesy.
Follow the above links then choose ‘click to join' or ‘join’ when the page opens. You can then introduce yourself, post questions or just join in with existing discussions by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s 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 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.
Good morning and yes, it’s not the Christmas Day you would want but I will wish you and the family well and send a ((hug))
I like that you are thinking these things through and believe me lists are very important.
You can see what needs to be asked.
What you have asked and when
What you have been told and when
What needs to be asked.
What are the names and contact info (phone number/email address) of all the people in the system.
Never ever feel that you can’t talk with the palliative team, that is what they are there for and do use them to the full.
Do remember that Support Services provides lots of information, support or just a listing ear and is even open over Christmas on 0808 808 00 00
Do post in the Supporting someone with incurable cancer group as these are the people who totally understand and are walking this walk.
