Hi,
I'm new to this and like many others going through the tidal wave of emotions that comes with hearing the C word.
My mother was told for months her symptoms were related to a fibroid and anaemia and nothing to worry about (going back to April). Several visits to the doctor and hospital later, last Saturday in the early hours she coughed up blood and vomitted blood, they finally did a full CT scan on her and it is not the news we were hoping for.
I am trying to remain as positive as possible, as are the rest of the immediate family. I'm just seeking a place other than immediate family to let this information out.
I was also wondering if anyone has any advice on high fat or high protein liquid items we might get for my mum. She has a mass in her stomach (as well as other places) and is finding it increasingly difficult to eat (coupled with the nausea on the morphine). She doesn't like complan so if there are any other products that do a similar job but are more palatable please let me know.
We want to keep her strong and keep her weight healthy, ready for any treatment. The oncology nurse we have been introduced to has said it will be aggressive chemotherapy if they choose this mode of treatment.
Above all balancing realistic expectations with positivity is incredibly difficult (as I am sure it is for anyone). The only small positive is a biopsy from the hysteroscopy showed no abnormal cells. Although the words ovaries and pancreas have been thrown around and we were visited by palliative care nurses (I will be fighting for a second opinion if they try to put my mum on this care plan).
The pelvic and peritoneal biopsies will be coming back next week, with a meeting due 16th August, the wait is agonising and I wish we had the money to do this all privately.
My mum is already experiencing low mood (which is incredibly out of character for someone usually so upbeat and positive. It's heartbreaking as her daughter seeing her go through this, especially as I have always encouraged every family member to go to the doctors within a week of noticing any physiological changes.
I have had to defer my place at university as well as this, I was due to study Therapeutic Radiography and Oncology in September. This would've been my second degree, but I am finding myself in a position where I will have to care for my mum. I of course love my mum dearly and have always been very close to her (I wouldn't leave her side as a child), so it is distressing to see her health decline so rapidly in the space of a week.
The night time is worst, after spending 12+ hrs at the hospital (I am by no means complaining as I am so grateful for the hospital allowing this) I then go home and spend my time on my phone googling symptoms, mortality rates, innovative treatments and anything I can find relating to the topic.
I feel as though this is disordered rambling and I do apologise.
In summary though any advice on how I could keep my mum as comfortable as possible and liquid high fat or high protein that's tastier than complan!
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Hi and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your mum ongoing diagnosis.
Cancer in the family can be very challenging and yes 1001 questions but talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer treatment support journey (my one is completely different) will help you navigate this difficult time.
The New to Community is like the Community Reception area and as there are many cancer types and experiences so likewise the Community has many support groups so do have a look through this list and choose the appropriate cancer support group for your mums cancer the second list is for our various other Cancer experience groups.
To join a group just click on the link above then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens.
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones), you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
When it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from talking with others caring for family and friends so do check out our Carers only group where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
All the very best ((hugs))
