My lovely mum has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. It has spread to both lungs and she has pleural effusion, which will keep having to be drained to allow her to breath. She has a small nodule on her liver and she is awaiting a brain scan. I am praying it hasn't spread to her brain. My sisters and I are in bits, im crying constantly except when with my mum. Ive had a few days off work to try to calm down, but back at work tomorrow. Im so low and dreading tomorrow and so worried about how long my mum has got to live. Im literally torturing myself. I work in care and have seen so many people at end of life, im so worried that she will suffer. Any advice on how to cope would be appreciated
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your mum’s diagnosis. This is such a challenging and stressful time for everyone in the family but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we can signpost you to our various cancer specific support groups and other services so can I recommend that in the first instant you consider joining our supportive Lung Cancer group. This will be a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions, get support and talk with others who are supporting family and friends on their journey.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green link I have created above. Then once the page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using). You will then see a dropdown menu so hit ‘Chat’or ‘Start a Discussion in New here, say hello’ and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also search through existing ‘Discussions’ and click [reply] if you want to put up a comment.
When it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone on their cancer journey you may benefit from joining our supportive Carers only group where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. You may also find our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Do check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
