hi I’m new here. My mum has peritoneal cancer of the unknown primary. She was first diagnosed with secondary CUP with a tumour in her sacral cavity. She’s had 8 good years of health since then but the cancer is back with vengeance. After her annual scan in Feb 22 she was told she had multiple tumours in the peritoneal area. These seem to be growing very fast and have made her expected life expectancy between 3-6months. She had an emergency and went into the RMH a few weeks ago with severe blockages and had a stoma fitted. This has been working on and off but mum hasn’t been eating solids and was on nil by mouth for a couple of weeks with liquid nutrients/hydration etc going into various lines. She’s on morphine, steroids, anti-sickness meds etc etc and is incontinent. Her tummy blows up and down like a balloon and is very distended.
she’s hoping to come out of hospital and spend some time at home with me before going into the hospice. I’m worried about what to expect and how things will change for her going forward. I’m a single mum and still have my daughter living at home, she’s 18 and I know she’s a bit worried too.
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your mum’s diagnosis and prognosis. A cancer diagnosis like this in the family can be so stressful and challenging but I do hope you find the community a safe place to ask your questions and when it comes to support there is nothing better than talking with others who are on the same journey.
The Community has dedicated cancer specific support groups and when it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from joining our general Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link I have created above. Then once the group 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) and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post and as always you can reply to existing ‘Discussions’ by click [reply].
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 and our Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section may be helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and provide support for all the family.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best.
