Morning all. My mum who is 67 has non small cell lung cancer. She was diagnosed in June 2021. She is very resilient. Too late for surgery and couldn’t have immunotherapy as didn’t work. It isn’t genetic . She was on maintenance chemo but they have now stopped as no longer working. She has had a drain fitted and a nurse goes to her house once a week to drain. She visited twice last week as my mum had about a litre and a half to drain . Her ankles are swollen and she is breathless and using oxygen more. She has her partner with her so I know she isn’t alone . She has lost some wait and hair thinner. She has cancer in lymph nodes, Breast bone, spine and both lungs. She also has the fluid on lungs too. She is very tired often. She said she feels breathless when standing up and talking. The other treatments they have said she can’t have . She has a meeting with oncologist next week. I have told my teenage daughter . I haven’t told my three littlle girls as it would break their hearts and I haven’t told my 18 year old son yet. My daughter had guessed . I suppose what I am asking is this the part where she will start to get worse. My mum doesn’t talk about it much as trying to be as nornal
as possible .
thank you x
Hi Green Eyes 11 and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis and the journey you are all on.
A cancer diagnosis like this in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time but I do hope you will find the Community a safe place to get support from family members who are navigating the ‘exact’ same journey.
The Community is actually divided into support groups (discussion rooms) and when it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting family you may benefit from joining our general Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer support groups where you will connect with others navigating the exact same support challenges.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Red (Bold) Group Text Link(s) I have created above. 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.
Supporting someone you love on their cancer journey can be very hard so you may find it helpful to look at this information on your feelings when someone has cancer and especially this section on looking after yourself. If you're starting to struggle then it would be a good idea to have a chat with your GP.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just connect with a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section 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 aim to give support to all the family.
Please do get back to me if you need further help.
