Hi everyone,
A little apprehensive about posting. Not sure if anyone has the answers I am looking for but if anyone can help or even point in the right direction, it would be very much appreciated.
My mother was diagnosed with cancer at the end of august and it’s been quite a journey. It seems she has quite a tricky type with it initially being diagnosed as ovarian before becoming suspected bowel but now being treated as CUP. This change in diagnosis has left a lot of uncertainty.
Looking for a little clarification regarding what exactly ‘treatable not curable’ actually means. Feeling lost in all the medical language and looking to understand does this mean terminal as there has been no mention of stages since it was originally ovarian and classed as stage 3 at this point.
Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to read or respond.
Hi BlackBird155 and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your mum’s diagnosis.
I was diagnosed with a ‘treatable not curable’ blood cancer over 24 years ago but I see Mmum has explained this well.
A cancer diagnosis like this in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type and support challenges can help a lot.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)….., so if you care to have a look through THIS LIST you will find all our many dedicated cancer support groups listed. It’s important to get the right group as not all cancers react the same way.
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members who are navigating the same journey.
Have a look through the LIST above and once you find the best group for your mum’s cancer type you can join the group by selecting “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your mum and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our
and
Supporting someone with incurable cancer
support groups where you will connect with others navigating the same support challenges.
You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow 3 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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
Oh BlackBird155 I am so so sorry to hear your news…. my sincere condolences to you and your family.
As Mmum highlighted our Bereaved Family and Friends Support Group. will be a good place to get help.
The Macmillan helpline is there to give you support and practical advice.
There is quite a lot of information in What to do after someone dies and many hospitals have bereavement services who may be able to offer support.
((hugs))
