Hi my mum had a ct scan back in December which discover a tumour in her rectum, she had to have emergency surgery to have a stoma fitted 2 weeks ago and today was our first app with the oncologist who has said she will be given a 5 day course of radiotherapy but my mum is 81 years old very frail I'm struggling to get her to eat any suggestions she has already lost a stone since coming out of hospital 2 weeks ago she now only weighs 6st 9lb she also has heart failure and copd I'm really struggling I work full time and it's taking its toll I know I can't force her to eat
Hi Wally45 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your mum’s diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis 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 will help a lot (I have a totally different type of cancer)
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 can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
and
Ileostomy, colostomy and stoma support
……. support groups. This is a safe place 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 support journey.
As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your mum and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our
…… support group where you will connect with others navigating the exact same support challenges.
To connect with a group click on the “Bold Italic Links” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “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.
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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
