My mum has been diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer, her treatment will be 6 weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy 5 days a week, she also has bowel cancer but we do not know what the treatment will be, she has no symptoms and doesn't feel unwell, the cancer was discovered following numerous tests and a PET scan as she had open heart surgery last year to fix a leaking valve and it hasn't worked so she needs surgery again and the valve replacing, along with the cancer diagnosis, as a family we are very conscious of the urgency for the heart surgery, my mum is an incredibly active 73 year old, she is one of the strongest people I know, physically and mentally, her resilience is inspiring and I know that will help her through this treatment, I have joined here because I want to understand what she is going through, and gain advice on how best to support her, I am terrified! I can't bare the thought of her being in pain and unwell, I feel so useless!! What practical things can I do to help and support her?
Hi Harri, You may find the following link to various information support available for someone supporting a family member,
Your Mum sounds incredible and I hope everything starts to come together for her and you, one of tye best supports if you can is to acconpany her to any hospital meetings and make notes of what is discussed as both will forget the some of what is mentioned when you get out the door
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/supporting-someone
Take care both, Tony
We will move mountains to help people with cancer live life as fully as they can.
We'll do whatever it takes. For information, support or just someone to talk to,
call 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk
Onwards and Upwards
Voicebox Cancer- Laryngectomy 2020 and Oesophagus survivor 2022
Adminitrative Assistant at Frimley Park Hospital, Cancer Support Hub
