My mother had a hysterectomy for carcinosarcoma of uterus in 2023. Last year we found out the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes ("lymphovascular invasion"), primarily in her groin. She had 5 rounds of radiotherapy and 6 rounds of chemo, which finished in December. After a brief reprieve, the tumour in the lymph in her groin has started to grow, bleed and fungate and Mum has been given "long months" to live. This came as an absolute shock as only a month prior, we had been told the treatment had gone well.
The fungating tumour is incredibly distressing and uncomfortable for Mum. She is having to change pads multiple times a day. The pharmacy never give her the right pads and the ones that work best cost over £20 for a box of 10 when we order them online.
After about a month's back and forth, we have finally been able to secure some additional radiotherapy, which won't treat the cancer, but hopefully dry up the tumour.
We have asked about additional treatment, like immunotherapy, but the risks appear to outweigh the benefits at this stage.
My Mum is 82, but you would not think it. Other than the cancer, she is very well, very fit, completely independent, intelligent and sharp. She cared for my Dad for 10 years until she started chemo last year, and he had to go into a care home. It seems very unfair that this is how her life is ending.
The hardest thing is knowing what to expect with this fungating tumour and if we should keep pushing for additional treatment, or if there really isn't anything else that can be done.
I support my Mum as much as I can, but I have never experienced what she is going through, so I was hoping to connect with others who have had similar experiences on here to "compare notes" as I think that would be helpful for Mum.
Thank you!
