Found out very quick well in a matter of 2 weeks that my beloved mother in law has 3-6 months to live it’s devastating we live with her and have a 2 young kids with us 12 and 4. My husband is at a loss she raised him by herself really and out two youngest idolize her my oldest (17) is taking it super hard my 12 year old hasn’t taken it in I think and what on earth do I tell my 4 year old as his nanny gets more and more ill . She is like a second mum to me and I feel horrible comparing her and my biological mum as she herself lost her battle with cancer over 20 years ago I was only 14 .
what do I do to ease this journey ( don’t know what to call it ) For every one when all I do is brake down and cry , I have some chronic illnesses/ pain and I’m trying to cope with vast pain and guilt over not wanting to say anything because my pain is nothing compared to what she is going through .
how do I help her prepare ? How do I help my husband? How do I keep my kids happy as they can be I feel helpless why can’t I wave a magic wand and make this go away it’s not fair she has beaten it 2 times already and she is only 61.
Everyone here is so incredibly strong god bless you all xx
. Really sorry to hear your mother in law's condition has deteriorated. I know from personal experience how hard this can be for the family to have a loved one in this position. It is difficult for young ones to understand, and I found it easier to break things to them in stages rather than coming straight out with it. You will need to let teachers know as they may notice a different attitude in school. Schools are very good at offering counselling sessions to help them understand. Do you intend to keep mum in law at home if possible? If so, there is help out there and your GP will help. When you feel up to it, could I suggest you call the Macmillan helpline on 0808 808 0000 (8-8). They will advise on what help you would be entitled to as well as offering support. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Dear Sstanden, I just happened to jump on here before turning pc off for the night. I can only say welcome to this group which is very kind and supportive and I am so sorry to hear your dreadful news. A couple of ideas: seek out your local Carers' Association for support, check with MacMillan if they have a drop in at your nearest hospital you can visit. Check out sooner rather than later about your local Hospice and get ideas from them about all your totally understandable questions in your post.
Also there is a MacMillan forum for carers and one for terminally ill people, if that might help your Mum in Law. Will it affect your housing situation? If so try Shelter, their helpline is supposed to be good.
Very much hoping you can work out how to use this precious time. And I don't think you need to feel guilty about anything, your own health probs are not of your making I am sure, but they are certainly a strain on you.
Money will not change what is happening but if in the slightest doubt about any benefits for any member of the family do check out benfitsandwork.co.uk, the sub is tiny for the value offered in members guides and access to the forum where you can get queries answered by volunteer but trained mods.
And I don't know the name but the hospice will, there is counselling available for young people going through bereavement.
Kindest regards, Denby
Thankyou Riley iappreciate it a lot , yeah I will let my youngest school know as he is picking up on vibes my 12 year old is home schooled so we don’t worry about at least that one thing .
we want to keep her at home as long as possible unless she is in too much pain or other complications . Thankyou for the phone number I will call them when I’m not so in shock with the speed it less the 20 days .
Thankyou again
Thankyou Debby so much for all the very good advice I highly appreciate it all I am going to start looking into hospice if we feel the time is ready or needed also I’m looking into support groups for all of us if the time is needed I have to organize or I will go mad .
we are blessed in the fact we own our home and our money will not be a worry so at least it’s one thing not to panic about when you have kids even in time like these you have to try and think logically
i am very thankful for a group like this where I can talk about what’s on my mind and not have to tread on eggshells.
thsnkyou for your kind words
Dear Sstanden, sending you and your family love and strength. Devastating news, so very hard for you all. My thoughts go back to many years ago when I was losing a very close friend to cancer. It was very intense and painful but I remember it as a very special and loving time. Fortunately she received great medical support and finally spent the last 8 days in an amazing hospice. We made the most of every day, laughed more than you could imagine, shared our feelings honestly. I treasure the memories. x
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother in law.I hope you can get some help and that you find some support here.Love and best wishes Jane xx
So sorry to hear your news Sstanden. Do contact McMillan and Palliative care when that is needed, they are very good and will give support to all the family. If a hospice is needed, again the whole family will be supported.
This forum is here whenever you need it. Take care Luce x
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