My mum was diagnosed this week with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer which has spread to her adrenal glands, spine and liver. No treatment options other than palliative chemotherapy but she has opted not to do this. She was discharged from the hospital following the diagnosis and decision not to take treatment and now I feel a bit in limbo awaiting a call from the lung cancer nurse specialist who should call after the mdt on Monday.
meanwhile I just don’t know what we should be doing. We asked questions before leaving the hospital but now panicking we didn’t ask the right ones. We don’t know whether how my mum is feeling is her new baseline or if she will get a little better before getting worse. She was admitted and treated for pneumonia which is what led to the discovery.
I just don’t know what to do
Hi Alx20097186b6 if mum has opted not to have any treatment and has been discharged from the hospital, then her care will go to her GP. I’m a little confused about the MDT meeting on Monday, as this is usually to discuss treatment plans, which you have said mum does not want? I would call her GP and discuss this with them, they should be able to clear this up for you.
Yes the waiting is always the hardest part isn’t it. Usually with MDT they do contact you very soon after. What I would suggest is you write down all the questions you felt like you didn’t ask ready for the call.
How is mum doing at home? Having pneumonia can make you feel very unwell. If you have any worries about her health over the weekend then call 111,
I know how you are feeling yourself as I have been through something similar with my mum. You feel an overwhelming panic, and a real fear of what lies ahead. It really is important that you get support for yourself at this time as well as caring for mum. Do you have a maggies centre near you ? These are usually situated close to the hospital, or you may have a MacMillan centre there? These are both great places to drop into for a chat. You could also join the Supporting someone with incurable cancer forum where you will see other people in a similar situation to yourself, or you can call the MacMillan support line on 0808 808 00 00 who are available 7 days a week from 8am until 8pm.
