Hi. My mums just been diagnosed with lung cancer. It’s operable so I think that’s positive. She’s 77, a lifelong heavy smoker so in a way it feels like it’s something we’ve always feared and expected. I am sad, afraid and angry in equal measures. She lives alone and has had a busy active life, but she became quite frail almost without us really noticing. Us = my two brothers and I who have been spending a few days on and off with her - with time in between when she is home alone. (great neighbours, friends - but COVID times!). We are a couple of weeks from the operation and she is struggling to eat. Last night she fell because she is so weak. My brothers and I are all 3 drive hours away. I’m here now to try to feed her up and get some strength in to her but she says she can’t. Doesn’t feel like it. I know she is scared - but she’s sort of in denial - she doesn’t want to talk about it. We do but she’s terrified and gets anxious when she’s alone. But she doesn’t seem to be connecting that food is medicine and she has to build her strength up. She’s sleeping most of the time. She’s so much more poorly than I realised when I saw her a week ago. I feel out of my depth. I’ll call the Mac nurse tomorrow for advice.
Hi Chams and welcome to the group, but sorry about your mums diagnoses. It is extremely good news that your mums cancer is operable. It is so difficult trying to support a loved one from such a long way away, and Covid and the current restrictions, make it much worse. I am glad you are speaking with your mums nurse today about your concerns about your mum
Can I also suggest you join the family-and-friends-forum where you can speak to others who are supporting loved ones.
Take care
