Hi
my 77 year old mother had a ct scan 2 weeks ago which diagnosed lung cancer which has spread to the liver, spleen and brain. I have brought her home from hospital as the doctors have given her an estimate of 2 weeks. I’m caring for her myself as my dad has Alzheimer’s and dementia with some support from the district nurse. Mam has not eaten since her discharge, has a small sip of water occasionally and sleeps a lot of the time. She has suffered from some night time aggression but is rarely in pain and requires little pain relief. I’ve had to research a lot about lung cancer over the last 2 weeks and I have moved into the house to provide 24 hour care to both parents. Yesterday my mam was remarkably well, engaged in conversations and even had a couple of ice lollies. I didn’t believe yesterday she was end of life but accept this is the case. I would love just some honesty about what to expect over the coming weeks/days and how I know her time is coming to an end so I can provide the best care I can.
Hi Heather M, welcome to the group but so sorry to hear about your mum. I lost my mum to ovarian cancer, and we cared for her at home until the last day, when she went into a hospice. What I can say, is these moments you are having with your mum now are so precious. My mum spent lots of hours asleep, but when she was awake, she was very lucid, and we spent lots of time talking about memories, but also talking about her funeral and her wishes. We laughed, and we cried, and I told her how very much I loved her.
Can I suggest you also join the Supporting someone with incurable cancer forumwhere you will find other people who are going through a very similar situation to yourself. You can also chat to someone at the Macmillan support line anytime from 8am until 8pm 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00
Wishing you all the very best as you go through this extremely difficult time. x
