hello, i'm new

Hi Rose tree and welcome to the online community

I'm sorry to read how distressed your mum was in hospital and I'm hoping that as you posted this a few days ago she is now feeling calmer.

I don't know if your mum has told the medical staff not to tell you details about her treatment and prognosis but I guess this is something that she might have done wanting to protect you.

Have you had a chance to talk to her medical team since you posted this? 

As you know the online community is divided up into different support groups so I'm going to recommend that you also join the carers only group, if you are your mum's carer, or the family and friends group if you're not. Both of these groups are safe and supportive place to discuss your worries and emotions with others who have a loved one dealing with cancer.

To join these groups just click on the links I've created and then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens. You can then introduce yourself and post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'. 

It would be great if you could pop something about mum's diagnosis and treatment so far into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

If you have any difficulty navigating the community just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help

x

Hi Latchbrook,

Good notes thank you-I have to admit I'm not great at finding my way around websites. After posting last time I called the Macmillan team at the hospital where my mum is and things seemed to get moving. I managed to speak to the doctor on the ward and talked a lot about my mum-how she was at home before going in. The conclusion was that an infection was the most likely cause of this delirium. Anyway since then she's been put on a drip for dehydration and antibiotics and is showing signs of improvement. I think it was such a shock to her as she has never had to stay in hospital before and is very independent. I took her glasses in and she has been managing to read a bit in the evenings-a sure sign she's feeling more normal. She has to build up as she has lost so much weight but the doctors are pleased and she's trying very hard. She has to come to a decision about wether or not to have a stent fitted to help with swallowing. Theres so much conflicting advice about these things one doesn't know what's best. Am just taking each day at a time.

I'm glad to hear things seem to be picking up for your mum Rose tree.

It's always difficult when you're faced with a treatment decision. Sometimes it can be an idea to say to the doctors "if this was your mum what would you do?" Of course that doesn't always work but you never know!

You could also start a new post in this group with a subject line of perhaps something like "advantages and disadvantages of having a stent" and ask your questions to the group.

You could also phone the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 and chat it through with one of the specialist nurses. It's free to call and they're available every day from 8am to 8pm. If you'd rather do it online then you could ask about the advantages and disadvantages of having a stent by posting in the ask a nurse (link) section of the online community.

x

Thank you for your help. I have asked the group about stents. My mum said today she has decided to have the stent so this is happening on Monday if she doesn't change her mind. Just hoping it goes well for her. If only she could get a bit stronger she may be able to have chemo-they say she is too weak at present. Fingers crossed it goes well.

She was a bit better today-more like herself.