Hi all, my mum has terminal lung and liver cancer, diagnosed 14 months ago. She hasn't really eaten for nearly 2 weeks and is struggling to drink. The syringe driver was fitted today. Any thoughts on time left.
I'm so sorry to hear about your mum and can imagine this must be very hard for you all.
It's very difficult trying to answer a question like this as we aren't involved in her care and everyone will be so very different in this situation. The symptom control team (or Macmillan nurses or palliative care team) who fitted the syringe driver would be the best people who would be able to give you perhaps some idea, but again, they won't be able to say definitely - just a rough guide.
It may be a few days or a few weeks , as it will also depend on your mum's body's response to the meds in the syringe driver and whether she will be able to drink or eat. There is a link on our website about not eating and drinking near the end of life here, but don't feel you have to look at it, as it is under the 'dying with cancer' section
If you would like a chat about any of this, please do give us a call to the helpline -Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
I hope you are all getting some support from family and friends and that you are able to talk things through with a nurse or doctor.
I'm so sorry to hear about your mum and can imagine this must be very hard for you all.
It's very difficult trying to answer a question like this as we aren't involved in her care and everyone will be so very different in this situation. The symptom control team (or Macmillan nurses or palliative care team) who fitted the syringe driver would be the best people who would be able to give you perhaps some idea, but again, they won't be able to say definitely - just a rough guide.
It may be a few days or a few weeks , as it will also depend on your mum's body's response to the meds in the syringe driver and whether she will be able to drink or eat. There is a link on our website about not eating and drinking near the end of life here, but don't feel you have to look at it, as it is under the 'dying with cancer' section
If you would like a chat about any of this, please do give us a call to the helpline -Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
I hope you are all getting some support from family and friends and that you are able to talk things through with a nurse or doctor.
Thanks for the reply, I've spoken to the care team and it is as you say just a waiting game. We are receiving fantastic support from the hospice and District Nurses, these people really are angels. Ths hospice have been supplying an overnight nurse so my father can go to bed, he has been sleeping on the sofa for the last 6 months as my mum has had a hospital bed down stairs, she has also had a couple of strokes in the last 18 moths that has made things difficult with mobility. Testing times but nice to know there are people out there who offer support it's needed ️
