Hello and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your mum. I can understand how hard it must be seeing your mum struggling to walk. 

It is difficult to predict how your mum is going to be over the next few weeks but it is important to discuss any help with care that she is able to get in the community. With your mum's permission it may be helpful to talk to her GP about how best she can be supported whilst she is on her own.

A district nurse or a palliative care nurse may be able to assess her needs when she is back at home. The palliative care nurse is there to support the patient and the family so it may be helpful talking to them about your mum and the support that she might need.

With the fluid on her lungs breathlessness maybe causing her reduced mobility and it may be helpful to talk to the doctors about anything they can give her to help reduce this symptom. We have some information about breathlessness and tips which you may find useful to look at. Have a look here

Hopefully the doctors will know more once they have the results of the CT scan. They may for example be able to drain the fluid from her lungs which may help to make her more mobile.

Your mum maybe able to get an OT (Occupational therapy) assessment at her home so they can try and adapt her home to make it easier for her to move around. They can assess her needs and provide equipment that may make life a bit easier.

Your mum may also be able to access some palliative nursing help in the community but this is all accessed through her GP.

If you would like to talk any of this through with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to get back to us or give us a ring.

Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the nurses are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

all the best,

Catherine