Diagnosis querie

My 90 yr old mum recently was diagnosed with liver cancer and possible lung cancer

she was diagnosed by scan and possible blood tests but hasn’t been given any more information  She was told they wouldn’t be treating this but now has been discharged home she wasn’t given any follow-up either with nurses or gp we wonder what her next step

  • Hello and thank you for posting.

    It is difficult for me to say exactly what has happened to Mum as I am not part of her care, but usually, if patients are sent home and are not going to be treated,  they would not get a follow-up appointment. Instead, a letter (called a discharge summary) would usually be sent to the GP with all the details of the findings and any discussions had. The hospital may also refer the patient to the District Nurses or the local palliative care/ Macmillan team for support. This team would usually then ring the referred patient and organise an appointment to come over to meet and assess the person.

    I think a good first start, if you do not think this has happened, is to give Mum's surgery a call and get an appointment to talk this through with her GP. If you do not have permission to talk through Mum's health she would need to give her consent to this.

    If Mum ever met any specialist nurse or particular doctors whilst in the hospital that you have names or contact details for you could also try getting in touch with them.  

    I have posted here some information into support at home for cancer patients if useful.

    Take care Alice and I hope this gets sorted for Mum soon.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.