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can anyone help me understand whats hapening

seamus67
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my Mother was diagnosed with lower left lobe lug cancer in Nov 22 and no treatment is available for as the consultant didn't think she was strong enough to face this at her age (81 now)

she's had a slow decline since and also now has a IWA in place  , she had a 3 month stay in hospital and was discharged on Thursday ,whilst in hospital we found it very difficult to make meaningful contact with the consultant to get a clear understanding of what's going on and where she's at

her discharge letter includes the most detail ive been told but unfortunately i struggle with the detail 

"is known to have significant progression of left lower lobe lung cancer with static mediastinal lymphadenopathy and marked emphysematous changes"

i know from a recent scan that her cancer has doubled in size since Nov 22 and no cancer on the brain was seen , she hast lost roughly 4 stone in this time and now has a lot of confusion and needs 24hr care in the house .can any offer any insight into her discharge letter detail 

many thanks

  • Hello seamus7 and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your mother and that you don't feel that you have been put in the picture by the doctors looking after her. 

    I am afraid that it is difficult for me to comment on the discharge letter as I haven't been involved in your mum's care from the beginning.

    The marked emphysematous refers to damage to the lung tissue which may mean that this is having an effect on any breathing problems that she is having.

    I can only suggest that if your mum is now being managed by her GP that you talk to them. They will have been receiving updates about your mother's cancer and will know more about the changes to her lungs that have occurred since she was diagnosed. If your mum is receiving palliative care from the nurses then also talk to them about your mother.

    I do hope that you are getting some support for yourself during this difficult time.

    If you would like to ring and discuss any of this with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to give us a ring. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    All the best,

    Catherine

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