Feeling helpless

My mother was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer four months ago (stage 2/3). She has declined treatment because she also has heart failure. She has back pain and stomach pain continually and has very little appetite. She is 85 this year, but she is still my mother and I love her. My father only died 18 months ago, and my husband has recently been treated successfully for lymphoma. I feel so overwhelmed. I also have an 11 year old daughter who is becoming obsessed with the fear of death.  I just don’t know what to do. 

  • Hello Olivia, and thank you for posting. 

    I am sorry you have all this going on for you. It can feel incredibly overwhelming supporting someone with cancer, never mind also supporting children through the process and losing a loved one.

    I don't know if your mum has support from a Macmillan/palliative care team, but they would be useful with the different symptoms, like pain, that mum has. They are experts in symptom control and can see her at home, so do mention to her GP or doctor in case she has not yet been referred.

    Talking to children, and keeping things as open and honest as you can, is the best policy. But equally, you know your daughter better than anyone.

    There is support from charities like Cruse, the bereavement charity, and Young Minds, the children's mental health charity, if helpful.

    It is good to let her school know what is going on to keep them in the loop, they may have a pastoral care service or even access to other psychological support.

    Take care, Olivia, you may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline the number is Freephone 0808 800 4040. The lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.