Hi there and thanks for the post

I am very sorry to hear about your mum and that she is too poorly to have any treatment.

This must be a difficult time for you especially living so far away from her. As you say it can be difficult to get a real sense of what is going on from a distance and it is important to keep asking questions to the doctors and nurses involved.

As and when the time comes for your mum to be discharged I am sure the nurses will want to talk to you about this. You haven't said if she lives alone or has other family around her to care for her but this is something the team will want to know. Asking is your mum well enough to go home or does she need referrals to be made to other support services or equipment need ordering to meet her needs at home. On the other hand is it more appropriate for her to go to a nursing home or hospice.

Patients are at home they are generally under the care of their GP however as required they may also be referred to other support services such as social services, District nurses, occupational therapists and so on. Most patients with cancer will also be referred to a Macmillan nurse or palliative care who are experts in symptom management and support the patient and loved ones. 

So as I say firstly speaking to the team about what the time frame is for your mum being discharged and what services she may need to be referred to before this happens. 

I hope this helps.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  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 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes

Naomi