Hello and thanks for posting

After a cancer diagnosis patients are discussed within a MDT ( Multi Disciplinary Team) where all the specialists come together to decide the best treatment plan for each individual patient. The decisions are based upon the type and stage ( size and extent) of cancer and how fit and well they are and if they have any other health conditions that may affect their treatment.

People often ask what more can they do to support a loved one going through cancer . But talking and listening and being there when you can are what most people find useful. Sometimes it can be better to ask your mum what she would find most helpful for you to do for her. For example, she may really appreciate you getting shopping in, preparing meals, or even taking her to and from hospital appointments when you can. 

I can appreciate you want to know more about your mum’s prognosis. Prognosis is really a question best answered by her specialist team. This is because they are familiar with all her medical details and will know so much more about her individual situation. Doctors base their assessment of someone's outlook/prognosis on their experience of looking after other patients with the same cancer. This will vary to a degree, depending on a person’s age, extent of their cancer, their general health and their response to cancer treatments.

For patients that decide on no active treatment, then a referral onto a community palliative care team is made. Their area of expertise is in the management of cancer symptoms, such as pain and they provide emotional support to the patient and family. You can read more about their role on Macmillan's website You can also read more about palliative care on the Marie Curie website.

If your mum has a lung specialist nurse involved in her care then it would be a good idea to discuss this further with them. You often have to call and leave them a message and they will get back to you.

I hope this is of some help. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over 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.

Kind regards,

Celene