Hello, Dandy dog, and thank you for contacting us.

I am sorry you feel like this, but I am glad you posted.

Do speak to your doctor or specialist nurse (CNS) and let them know how you are feeling so that they can support you. Coping both physically and mentally with cancer is overwhelming, particularly when you have worked as a nurse, but it is important to remember that palliative care teams specialise in this type of care.

Improvements in pain control and end-of-life care by these teams, who work alongside other community professionals, mean that people can be at home and symptoms managed more than before. Having a good relationship with these teams, taking the medications as advised, and feeding back what does and doesn't help are all essential to self-managing your medications and symptoms.

It may be worth talking to your doctor about an early referral to palliative care, to improve your confidence.

If are feeling low and need someone to talk to then do not hesitate to contact the Samaritans who are there 24/7. I hope you have support dandydog at this time.

Take care and if you need to chat with the nurses on the helpline the number is 0808 800 4040. Lines are open mon-fri 9-5.

Sarah.

Hello, Dandy dog, and thank you for contacting us.

I am sorry you feel like this, but I am glad you posted.

Do speak to your doctor or specialist nurse (CNS) and let them know how you are feeling so that they can support you. Coping both physically and mentally with cancer is overwhelming, particularly when you have worked as a nurse, but it is important to remember that palliative care teams specialise in this type of care.

Improvements in pain control and end-of-life care by these teams, who work alongside other community professionals, mean that people can be at home and symptoms managed more than before. Having a good relationship with these teams, taking the medications as advised, and feeding back what does and doesn't help are all essential to self-managing your medications and symptoms.

It may be worth talking to your doctor about an early referral to palliative care, to improve your confidence.

If are feeling low and need someone to talk to then do not hesitate to contact the Samaritans who are there 24/7. I hope you have support dandydog at this time.

Take care and if you need to chat with the nurses on the helpline the number is 0808 800 4040. Lines are open mon-fri 9-5.

Sarah.