Hello Mrsmac2006, and thank you for posting,

I am sorry to learn of your mum's situation, this must be a difficult time for you all.

Not being involved in your mum's care we cannot say whether she will stop taking steroids altogether of if they will be increased again to manage her symptoms. Only her medical team who knows her situation will be able to tell you this.

Generally, steroids are only given short term because they can have side effects, for example, diabetes or they can make some people feel anxious and agitated. However, if a person is only expected to live for a short time and the steroids are helping symptoms, then they may be prescribed for longer. Each person's situation will be individual.

I don't know if it is possible with your mum's permission for you to speak with her nurse specialist (if she has one ) or her consultant as they know her situation.

You can read more about steroids and brain tumours on The Brain Tumour Charity website and there is also information about controlling the symptoms of brain tumours on our website which I hope will be helpful.

If you would like to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline, we are available between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday and the freephone number to call is 0808 808 4040.

Take care,

Jemma

Thank you for your reply x we have a palliative nurse and a district nurse coming on Thursday so I am trying to compile a list of questions x she is adamant she wants to stay at home so we are looking of ways to make this work.. we all work Monday to Friday but we have been told if we don’t get a social worker involved when mum is nearing the end no one will help us.. do you know if this is true?

Thank you again for taking your time to answer xx

Hello and thanks for posting,

I am sorry to hear of your situation and can appreciate that it is a difficult time for you all.

The palliative care team can advise on how to proceed with this, as they will have experience in this area. If someone remains at home, they will need a care package arranged. This is done through the local social services. Details about referrals can be found under Adult Care needs section on the council's website. Carers can be arranged up to 4 times a day to visit and provide care. But usually overnight cover is not possible.

Macmillan Cancer Support have information on care and support for people who have advanced cancer. They also have practical tips

I hope that this helps,

Kind regards,

Vanda