85 year old womb and now bowel cancer !

Hello our mum has been given days weeks months to live but yesterday she collapsed in bathroom and was extremely sick now on slow release anti sickness patch we think how long do you think she will fight in not enjoying food pucks at it as it has metal taste . No operation no treatment no pain only found four weeks ago

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    I am so sorry to hear about your situation particularly as it has all happened so quickly.

    Without being involved in her care it is difficult for us to assess your mum. If your mum has a palliative care nurse I would talk to them. They are there to support your mum and also all the family looking after her.

    They will give you an idea on her outlook but it is difficult to be too precise on timings.

    It is good that she is not having any pain and hopefully the anti sickness patches will give her some relief.

    We have some links for practical support that you maybe able to access that you can see on our website.

    You could get in touch with your mum's GP to see if there is any further support that she can get.

    We do have some pages on our website about the last few weeks and days of someone's life and how you can support her.

    It is okay if your mum doesn't fancy eating. The main thing is that she is kept as comfortable and pain free as possible. Trying to keep her mouth moist with chips of ice. She may fancy an ice lolly which will keep her mouth from being too dry.

    I would offer her what she wants. Encouraging her to drink water if she can will help keep her mouth from being too dry.

    I can understand how overwhelming it can be looking after someone who is so ill so do make sure that you give yourself breaks and if you can lean on other members of the family it may help, so you are not doing everything on your own.

    If you would like to chat through any of this with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to do so.

    Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine