Increased sleeping

Hi my mum has stage 4 advanced lung cancer , we were given a time scale of between 4-6 months we are on just over 3 months my mum has started to sleep a lot more and says she has no energy but also her urine output has got less . I was wondering is this the start of a different stage ? I have been told that palliative care won’t come until she can’t swallow is this correct 

thanks

Roo

  • Hi Rooby46 and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your mum's situation, this must be such a difficult time for you.

    Most patients diagnosed with cancer will be offered support from a Macmillan nurse who can check in with patients and their family along their cancer journey. If at any point the patients health deteriorates or changes then other services can be put in place. Palliative care aims to give patients a good quality of life and help keep the patient comfortable for as long as possible.

    There is no reason your mum shouldn't be under palliative care so I would encourage you to ask her GP about this and if she can be referred on. The palliative care nurses can assess your mum and put anything needed in place for her.

    It does sound like your mum is gradually becoming less well and it is important that you both feel supported through this time.

    I hope this is helpful but do get back if you would like to. You are also welcome to call us on 0808 800 4040 if you prefer.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

  • Thank you for your advice it’s much appreciated