Hello and thanks for the post

I'm sorry to hear about your mother in law - it must be very hard for you all.

It's not surprising that you are having some difficulty getting your questions answered, as to be honest, there are no easy replies. It's incredibly difficult giving anyone a prognosis as people do vary so much - sometimes it looks like things are quite stable and then everything can change very quickly . Some days may look quite bad and then there may be some better ones , so it's not unusual to hear terms like being on a rollercoaster .The people involved in her care will be able to tell you all better than anyone else, as to how she is doing , though you will notice yourselves if things are deteriorating -  if she is sleeping more, getting more tired or not eating and drinking as much.

If people respond to your post, you will find that there may well be many different responses, as it's just not possible to compare situations.

A symptom control team may be involved already, and so pain relief will be a priority - there are many types of painkillers out there and everyone will try their best to make sure your mother in law is not in pain. Not everyone may have pain ,but hopefully, if there are any other symptoms , they will also be covered.

Sometimes, depending on which part of the brain has been affected,  people sometimes may change a little from their usual selves , so don't be surprised if this does happen, though many people won't necessarily have changes. There is some more information on secondary brain cancers here, but only if you would like to read more about this    

If at any point you would like to talk any of this through with one of us here on the helpline, as there is a lot to take in, please do call on Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday

Take each day as it comes and try and not look too far ahead as it just isn't possible to say when things might change. You sound very supportive - but it's hard on the family when someone has a secondary cancer, so do look after yourself.

All the best to you all

Wanda