myeloma

hi my nan (mum as she raised me) has myeloma, yesterday we had the news we had been dreading and that they are now saying she has months to live and are going to arrange pallative care for her,im really stuggling with this and i cant get my head around it as they have also told on multiple visits that if this treatmeant didnt work then there was other options to try shes only had 2 diffrent treament so far one was a tablet which was working but the short story is she got covid was very ill was off the meds for around 2 months then back on them i feel that they left her off them too long and this is why were now in the situation were in. i forget  the name of the tablet and shes still having the other treatment which is an injection. she got huge lumps on her head ones so bad now its closed her eye so she can no longer see out of it they are now on about trying to help witht the lumps but dont know what they can really do now. shes also in kidney failure shes very weak i dont think she has the strength to fight anymore. i have a child with asd at home so i cant always help her out. does anyone know who i contact to sort careers out for her from what i understnad she will be able to get this free because of her income and has no savings. i also want to get her a life line i think you call them just in case she needs help or falls does anyone know how id do this i really dont know where to start.

  • Hello Cazm, 

    I am so sorry to hear about your nan, that you have learned she only has a few months to live and they are going to arrange palliative care for her. This must come as a shock to you especially if you were told other options were available. Your poor nan, getting covid too at the same time. It's so sad that she is now so weak. 

    You are already doing a lot for her and I am sure she appreciates it and it's nice of you to try and sort carers for her especially given her financial situation. There are lots of options available and practical support she could benefit from. You can read more about support at home for you and your family. It mentions for example community specialist palliative care nurses and also Marie Curie nurses. Marie Curie nurses give nursing care to people with advanced cancer in their own homes. They can visit during the day or spend the night in your nan's home and you can find out more on this page

    You could also contact a social worker by getting in touch with your nan's local social services office or ask your hospital nurse or your GP to refer you.

    Our section on financial support and cancer will also highlight benefits your nan might be entitled to. I would strongly recommend you get in touch with Macmillan for this as they have a lot of useful and in-depth information on benefits and financial support

    Our nurses are available on this free number 0808 800 4040 if you would like to talk things through with them at any time. Their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Their helpline is closed during the festive period but reopens Wednesday 28th to 30th Dec 9 am to 5 pm. Then it is closed 5 pm 30th Dec, back on 3rd Jan 2023 to 6th Jan, as normal 9 am to 5 pm.

    We're thinking of you and your nan during this difficult time and hope that despite everything you are going through at the moment, you will have a wonderful Christmas with your family today.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator