Hi, mum.has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer spread to liver and spine, she has refused any further scans or tests and no treatment. Can anyone tell me what to expect? What to look out for? She also has severe COPD too
I am so sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis and know how hard it can be for family, when a loved one refuses treatment. Some people choose to have quality of life instead of quantity and this is understandable in your mum's case, when she also has severe COPD.
How is she coping with her diagnosis and how is she keeping at present? My mum had secondary breast cancer, which had spread to her liver, lungs, brain and bone. She gradually became less ambulant, until , when she was bed bound in the last 6 months. Signs to look out for are increasing pain, in which case her medication may need to be stepped up, eating and drinking less and less, until she may eventually stop eating and drinking.
Is she still at home? If so, you should be able to get carers in to help with her personal care. The important thing is for you to have some quality time with her, talk about anything and everything and don't leave any stone unturned. Try to make memories in the time that she has left, instead of dwelling on the inevitable.
Thinking of you both and we're always here for any questions you may have. Please keep in touch.
