My 73 year old mum was admitted to hospital on Monday with severe back pain and a chest infection. After two CT scans we were given the devastating diagnosis on Thursday she has stage 4 incurable lung cancer which has spread to her liver, spine and adrenal glands. We are awaiting her liver biopsy results and her spine MRI results. On Saturday I nearly lost her but it turned out she had very high CO2 levels in her blood as we have now found out she has severe COPD (she is a heavy smoker). She needs to get stronger, beat the chest infection and stabilise her breathing and oxygen levels or she won't be considered for any treatment for the cancers.

I am normally a very strong person, but this sudden diagnosis has completely floored me. I'm trying to be strong for her, as she said she is going to fight, but I am struggling. I don't want to cry in front of her but the thought of losing my mum is destroying me.

I just feel so lost and helpless.