Supporting my Mum through her recent cancer diagnosis

On 4th August my Mum was diagnosed with Metastasised Lung Cancer. The cancer is on her left lung, her liver, her lower lumbar spine and small amounts through her bones. We are told that she has a very rare mutation, the A.L.K. (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase) mutation. This has come as a complete shock to us both. Mum is an otherwise fit and healthy 78 year old. There is no other family, only the two of us and I am struggling to get my head around it. I am also struggling to understand how to go about finding the right support for her.

If anyone has any hints or tips, I would be very grateful.

  • Welcome to the forum 19Toffee8712, although I'm really sorry to hear your mum was recently diagnosed with metastasised lung cancer.

    I can't begin to imagine how difficult this must be for the both of you but I hope it helps to know that we are here for you and are sending all our strength and support your way.

    You can find out more about metastatic lung cancer on our website but if you would like to speak to one of our cancer nurses about this, you can give them a call on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very easy to talk to and will do all they can to answer your questions.

    I hope this information we have on the support available for metastatic lung cancer and how to support someone with cancer will prove useful as well.

    Hopefully some of our members who have been on this journey will stop by soon to share their experiences and advice but in the meantime, be kind to yourself 19Toffee8712 and remember that you are not alone.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator