Advice on caring for my Mum during chemo.

Hello... So what started as breast cancer in my mum has spread to the lymph nodes and bone since being diagnosed 3 years ago. She has been having radiotherapy and getting injections to keep it at bay and has now found out it has spread further to other bones and chemo is on the cards.

My parents live in Ireland while Im here in London. Although in good shape for her age (Mam is 75) Im thinking I should move home to help her while she is having the chemo and afterwards. Someone suggested that it is after the chemo that people need more support? Im pretty clueless about the whole thing really and could do with some rough advice on how long it can take some people to get back on their feet again. At the moment we dont know the kind of chemo she will be having which may make it difficult to advise on (im guessing different kinds may have an effect on her side effects?) But any thoughts are welcome.


Also would appreciate if anyone can suggest some books that may be worth reading to help me get my head around this. I feel quite guilty that Im not there for her more, and other bits from growing up. Having difficulty figuring out the best way to express this before its too late.  Also want to learn more about the practical parts of helping someone and what to expect as things progress.
 

Parents
  • Hi Eileen - sorry to hear about Mam having chemo and treatment. You don't say if she is on her own over in Ireland. She will be finding chemo tiring and troubling = but she will find new friends in the cancer centre.

    I wouldn't stress your self over much. She will be coping and will tell you if she is finding it hard. Its a time for holidays over to see her = but she may find having family over difficult - if all she wants to do is sleep!

    After the chemo is over = she will slowly pick up again. She will want life to continue as normal and may just pick up the pieces and get on with it. I wouldn't feel guilty - you can't be in two places at once and it will be important to Mam that you are doing well and enjoying your life over in UK = so you are not a worry for her.

    Things will be fine - just take one day at a time. It may be worth telling the bosses as they may help and give you time off. You may need this one day - even just to get yourself away from the demands of work for a while.

    Be happy - your Mam is getting good treatment.

    XX

    Steven

Reply
  • Hi Eileen - sorry to hear about Mam having chemo and treatment. You don't say if she is on her own over in Ireland. She will be finding chemo tiring and troubling = but she will find new friends in the cancer centre.

    I wouldn't stress your self over much. She will be coping and will tell you if she is finding it hard. Its a time for holidays over to see her = but she may find having family over difficult - if all she wants to do is sleep!

    After the chemo is over = she will slowly pick up again. She will want life to continue as normal and may just pick up the pieces and get on with it. I wouldn't feel guilty - you can't be in two places at once and it will be important to Mam that you are doing well and enjoying your life over in UK = so you are not a worry for her.

    Things will be fine - just take one day at a time. It may be worth telling the bosses as they may help and give you time off. You may need this one day - even just to get yourself away from the demands of work for a while.

    Be happy - your Mam is getting good treatment.

    XX

    Steven

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