Mum has terminal lung cancer, Dont know what to expect

Hi I am new to this forum and have never done anything like this before, however I have no one else I can talk to without upsetting them.  My mum was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in 2013. It was Nsclc, Stage 3a. They said it was non operable but treated her curative with chemo radiation. Luckily the tumour shrunk and became operable. That was in June2014. She has been NED since. Two months ago she found a lump above her collarbone. the  Dr thought it was a cyst as she is fit and well and walks everyday. She has a lot of pain in her right shoulder and has done since the op so we put it down to that as did the Dr. Last week after some more tests we were told she has an aggressive recurrent tumour in her lung which has invaded all the muscle and  tissue  It is inoperable and no longer Curative. Any chemo is just life extending. We are all devastated and I am struggling to come to terms with it. When I am with my mum I feel strong and fine and enjoy being with her., as soon as I go away from her I fall to pieces and keep crying. I don't wanna feel like this and I don't know how to cope or deal with the situation. I'm fine caring for her but I also have 3 children. The worst part is not knowing if she has 6 months 8 months or maybe a year. It is awful living with the uncertainty and Knowing my mum is gonna die. She is only 66. I find it hard to believe as although her pain is so bad she is quite fit. I look at her and I think. How ? Any advice would be appreciated. I'm so sad

Parents
  • Hi Maria

    Welcome to the foru but sad to see the reason for you being here.

    My husband had a different incurable cancer (lung linings) but Moderator Jenn is right in saying that coping day to day seemed to work best for me and the family. He was 60 at diagnosis and received palliative ongoing care for his three year journey. You have the added responsibility for your children (mine were adult and had children of their own).  I was certainly fearful of the future but also as to how I would get through it.We 'managed it' as a family and as he did  not like to talk about his illness (too emotional) we tried our best to follow his wishes in keeping things as normal as possible for as long as we were able. There are so many emotions to work through but with support both here on the forum (so much understanding and kindness from strangers who I now consider friends), children and close friends plus the medical palliative care team and GP.community nurses (latter stages) we did our utmost to make memories to take forward, at the same time supporting each other and asking for the extra support as and when we required it.  I cenrtainly could not have managed alone.

    Sending you a virtual hug and wishing you a peaceful day. Jules54

Reply
  • Hi Maria

    Welcome to the foru but sad to see the reason for you being here.

    My husband had a different incurable cancer (lung linings) but Moderator Jenn is right in saying that coping day to day seemed to work best for me and the family. He was 60 at diagnosis and received palliative ongoing care for his three year journey. You have the added responsibility for your children (mine were adult and had children of their own).  I was certainly fearful of the future but also as to how I would get through it.We 'managed it' as a family and as he did  not like to talk about his illness (too emotional) we tried our best to follow his wishes in keeping things as normal as possible for as long as we were able. There are so many emotions to work through but with support both here on the forum (so much understanding and kindness from strangers who I now consider friends), children and close friends plus the medical palliative care team and GP.community nurses (latter stages) we did our utmost to make memories to take forward, at the same time supporting each other and asking for the extra support as and when we required it.  I cenrtainly could not have managed alone.

    Sending you a virtual hug and wishing you a peaceful day. Jules54

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