My mum has terminal cancer

Hi,

My mum was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in November 2015. She was on holiday in September & her only symptom was a cough. She has small cell linger cancer that has spread and also now had a brain tumour. She has had a course of chemotherapy & responded really well, she has also had radiotherapy to the brain and is now having it to the lungs. I don't know what to do, I am at uni and she wants me to continue my course. I have no idea what the outcome is. I know she is going to die & I am terrified. Has anyone else had this In Their family? I am terrified! I love her so much and she is my best fiend :( who do I talk to? 

  • Hi, I am so so sorry about your mum's diagnosis. Be strong. My mum has sadly just died from a similar diagnosis a couple of years ago. It is totally s**t so I understand your devastation. The best person to talk to is your Mum! She will be scared too and hurting for you more than for herself. Mine constantly tried to stop me from worrying, to accept, to love her now and not spoil the remaining time with being upset. Laugh, love, and don't be afraid to show her that you have things in your life that make you happy too. They have enough to be sad about without being terrified that they make you sad too. Be practical, talk about things and reassure her that you will carry on with your life as normal for as long as you can. It is the worst thing finding your mum in this situation. Talk to her always about totally normal things too. Mum hated being defined as a patient instead of the beautiful person she was. Spend as much time as you can with her without it interfering with your studies. Best wishes x

     

  • Hi

    So sorry about your mum .

    I've just lost my mum...I'm older than you and my mum was 80..a very active and busy lady...she was my best friend and always the person I turned to when I needed advice....she must be very proud of you and love to talk to you about everything you are doing at uni..I think that must be nice for her...she sounds like she's doing well and amazing things can happen.If you need to talk sometimes it helps to talk to someone you don't know and Macmillan have a support line who will help talk things through...it's not easy but it's important to take one day at a time.Take care of yourself too

  • Thankyou for your words. My Mum is 65 with terminal peritoneal mesothelioma. I will take your advice