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Terminal Lung Cancer/COPD

Dan2016
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Hi All,

Firstly I just want to say I'm living in Ireland and not the UK but I came across this forum and thought it would be a good place to post as someone of you may or are going through the same situation I am.

 

My mam has terminal lung cancer and also COPD. She was diagnosed in November. I really dont know what I should be doing or how I should be feeling.

I have taken time off from work to care for her. Most of things, we do is talk and watch tv etc..like normal I guess. I dont know what we should be doing.

Regarding my feelings, I am trying to be strong as possible, maybe as I am sole carer, it takes my mind of things a little.

If anyone has any advice for me, I'd appreicate it.

Thanks,
Dan

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    Hi Dan

    I am in the same situation. My mother was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier ths year which has spread to her brain and she also has COPD. I have quit work too and am here pretty much 24/7 with her and the best things I can find to do are as you said, just sit with her, chat when she wants to, be there for when she needs something, cups of tea on tap, food when wanted and just keeping her company and making sure she feels safe, loved and looked after.  I wish I could do more, trips out etc, but she is just not strong enough. It sounds like you are doing the rights things and she is blessed to have you.

    I honestly cannot talk about feelings, I have no idea where to even start with that. I'm coping with my own feelings by gettng on with things and not letting it consume me as  need to be here and stay strong. 

    Happy to chat about things anytime you need an ear from someone in the same situation and i'm so sorry that you all are going through this also.

    Best wishes,

    Matthew 

  • Offline in reply to Warpigs

    Hey Matthew,

    Thanks for replying. Sorry to hear about your situation.

    I hope you have the people to support you and your mam.

    It's going to be tough, but we need to be strong to get through this.

    If you also need a chat about anything, let me know.

    All the best,

    Dan

  • Offline in reply to Dan2016

    The last few days things have got worse with my mam.

    She is getting sick, dizzy, loss of appetite, weak when walking and confused when doing/saying things.

    From reading the symptoms online, these type of symptoms appear when she hasnt got long.

    I'm not a doctor, just guessing. This is probably why you shouldnt look on internet for symptoms.

  • Offline in reply to Dan2016

    Hi All,

    Thanks for the replies.

    Today my mam passed away.

    I ended up calling an ambulance on Sunday night and brought her to the hospital.

    Yesterday morning she seemed to have improved, but then after lunch time up until last night she was out of it.

    She went peacefully and was in comfortable state. Im glad I got the ambulance as if she passed away at home, im not sure exactly what I would have done on my own and it would have been more painful for her I'd imagine.

    Thanks for all your replies to my questions on this forum I really appreciate it.

  • in reply to Dan2016

    Hi Dan, 

    On behalf of the Cancer Chat team I just wanted to offer our condolences to you and your family on the passing of your mam.

    I'm glad that she passed peacefully and even though she may not have been fully aware of what was going on I'm sure she would have been happy knowing you were with her at the end.

    Please feel free to come back when you're ready and let us know how you're getting on.

    We'll always be here for you if you need us.

    Best Wishes, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi,

    im a bit of a mess. My mum has had COPD for several years now. In and out of hospital.

    She had a good year and this year been in several times with pneumonia. Today I got told she has lung cancer too. This was from a ct scan. They say she is not well enough to have the camera down to take a biopsy. We have taken her home today, I need answers. I need to now how long she has. Don't know wot I am going to do without her.

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