What to expect-mums’s terminal stomach cancer..

Hi all, I’ve read lots of posts but it’s my first time posting myself.

My Mum was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer(spread to lymph nodes) a couple of months ago, she’s since has three rounds of chemo(due to have 6-8 in total), but has recently had blood clots on her lung which have made her feel  very weak and breathless. Now on meds for them, and has recently had a blood transfusion due to low iron. Spent the day with her on Saturday & although needed to sleep for a while, she managed to eat a little bit of roast dinner and sat with us in the lounge for most of the day. Since Sunday though, she’s so exhausted/lacking any energy at all, that she can’t get out of bed. I’m really worried about her, have spoken to her Macmillan nurse at the hospital who has said this is quite worrying. I have no idea what I should be doing, I sit with her daily, helped her to have a bath, make her tea & offer the fortisip milkshakes, but I don’t know what to look for in terms of whether she should be in hospital? Is it the cancer doing this? Or some other symptom(we had no idea blood clots were a possible side effect and it was quite a shock) I’m just worried there’s some other thing I should be looking out for. Just desperately worried about her.

xxxx

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat, Helloworld.

    I'm sorry to hear that your mum was diagnosed with stomach cancer a few months ago and is feeling so poorly now. I can imagine that seeing your mum in this state is very worrying to you and no wonder you have so many questions.

    Hopefully, some of our members who have gone through a similar experience will come along shortly to chat with you and give advice but until then I thought I might leave you with some information from our website about stomach cancer. Also, feel free to give our cancer nurses and ask any question you may have. Their lines are open Monday - Friday between 9 a.m - 5 p.m on 0808 800 4040.

    I hope this helps.

    Wishing you and your mum all the best,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • I have no advice to offer you, but just to let you know that you're in my thoughts. My father also has stomach cancer. x

  • Hi there.  I totally understand you are worried about your mum.  Did the nurse say anything about asking the doctor who is caring for your mum?  As your mum is managing to eat and do the things you mention - with help - it sounds as though she is not in a great deal of pain although I certainly understand that the breathlessness and blood clots are worrying.  But it also sounds as you are doing the right things to make your mum comfortable.  We who post here regularly do not have any medical training - we are people who have suffered cancer themselves or who have cared for family and friends who have - I have too much experience of the latter.   I would say that you should be getting a visit from the doctor who is caring for your mum as s/he will be able to give you the best advice.  I don't know how your mum has been coping with the chemo she has been given and whether this is playing a part in her symptoms - again the doctor is the person  best placed to help.  So sorry you are having such a rough time.  Best wishes.  Annie