Hi there ... 

I think they are on some oncology wards ... but no one I know had a designated McMillan nurse ..

Though if you go on their home page .. you can read what they do ... and call them on their number .. that's what l did a couple of times and they really helped me ... you could always ask them what they are doing in your area ... they may have some things going on to help ..

Hope that helps a little ...  Chrissie x

Hi there ... 

I think they are on some oncology wards ... but no one I know had a designated McMillan nurse ..

Though if you go on their home page .. you can read what they do ... and call them on their number .. that's what l did a couple of times and they really helped me ... you could always ask them what they are doing in your area ... they may have some things going on to help ..

Hope that helps a little ...  Chrissie x

Thanks for reply Chrissie

My mam got a call from a MacMillan nurse today asking if she could come out to visit her tomorrow.said my mams gp had referred her over.i personally have only known them visit at home near end of life.

Thanks again

Hi ya ..

So glad you got a call .. I used to volunteer for McMillan, and visit people with cancer ... it wasn't for end of life .. they wanted someone to chat too .. tell her your worries and I'm sure she will put your mind at rest ... try not to over think it .. though easier said then done ...but at least your getting your own one to help ...  

Chrissie x

So reassuring to read this.mams diagnosis was only 4 weeks ago and the shock of being told she didn't ask anything and the worry and unanswered questions is really effecting her.thank you so much for taking your time to reply to me

Nicola x

Hi there.  I hope you do not mind me coming into this conversation.  My dad met with his oncologist consultant yesterday to discuss his CT results and was told he will have 12 to 18 good months and will now be referred to McMillan nurses as nothing can be done for him.  He has cancer of the lung and the growths have increased in size.  I do not wish to bombard both of my parents as they're both in shock of tge results.  I was under the impression that the Mcmillan team was bought in near to ones end of life to make things confortable in the patients last weeks/days once they have introduced themselves.  Sorry for my ignorance x.  

Hi luv

I'm so sorry to read your news. My mam passed around 3 months after macmillan started coming to her home. She was saying it was pointless them coming as she felt fine. Don't think she realised the slow release morphine she was taking was masking any pain which now looking back was a blessing. 

Thoughts are with you 

Nicola

Evening nicola.  Many thanks for replying to my question.  My dads consultant has never said what stage his cancer is at to which I find unusual.  My dad says he feels fine in himself and is working when he chooses to so looking on he appears okay.  Im sorry that your mam passed.  My concern is that my dad feels fine in himself yet panic set in with him being passed onto the macmillan nurses. X

Hi,

Don’t worry too much as MacMillan may come in at any stage they are needed. Their role can range from advice and support to newly diagnosed patients through to end of life care.

You Dad may well have been told his stage but didn’t remember afterwards - us patients typically remember only 40% of what we’re told when we are stressed.

If he received a big batch of papers including consent forms, data sharing information, hotline numbers etc please check through it for a care plan. All cancer patients should receive a copy of this but it isn’t always properly discussed with them. It may have some unexplained numbers and letters on it like T3N3M1 this formula can be translated into staging. There’s an explanation at www.cancerresearchuk.org/.../stages-of-cancer

If your Dad gives permission for them to do so, his named nurse or MacMillan nurse will answer any questions you have about his case but he will need to consent to this first.

Best wishes

Dave 

Good evening Dave.  I really do appeciate you spending the time not only reading but also replying to my message.  I have spoken at length with my Mum and she does not recall at any point my Dad being told what stage the cancer is at despite attending all of the scans and various meetings.  My Dad too has never been informed.  I have looked on his bowel cancer letter  forn he number and letter formations to indicate the stage and nothing ia showing only where the cancerous polops are and there is no diagram on his lung cancer letter.  I will have another look in case it's been missed.  My Mum was going to get in touch with Dads consultant tonasknwhat stage is at or direct her to what letter it may be on.  My dad has 4 children and seven grand children so I'm wanting to ensure everything is answered correctly and  no unnesseccary panicking for any of us Dad included. X

That's awful - how can anyone be expected to make informed choices if they've not been given all the relevant information? 

I hope you get the information you need soon.

Best wishes

Dave

Hello Dave.  Once again thank you for your reply.  This is where the confusion lies, we have never been informed of the stage / grading not to mention used the words palliative care which is why i am confused.  I have 3 children whom each hold a brilliant relationship with him.  From day one when i broke the news to my daughters i have been very honest and told them that I would keep them in the know throughout the illness as tgey deserve the truth there's  a part of me that doesnt want tonrun the risk of them blaming me for withholding information from them.   .  I have had a reply from a Macmillian nurse based on my overview given on my profile and it makes aense in what sje explained.  Thanks again for your time Dave, kindest regards x.