MY HEART IS BREAKING..

I am in absolute bits. 

my mum was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer a few years ago which we believe she was given all clear.

however, since october my mum has been falling over, going funny, headaches. A lump appeared on her neck in the summer and was fobbed off for months. Told wasnt cancer and just a rogue gland. (This was mentioned many times even with ultrasound scans on her neck)

however before xmas, my mum looked like she had a stroke. Her left side went lopped sided including her face. Her back went she was in agony. I spoke to doctor for a 2nd opinion as she was told it was sciatica. The doctor did a referral for ambulance to get my mum and our world shattered in January of this year when told she had tumours in her brain. A week later, further tests found dark patches on her lung. (But she was told is didnt look cancerous, but wanted to check the small lumps on her chest cavity for cancer. 

another week later to be told the lung had a new kind of cancer.

last week they said they couldnt operate but would do chemo to reduce it.

today... she was told she had months with chemo.

we feel we have been failed by all nurses and breast cancer clinic at the hospital.

after all the symptoms, including after her breast cancer and having lumps up her arm pit and then her neck and pain.. to be told it was just side effects and scar tissue!!!

shes just turned 57, she has no life insurance, no funeral care, cant afford her mortgage payments as off sick.. no help.

my world is crashing and I dont know what to do. 

I am caring for her best I can, my dad had to go on sick to help with my mum with her personal care and needs. Hes 64 and shouldn't have to deal with this, no one should

 why isnt there a bloody cure yet?

  • Hello Klm1984, 

    This is terribly sad I am so sorry to hear about your mum it is normal to feel so upset given the circumstances. It sounds also like your mum could do with some financial advice - it would be worth investigating whether she might be entitled to government benefits or other type of financial support. You can find out more on this page about the benefits and grants your mum might be entitled to. Macmillan also have a very useful financial support tool which you can find here and you can also speak to one of their financial guides about personal finance options, such as insurance, pensions, housing costs. 

    You and your dad are doing everything you can to help your mum and I am sure she very much appreciates all your support. Do make sure though that you and your dad take some time to look after yourselves. I know it is easier said than done but it is important that you manage to take some time to breathe and recharge your batteries. We have some information here to help you take care of yourself while you are supporting and helping a loved one with cancer. 

    I hope you will hear from some of our lovely members here who have also been in a similar position before and that they will come and share their story with you. 

    We're thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi kim i can understand why your so mad, half NHS Dr's get it wrong and it's people like you and your parents who suffer. Mine is different in Feb 2016 i was diagnosed with prostate Cancer gone to lymph nodes, spine, ribs, pelvis and a lung stage 4 classed as palliative care I've kept working when i could (something to concentrate on other than cancer. Anyway my wife wasn't very well but could move around the house using furniture and were possible i fitted hand rails. We managed OK then just before Christmas 2018 she started collapsing so i had to pack in work to look after her (i was 66then) nobody was bothered to help because i was managing. Finally this year she was diagnosed with Alzheimers and parkinsons plus she's had mini strokes. Still got no help apart from a carer comes in morning to help me wash my wife.. The system wants a good shake up to many people have problems and nothing gets done. Including Dr who can't do a proper job..

    I hope you can get something sorted with your mother. And your money worries.. Best wishes......... Billy

    P.s my darling wife is 83.