Lung cancer and coronavirus

Hi this is the first time I've posted here but just looking a few opinions on what to do. 

My mum was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer just before Christmas, she doesn't know life expectancy but I do. I'm less than 1 year married and have 2 brothers both living out of the house so mum is currently living on her own. She is doing good day to day and still living relatively normal. With the coronavirus situation she is shielding for 12 weeks and the thought has crossed my mind of should I go and be with her for the 12 weeks. However I'm worried about leaving my husband for so long and just not sure what to do! I am thinking of self isolating with my husband for a week at a time and then being able to go to mums for a few days to keep her company and make the most of the time we have while she is still feeling good. I'm just very aware that 12 weeks is a long time when you've got incurable cancer and things could change quickly.

Any help would be great, or just words of encouragement. Helpful to know if I'm not the only one in this type of situation. Thanks so much!!

  • Hello cmisk20

    Welcome to the forum although I'm very sorry that you find yourself here. It's a difficult situation that you find yourself in. If you've not already done so then please do read through the PHE advice on Covid19 which you can find here.

    I would also suggest speaking to your Mum and husband about the situation before making any  decisions. 
    In the meantime would it be possible for you to contact Mum via video call (e.g. Facetime, WhatsApp, Skype)? This would be one way that you could give Mum some personal contact if it was possible. 
    I'm sure that there will be others here who are in similar situations and I hope that they post to share their thoughts and suggestions with you. 
    If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses then please do give them a call. They are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hi. I’m in the same situation with my dad but I have to visit daily as he too lives on his own & relies on me for making meals, medication & shopping, cleaning etc. With the weather starting to get nicer I’m assuming you are delivering her shopping- could you not sit outside 2 metres away & chat to mum through the window? You are allowed to visit if you are helping to care for someone . It’s not easy. My dad is prob in his last week of life & nobody has been able to visit apart from me it’s such a horrible time & there are no easy answers. Take care x