Mum diagnosed with Lung cancer

This is my first time posting on here but I was looking for some advice if possible please

At the end of January 2020 my Mum was diagnosed with non small cell Lung Cancer, which we now have been informed has spread to both lungs and also her brain, the consultant have given her 12 months max.

She has had one lot of Radiotherapy approx 3 week's ago. I have noticed a huge change in the last week or so in her ability to breathe clearly (she sounds very clogged) her ankles and feet have swollen so much, her stomach has swollen so much that she's having to now wear clothes 3 sizes larger than her usual size and she is in agony with her back which is resulting in her not being able to move very well. This sounds like a silly comment but other than what I have stated above she seems her usual self. Has anybody else been in this situation? 

Due to this COVID virus I am currently able to work from home which luckily means I am with her all of the time. We also have not received a letter to state she is high risk or vulnerable which concerns me, I have spoken to her GP and they haven't helped what so ever. 

As I am new to this I was wondering if the above symptoms are classed as "normal" or "common" 

  • Hi Claire, my husband has lung cancer and I know what you are going through.  So Mum should have a dedicated cancer nurse, the information will be in her cancer record book.  Give them a call, they will help you know what is happening with Mum and advise you if things are not as expected.  Mum is lucky to have you there with her, my husband slept when he needed and ate when he was hungry, make sure she has lots of fluid as this will help with fluid retention.  We bought a real sheepskin fleece for him to sit on and to lay on in bed, that stopped sores from pressure points.  GP's can only do so much as they are not involved in the treatment.  If you need more help you can message me privately on my thread.  Kind regards, Carol x 

  • Thank you for your response Carol, it's a very scary time,we are trying to keep eachother positive in this horrific circumstance we are all facing ontop of the diagnosis, I think I am possibly struggling/worrying more due to the Virus and the fact that it's only the 2 of us, we do not have a large family.

    I'm sorry to hear about your husband, sending my love to you both x

    The sheepskin fleece sounds like a wonderful idea thank you. Mum isn't sleeping very well at all but I am making sure she has lots of fluid and stays hydrated.

    I shall have a look through all of the leaflets and record books again tonight that they have given to me and give them a call tomorrow. X

  • This must be horrible hope you get well soon Hun x