Lung cancer metastases multiple sites

Never thought I'd be writing this! My mother was diagnosed about 9 years ago, successful lobectomy, home and clear...or so we thought. Past 2 months complaining of back pain, severe, worse at night, her normal pain relief ineffective and constant feeling of nausea. 
Doctors called several times, NO appointment offered, advised to take otc paracetamol. A week ago today she gave in and called 111, paramedics took her straight in to hospital. Xrays showed shadowed bits, mri on Tuesday revealed cancer in liver, spine, neck, and cervix, biopsy of liver was done on Thursday, last night she was moved to discharge ward as being "medically fit for discharge"

 

Myself, daughter, and sister visited today, mother helped to a wheelchair with permission to go for some air. Mother mentions after a bit that she feels light headed, on trying to raise her head, we notice her left eye has completely rolled, her right eye followed, she then seemed to "droop" and became totally unresponsive, crash team called never arrived so we ran her back to the ward. At this point my sister was holding her in the wheelchair whilst we ran with it, we genuinely thought she was dead at this point. We got her back, she came round slightly, was sick several times and still complaining of light headedness. 
 

Nurse at the station ignored my mother leaving my sister to get her back to her bedside, nurse caring for her checked bp which was normal. We had to push to get a doctor to check her as this has never happened before, doctor suggested an unstable vertebrae in neck could be the issue, but more likely she had too much fun while outside!

its at this point doctor actually told us she was incurable and any treatment would be to prolong life nothing more. 
In less than a week she has deteriorated, is in constant pain, is barely eating, and we still have no clue what the actual diagnosis or treatment plan is. 
 

sorry to ramble, lots of stuff in a very short period of time, we are only allowed one person visit for one hour if there is an available slot due to Covid, but none of this is helping our mother who is scared, hurting, and confused. 
 

How much should we push to ensure she is pain free, to get the answers we do desperately want, and more importantly help our mother through her final days?

  • Hello Maverick77

    I'm sorry to hear about your Mum's diagnosis and the episode that she had when you were visiting recently. It sounds like a scary experience for you all. 

    I wonder if you might find it helpful to speak to your local hospital PALS department. Their role is to offer advice, support and information and to assist in resolving concerns and problems. I'd certainly think about giving them a call in the first instance. 

    You're also welcome to speak to our team of nurses if you think it may help to talk things through with them. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I do hope that you're able to help Mum to feel more supported and comfortable. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hello thats a neglect.i would definely complain.just because someone has advanced cancer doesn't mean they have to leave her to die.

     

    Denise