Struggling to cope with my mother's illness.

My mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in January 2019, 10 years after we thought she had successfully beaten it. It has spread to her hip, spine and recently 3 spots were found on her liver. She's currently having weekly chemotherapy. Before COVID I would travel from London every month to see her and give her support. My way of dealing with it has always been to be involved with my mother's care as much as possible. 

 

However, recently I seem to be finding it more difficult to cope with. I find myself worrying about when my mother's Consultant will say there is nothing more that can be done for her, despite there being no indication this will happen any time soon. I have bubbled up with my mum, but due to my work as a nurse I obviously have been cautious about seeing her. 

 

I can't describe how painful it is to watch your mother and best friend slowly deteriorate and not know how much time you have left with them. I feel like I am already grieving her, even though she is still alive. If anyone is in a similar situation and has any helpful suggestions for how to stay positive I would be very grateful.

  • Hi I completely get how your feeling as I went  through a very similar experience with my my best friend /mum this time last year . My mum had lung cancer and we were not given any clear straight answers as time went by and we were left to guess . I knew I needed to be strong and support my mum best I knew how . My biggest struggle though was seeing her deteriate before my eyes and having to more or less  beg at every appointment for mums prognosis to be explained to us but it never happened which in turn caused extrem anxiety for my mum which I can honestly say was more painful to have to watch than any of it . So I had to be strong and I cud not bare to see how frightened my mum became so I stayed as positive as I poss could and it did help mum through I was there for her no matter what and I made sure she knew she was not going to go through it by herself I was right there beside her till the end . Do all you ever can but mostly make sure she knows she's not alone . X