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Stages 4 lung cancer spread to brain

Jesstar
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Hi there

My mum was diagnosed with lung cancer 06.08.2021.  A week later She then went downhill, was admitted to hospital where they found it had spread to her brain.  A shunt was fitted,biopsy of lung cancer taken and treatment in tablet form given for the cancer.she has been living at home with carers etc (im 300miles away and this is a whistle stop description of what is happening).

 

in the last few weeks she has lost just under a stone.she is not wanting to eat 'doesn't fancy anything' altho she is drinking pints of milk.  Her diabetes is off the scale tho (high) even tho not eating anything.so she was admitted to hospital yesterday after regular check up at hospital.

Mum has been talking about her funeral the last week in nearly every conversation.  Has been sleeping a lot more. Clumps of hair are falling out and obviously this considerable weight loss.

i am obviously thinking we are probably close to the end but I need some guidance.I'm 300 miles away with two kids and husband....do I just go and try and be with mum...but I don't know how long for etc? Or do I sit tight as I can't actually do much and we don't know, it mite be that mums meds need asjusting more etc?

any examples of peoples experiences would be great fully received.

thanks Jess

  • Hello Jesstar

    I'm sorry to hear about your Mum's diagnosis and the situation that you find yourself in. It's understandable that you may be feeling anxious and unsure about what to do for the best. 

    As your Mum is currently in hospital are you able to speak with someone involved with her care for an update on how she is and what the prognosis is looking like? This may help you to make a decision about travelling to see her. 

    Hopefully, some of our other members will post to share their experiences and words of advice with you but I'll leave you with a question that may help you to make your choice. If something were to happen to your Mum and you'd not been to see her, how would you feel? There of course is no right nor wrong answer. Some people may be at peace with that decision whilst others may have regrets about the choices they made. Only you know what is right for your circumstances. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline

    Hi Jess,

    I am sorry to read about your mum's diagnosis and the horrible traumatic situation you are in. 

    My mum also has lung cancer and was diagnosed 3 years ago and has had 2 rounds of chemo and radiation, and started immunotherapy in December however she has deteriorated so much this past month and was also admitted to hospital and needed blood transfusions and her white cells were low and she is now  suspected of brain mets from the lung cancer, she cannot walk, is barely eating and sleeping for around 20 hours a day.

    I have no advice to give you regarding what to do but I  just wanted to reach out and send you my love.

    Sarah xx

     

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Hi Jess

    I'm sorry to hear about your Mum. My Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer last November which had also spread to his hip. We recently found out that he now has brain mets and the oncologist has said he has a few months. 
    He moved in with us when we found out and also has diabetes like your mum and it is so hard to manage with everything going on. 
    Last week we had a chat with the hospice nurse and although it was hard, it helped answer a lot of questions and my dad feels better for going through things and knowing his wishes have been heard.

    Its really hard to keep going with everyday life and support them too. At the moment Dad is quite right but when he is feeling worse it is really hard to see him like that. The hospice care have been brilliant and it's reassuring to know they are there for us and Dad.

    xx

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