Cancer Research UK main site

My mother has just been told she has end of life liver cancer. How do we get palliative care started? Is it through the specialist or the GP?

Allan167
Offline

My mother has just been told that she has weeks to a few months to live. This is because of bone cancer that has spread to her other organs. 

What should I do as my next step to make sure that we get the palliative care start as soon as possible? Currently not in pain but is suffering sickness and diarrhoea. Should we contact the GP for drugs to stop the sickness and to make life more comfortable? Or would this typically be arranged by the specialist?

This is in Scotland. 

Thanks in advance. 

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat Allan167 although I'm very sorry to hear about your mother. This must have been such heart-breaking news to receive.

    I'm sure some of our members who have arranged palliative care for members of their family will share their experiences and advice with you soon, but in the meantime I hope this information we have about managing symptoms and support at home for you and your family will be useful.

    For further information and advice, our team of cancer nurses are available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very easy to talk to and will do all they can to answer your questions and guide you through this process.

    I can't begin to imagine how difficult and upsetting this time must be for you and your family, but we are here for you Allan167, and are sending all our strength and support your way.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Hi Allan167,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am so sorry to hear about your mother. When we faced this in Scotland, we found that the hospital care team put everything in place. They arranged for a hospital bed to be delivered, plus slip sheet, incontinence pads and Ensure build up drinks. We had carers coming in 3 times a day, as well as visits from our practice nurse, the district nurses and the palliative care nurse. Protocols may vary in different parts of Scotland, so ask your mother's care team as soon as you can. Her GP will be in charge of her care once she is discharged from hospital. If she is suffering sickness and diarrhoea, don't hesitate to contact the GP or tell the nurses, who can do this for you. You may find that her pain will increase or her circumstances may alter. You will probably notices these changes before anyone else. If this happens, always alert her medical team.

    We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.