My mum has terminal lung cancer

I'm 17 and my mum has just been told the lung cancer she has is terminal. My mum is 55 and was diagnosed with lung cancer in June. She got told that it couldn't be cured however it could be treated and the growth could be slowed so she was given chemotherapy. The doctor gave her 2 types of chemotherapy and the whole treatment  lasted 8 hours. She then had to have 2 blood transfusions the following day after her chemotherapy. My mum was really sick after chemo. She didn't eat for 3 days and anything she did eat, she brought back up. The tablets she was given didn't help. Around a week later she was rushed into hospital because she had an infection. My mum was so confused. She had no idea what she was doing and she can't remember any of it due to the infection she had. She had to be put back on a  drip again to get fluids into her. Afterwards my dad spoke to the doctor and he said my mum only has a few months to live because her cancer is terminal but they will give her some radiotherapy. I don't know what to do because I don't want to lose my mum. If I'm honest I am not coping too well and I would love it if people could give me advice. Or even just tell me their story. I am a believer that talking helps and im just trying to make my mums life easier but it's really hard knowing what the doctor said. I just keep praying he is wrong. 

 

 

 

  • Hi Faith,

    Welcome to this friendly forum allthough I am sorry for the reason you find yourself here. I Was a lot older when I was in a similar situation, My mother had breast cancer which spread to her brain over nine years ago. It so tough wacthing someone you love suffering from cancer and also dealing with the treatments. I felt I was so helpless as there was nothing I could do to stop the cancer spreading. So many people do not realize how cancer doesnt just affect the patient; it affects the whole family and friends as well. 

    I dont think any of us cope to well but you are so right when you say talking helps. I hope just by writing about your fears and feelings on here will help. There are some wonderful people on here who know the painful journey that you are going through so keep talking for it's natures safety valve.

    Sending best wishes to you and your mother, Brian.

  • Hi Faith

    Just wanted to add my welcome and know all too well how hard it can be to come to terms with the terminal diagnosis/treatments that this brings to a family.  I was considerably older when dealing with this diagnosis (for my husband) and know how much we struggled as a family unit to get our head round it.  I don't suppose we ever really want to accept it but I agree that talking about it can be a help (as well as writing it down). The forum offers us all somewhere to come and share those fears and frustrations.  I hope the treatment that  you Mum is due to have will help her feel more comfortable.  Talk with her as you normally would. My husband much preferred to know what everyone was up to rather than focussing on the cancer.

    Advice is difficult to give at times like this as everyone's experiences/journies are different but take time for  yourself, allow yourself to show emotion (its a release) and take all the support offered to you. Sending a virtual hug. Jules54