Mum Dying of Grade 4 Brain Cancer

I just wondered if anyone could help me...My Mum suffered a stroke in July which was caused by a brain tumour. Following Surgery we were told last week that they are unable to offer her any treatment because she is completely immobile and the next step is to get her into a nursing facility for her final few weeks. Mum is totally at peace with everything and almost relieved that all her suffering since July will soon be over. She even decided herself a short time ago that she didn't want to endure the treatment if all it would do is buy her a short amount of time, time which she would've have been very poorly. What I'm struggling with is people outside of the family who have known her a very long time seem to take offence or question when we say about visiting her. She has a lot of friends and it's difficult to juggle the time so everyone can see her, whilst trying to hold on to the precious alone time that we need with her and which she has repeatedly said she wants with us (Myself, My Brother and My Son). Can anyone help or advise the best way to handle this. I'm struggling to get my head around the fact that I'm going to lose my Mum, whilst trying to keep other people happy and  almost support them, when really it is myself, my Brother and my Son which need all the support at the moment  I hope I'm not coming across as unkind or unfair, just really struggling with everything xxx

 

  • I am so sorry to hear about your Mum but also very relieved that she feels at peace with her illness.  I too have incurable disease and know how she feels about spending precious time with her family.  You and your brother must just be totally honest with her friends and say that she is too poorly for a lot of visitors at the moment and wishes to spend some quiet time with her son's and grandson. You could say that you could really do with their support with practical chores like washing/ironing, shopping and cooking so that they feel they are helping their friend and her family and maybe also suggest that they write her a letter that you can read to her.

    It's a very sad time for everyone and your Mum sounds like a much-loved lady. Please remember that the McMillan nurses based at your local hospital are really brilliant at supporting you and your Mum at times like this. I am sure they would assist by talking to some of her friends for you if needed.

    Sending my thoughts to you all. Please come to the forum whenever needed and also note that the nurses here on the site can be contacted by telephone for support and information when needed. Their freephone number is shown at the bottom of this page and they can be rung Monday to Friday during office hours.

    Much love x

  • Hi Max56  firstly, I'm sorry to hear you about your diagnosis.  I hope you are coping as well as can be expected.  Secondly, thank you for your reply.  We've just been introduced to the MacMillan and Palliative teams so will certainly take your advice and pass on their details to Mums very close friends. I also agree with what you have said about being honest with everyone. I'm just so worried about offending anyone or making them feel alienated but I'm sure they do understand underneath their own worry and upset with the situation. Thank you again for your reply and I wish you all the best with everything you are going through . Lots of love xxx

     

     

     

  • If you are a caring person, and you very obviously are, it is always a worry that you may cause offence. However, sometimes in life it is okay to put your own needs first!  There will never be a more poignant time than now to remember that!

    Your Mum and yourself are what is important right now and if others don't understand that then it truly is their problem, not yours. Don't even worry about anyone else at this present time.

    Thank you for your kind words. Sending love x