Lung cancer - what happens in final months of life?

Hi, I've posted on here about mum (62) who has lung mets (liver, lower back). Diagnosed two weeks ago tomorrow. 

Yesterday we were told she's too weak for treatment (as expected) but can have radiotherapy for her back and chest to help with the pain. We haven't been given a time frame of how long she has left but all care is being passed to the hospice. They are caring for her at our home, just coming in as and when needed at the moment. Nothing major happening besides adding frames in the bathroom. Currently doesn't need nurses to fully care for her as me and my sister are around, plus my dad.

Her pain/tiredness/weakness levels keep changing. Genuinely thought she was dying twice last week but the last few days her appetite is back, she's joking around and acting normal. However, the pain in her back is worse, she's barely mobile to be honest (I help her wash, get dressed etc). She's lost control of her bowel a couple of time but unsure if this is due to laxatives?

Just wondering if anyone has some significant signs to watch out for when she has weeks left? It's so hard to tell what to watch out for as she's so up and down. I worry that she's going to lose complete mobility before radiotherapy starts (not for another 3 weeks!!). Should we push for an urgent referral?

We have a final holiday booked for early June and I'm praying she is still around for it. All she wants is to be with her family, sit in her little bungalow for a week and relax with a glass of wine :(

Thank you x
 

  • Hi popcorn,

    'I'm so sorry about your news that your mum is suffering from this dreadful condition, and so young I'm the same age and I know exactly how your feeling.

    i lost both my mum and dad to it and have you tried talking to the Macmillan nurses they are so good, I cared at home for them both and it's so hard and tirering. Macmillan will be with you all the way and they explaine exactly what stage she is at.

    i would say take each day as it comes as everybody is different, and video mum as much as you can as one day you will cherish those and your be glad you took them.

    thinking of you all

    sue

     

     

    laugh with your mum and enjoy every minute she's still with you and cherish every minute, and don't forget your dad as he's most likely been with mum for years and men don't show their feelings very well so a little cuddle here and there wouldn't go a miss.