Syringe Driver Experiences

Hi all, 

My mum has metastatic breast cancer which has spread to her bones, blood and brain. 

She has been experiencing quite a lot of pain recently and has been in absolute agony. She was taking morphine and then it was decided to start injecting the morphine into her. 

It has been decided that she has a syringe driver fitted today so that she has constant pain relief. Is this more than likely going to be a permanent solution? Has anyone ever had a syringe driver fitted and then taken out again? 

She is still eating and drinking although she does tend to sleep a lot. Her bloods have not been good for chemo for the past couple of weeks but there has been no discussion of stopping treatment. 

I just feel so confused and not sure if I should start preparing myself for the worst? 

Thanks so much xxx 

  • Hello Emily112

    I'm sorry to hear that things have deteriorated for your Mum recently. I hope that with the syringe driver now being fitted that she's feeling more comfortable. 

    It's understandable that you may be feeling confused and have some questions. If you don't feel comfortable speaking to the nurses who visit your Mum then please do give our team of nurses a call who I'm sure will be able to give you some information and support. They're available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • My wife had syringe drivers I think she had to  they made her feel very comfortable and relaxed obviously this could be very different to your outcome but it was to keep the pain under control and when the cancer squeezed the drugs were kicking some more my wife did die of breast cancer December last year she is 39 years old if I could do it all over again what are use them yes definitely because other people I've been talking to on here about people staying at home have told me horrible things about their loved ones at least mine was in no painI'm really sorry this is a Doom and gloom message I just feel of the doctors have recommended one is worth doing