How to tell

Hi, I am currently staying and caring for my mum who was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in December last year. Unfortunately she couldn't have surgery or chemo, she's now on palliative care.

Diagnosis in February when some pills were trialled but not successful was months, not years.

I have noticed a huge detioratation in the past month. Just this past week alone she is unable to tolerate much food at all, fluid intake not too bad... she wants her morphine upped as only on 1ml every 4 hours and struggling with breathlessness.

 

When she drops off for a sleep, it sounds like she's sort of moaning in her sleep... I'm just wondering who else has experienced this when caring for someone?

My gut instinct is we have weeks left, but I wonder if it's sooner... 

I'm basically just posting on here for general help/advice, as I stumbled across this page on Google....

 

Thanks  

  • Hello Mari123

    I'm sorry to hear about your Mum's diagnosis and that her condition has deteriorated so much over the past few weeks. It's understandable that you have questions. 

    We have some information on our website here and here which may help but you're also most welcome to speak to our team of nurses for some advice and support if it would help. They're available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I'm presuming that your Mum has visits from the palliative care team or the district nursing team. Don't be afraid to speak to them if you have concerns or questions as they will be able to give you a more accurate overview of your Mum's condition. 

    I hope this helps a little. Do keep in touch with us here if it helps to offload or chat with others. I'm sure the community will do its best to support you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Thanks for your reply Jenn :-)

    The district nurses are great, as is the Marie curie nurse. I know their priority is my mum though and making sure she's comfortable so I never want to ask any questions... also I'm with my mum at the time of their visits, so wouldn't want to ask certain questions in front of my mum.

    I posted on here the other night just sort of searching for an answer but I know there isn't one really as everyone is different... 

    She is sleeping majority of the day now and morphine getting increased tomorrow on tablet form. 

    Thanks again for your reply xx