Welcome to the Cancer Chat community J29 although I'm very sorry to hear about your mum.

I can't begin to imagine how tough it must be to see your mum go through this, especially as you've been on this journey before, but I'm glad you've joined us as many of our members have been in this position with their loved ones so know how challenging this time can be and hopefully some of them will be along soon to offer their support and advice.

If you'd like to find out more about the palliative radiotherapy your mum has been offered and how it may help her do be sure to give our cancer nurses team a call on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

I'm sorry I can't be of more help to you at this time but I hope it helps to know we're thinking of you and sending our strength and support your way.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi J29.

we are in a very similar situation too with my dad. He has advanced oropharyngeal cancer. He's been in hospital for 3 weeks now and has had a RIG tube fitted as he can't eat or drink anymore, he's slowly putting on weight too thankfully, he was just over 6 stone when he was admitted and now just over 7. 2 days ago he had his 1st palliative radiotherapy session   and he seems ok, we're not sure when he will have his next but I felt the need to reply as I feel we're both in very similar situations. Hopefully my Dad will be home today where he'll be receiving palliative care from nurses and my mom will be looking after him too. 
Just want you to know I'm here for a chat if you feel the need, and I hope you and your mom are as well as you can be. Take care x

Thank you :) 

Hi,

Aww thank you, very sorry to hear about your Dad too :( it's just grim isn't it. Has he had any more radiotherapy sessions? How is he coping with treatment? my mum has finished her course of radiotherapy, they offered her 5 sessions over 5 days. She is soo tired and now struggling to drink fluids as she said everything tastes like poison, even water so we are pretty much fully using the PEG tube now. She wasn't keen on the idea but she's had to give in. We don't have any palliative care team involved at the moment not sure if they will at some point? We go back to see the Consultant on the 2nd of Dec. Take care x

Hi j29 and thank you so much for your reply.

well lots has happened since I last posted. My dad was blue lighted back into hospital just over a week ago as he couldn't breathe. We discovered he had fluid on his lung and he's now been diagnosed with pneumonia and that's now his main diagnosis. He's home now as he didn't want to spend any more time in hospital, so he's home now, on oxygen with my mom as his carer for his final time with us. He's too sick for radiotherapy so he never actually received any in the end, we were under the impression he already had one session but this wasn't the case. 
I'm happy that your mom has had the chance at radiotherapy and although there are nasty side effects I sincerely hope it makes her more comfortable. I'm sure the gp prescribes some medication to help with side effects but not sure what sorry. Sending love and best wishes to you and your mom, take care too and keep in touch x
 

My lovely Dad lost his fight last night 11/11/21

Hello Onlychild

On behalf of the whole Cancer Chat team, please accept our condolences on the passing of your Dad. We know that this will be a difficult time for you and want you to know that the Cancer Chat community is here to offer support. 

Thinking of you at this sad time. 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

I'm soo sorry to hear about your dad and how things had changed so quickly. Thinking of you and your family during these difficult times and sending you a virtual hug x

This forum has been brilliant and supportive, there really are some lovely people on here. Thank you to you and your wonderful team for your kind words. There will be some tough times ahead indeed. We've still got his bed and equipment in the living room which we're hoping someone will get these things soon. It's all quite painful to see