Hi there, I'm new to the forum, this is my first post. I've found the forum as was looking for somewhere to talk about what my mums going through at the moment, and to find support from people who may have understanding of all this.

Basically, my mum was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in October 2021. The tumour is in her lower right lung and is approx 5cm. It has also spread to the lymph nodes at the top of her chest, sitting like a saddle over the tubes where they seperate and lead to the lungs. She's struggled alot to eat, and more recently has been struggling to drink liquids too. She's been having chemotherapy since November which originally reduced the size of the tumours a little but they've stayed the same on more recent scans. 

Mum has been prescribed build up drinks as has lost a few stone in weight (she only weighed around 9 stone to start with so didn't have much to spare). She spent Xmas day and the few days following in hospital due to not being able to drink liquids at all. It turned out she had thrush in her throat which was affecting her ability to swallow alongside the swelling in the lymph nodes pressing on her oesophagus. The prescription for thrush has helped a bit, and she's been able to drink again. Getting fluids in hospital was also good for her.

A couple of weeks ago mum had a gastroscopy, where they found a different swelling in her oesophagus, and took a biopsy. We've since found out its another tumour. The consultant has said the cells look a little different to those in the lung and lymph nodes, so may be a new cancer. The mdt will meet to discuss this, and she'll probably have radiotherapy. She's had more fluids and another prescription for thrush meds to help her again this week after once again struggling to drink.

Mum is going into hospital on Tuesday to have a stent fitted in her throat. We're hoping she will be able t orestart chemo again soon, as it needed to stop for a little while due to her being dehydrated.

I'm not really sure what I need to ask or want to know, but I guess I'm just looking for any insight or knowledge you guys might have in terms of what to expect. Are there things I could talk to mum about for future - ie, if the stent doesn't work as hoped, is a peg feed a next step? The consultant hasn't given a prognosis of any kind, I guess we might get one after more chemo and perhaps radiotherapy. It's a little tricky as I live about 4.5hrs away from mum and dad. My brother does live fairly close to her, so she does have nearby family support. I've dropped down to 2 days per week at work so I can visit to support when I can, and attend appointments with her when needed. I'm trying to be as positive and forward thinking as I can for mum, but it all feels quite negative and I can't see a good outcome in the future just now.

Thanks for reading.