Coping with a terminal illness diagnosis

Hello, 

I have just come across this forum and wanted some advice. Just over a month ago my Mum was diagnoised with terminal cancer of an unknown primary which had spread excessively into her liver. It was out of the blue and I am completely heart broken. We were told without treatment she would have 3 months to live or 9 if she undertook chemothearpy. She decided to begin chemo to attempt to have more time with me but has recently started to experience the side effetcs. I am completely lost. I lost my Dad 5 years ago and my Mum was my rock throughout the bereavement. 

I can not imagine my life without my strong, independent Mum who is changing daily. I am 22 and I am facing life without both my parents and I am beginning to struggle with the reality. I have no idea what I am going to do.

Reading these forums has made me realise I am not alone in how I am feeling. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

 

Ellen x 

  • I'm pretty new here myself but hopefully someone will be along soon with some advice.

    I couldn't read and run. so i'm sending you a virtual (((((HUG)))) to let you know your not alone.

    xxxxxxx

  • Hi Ellen, I'm so sorry to read that your Mom has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. At 22, you should be able to have your Mom in your life for many years to come, but this is one of those times that life just doesn't seem fair. I think we all know that in all likelihood, our parents will die before us, but usually, that doesn't happen until our parents are well into senior years and we are mature adults. For you, to be losing both parents at such a young age, is really tragic. I hope you have siblings that you can give and receive support with that will make this difficult time a bit easier. I'm sure there are other members of the forum who are, or have been in a similar situation as you and hopefully, they will come forward to connect with you. In the meantime, reach out to other family members and let them know how hard this is for you.

    Sending hugs.

    Lorraine 

  • Hi Lorraine, 

     

    Thank you for your reply, life does seem pretty unfair right now especially with knowing people who are in their 40's who still have both their parents. I always imagined that I would be married with kids when the time came to say goodbye to my Mum and it kills me that she may never see me walk down the aisle or see her grandchildren. Sadly the rest of my family are fairly distant and I am an only child. I do however have a wonderful boyfriend and close friends who have been amazing. I am so scared and some days I feel like I am completely alone. Thank you again for taking time to read my story. 

    Lots of love x 

  • Hello, 

    Thank you for your virtual hug! Cancer can feel a scary and lonley place at times and it's lovely to know there are people around like this who support each other without neccessarily knowing them personally. 

    xxxxx

  • Sending you love Ellen.  I will be thinking of you and your mum. X

     

  • I didn't want to read and run either so wanted to say I'm so sorry and it's not fair at all what you are going through at the age of 22. Thinking of you and sending you a big hug Xxx

  • Hi Ellen, 

    I'm Georgia and I'm 20. Last month, I lost my dad to metastatic bowel cancer after a short 9 week battle. I can't even image what you're going through right now, but I just wanted to say I'm here if you need someone to talk to! 

    Spend as much time with your mum as possible, every day counts. Make sure she is as comfortable as possible, which I'm sure you are already! My dad did not get the opportunity to start chemo, so I don't have experience on the side effects, but researching ways to make her feel better could help. 

  • Hi Georgia, 

    I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Nine weeks is barely time to get your head around a diagnosis never mind having to go through the bereavement. Thank you so much and likewise if you need anyone to. I lost my Dad at 16 very suddenly but not Cancer related and I never had time treasure him as I should have done, life really is unfair. 

    I am trying to make every day count whilst not letting the Cancer rule our lives. I hope you're coping as well as can be throughout your own difficult time. 

    Ellen x 

     

  • Hi there, I'm really sorry you find yourself in this position.  It's really hard having to imagine what your life is going to be like. I tortured myself wondering this too, although it was only for 3 days as that was the time between diagnosis and passing, it was hell knowing my future didn't include my dad.  The forum is very good in helping you through these difficult times as there are lots of people who have experienced the same as you. We live in a cruel world at times and life is so very short. When the times comes you just take each minute, hour and day as it comes and somehow survive. It's so hard as you already know.  Can your mum help you with some decisions for your future? I sometimes feel a comfort knowing my dad knew of some of the plans I had in place for my future... as strange as it seems. Take care of you and your mum xxx