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Worried about my mother

marion.r
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I live in Manchester. My elderly mother, who lives in Monmouth, phoned me last night to say that she had consulted with a GP that day and, despite being on her own, was told that she has cancer and that there is no treatment. She says that all she has been offered is an appointment in 2 weeks for a diagnosis confirmation blood test. I am completely distraught. She just kept saying that she won't get treatment because "the elderly are a drain in the NHS". My mother's entire working life was as a nurse for the NHS.

  • Offline in reply to marion.r

    Hi Marion,

    I'm so sorry to hear this. Did you get any more information from your mother about the details of the cancer? Finding out about a diagnosis is such a shock to everyone and really hard to go through, when my mum was diagnosed with cancer I really struggled to accept it and couldn't believe it could happen to such a fit and relatively young person. Hopefully when your mum has blood tests you can find out more information and any treatment which may help, they have so many different treatments and I suppose until you know all the details you won't be able to start to digest the information. It's such a worrying and difficult time for everyone. Take care xx

  • Offline in reply to chazmonty
    Thank you so much for your kind reply. Mum phoned me this afternoon. She had just had a call offering her an appointment with a consultant at a hospital, for next Tuesday, to discuss the diagnosis of colon cancer. So it seems as though something is being done for her afterall and she seems more positive. Your supportive words mean a lot. Thank you. x
  • Offline in reply to marion.r
    Hi there! It can be a shock when its first announced, but stay strong and be positive. There's so much that can be done now and noone is written off regardless of age or stage of cancer. My mum was diagnosed in May this year and given weeks to live. She has had some radiotherapy and some chemo. She's still going!!!! When I took her for her radiotherapy treatment, she thought at 70 that she would be the oldest person there. Not so at all. We got talking to a lady, 98, who had some skin cancer that was being treated. She thought they wouldn't bother with her but they do. The treatment is t always a cure but it's about treating symptoms, and prolonging life even if there is no cure. Good luck with everything, it can be a really tough journey at times but stay positive for your mum it will help her x
  • Offline in reply to Rebels
    Oh, I can't express what a comfort your words are to me - I feel so reassured by them and, in keepng them in mind, I know I will find the courage to provide my mum with all the positive support she needs. It is so helpful to know that her age won't be a barrier to the health care she deserves. Thank you. x
  • Offline in reply to marion.r

    I'm glad you got some more information and an appointment sooner. Take care and remember this forum is always here to help through good and bad times xx 

  • Offline in reply to chazmonty
    Thank you again. I am anxious to know more about what my mother is facing, in order to support her as best I can. After her appointment on Tuesday, I imagine I will need to contact the forum again and, I now know, what a help it can be. xx

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