Mum - Round three with Cancer

Hello, forum

My Mum has recently been diagnosed with a rather aggressive form of cancer without it being named or identified fully. Previously she had lung then breast cancer but this one,12 years later, is a bit different. She is currently back home in Ireland and well looked after by family and a palliative care team. Has anyone any experience of a Cancer returning and having to quickly move on IV Chemotherapy without a definitive statement of what it is? The rush to start  IV Chemo after the biopsy was quite sudden and I have yet to find out what cancer it is, the stage, term plan, etc. I imagine it's very jarring for her as it's been so fast to jump into Chemo without a clear statement of what we are dealing with.

It's such a whirlwind for her that the information must be hard to process as well as the therapy herself. I feel it's rather pointless trying to work out what cancer it is as google is not the most bright of environments to search for info. With a little bit of a biological background, all signs point towards Pancoast tumor given that before she went into hospital she showed physical signs of Horners Syndrome. And , as we manage this situation the flow of info around the family is limited if not a little muddled. She started on 3 days of IV chemotherapy (4hr sessions) and then will move to oral Chemotherapy when she returns home. Again, trying to work out the type and stage of cancer from these pieces of info is a challenge. Her medical team is great but it's the weekend so getting a chance to get a definitive clear response and plan probably won't come until next week. 

I suppose with all this in mind, does this ring any bells for anyone? Thank you in advance 

  • Hello Rocketman

    I'm sorry to hear about your Mum's diagnosis. It sounds like it's a difficult time for you all at the moment but it's good to know that she's being well supported by everyone. 

    Sometimes clinicians can struggle to identify the primary source of cancer and so will commence treatment based on the information that they do have. Sometimes a formal diagnosis can be made at a later date and sometimes it's labeled as cancer of unknown primary (CUP). It sounds as if the team is looking after her and trying to improve the situation. 

    Hopefully, you will be able to get hold of someone to get some clarity on your Mum's situation this week. If there's anything you want to talk through with our team of nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. I'm sure they'll be happy to offer any information, advice, and support that they can. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi Jenn,

     

    Thank you very much. Since the post I have found out that is a rather aggressive small cell carcinoma. No real understanding yet of spread or location but I am sure it will come this week. I think she is in the best of hands and the team have been brilliant. It really does feel like the sessions were a really big round 1 attack on the cancer generally and what comes next will be the more specialised form of attack post full diagnosis. Just very overwhelming for mum so the information has passed through her or been a little lost in translation. But, I have hope that the very best people are on it supporting her as well as her treatment. I really appreciate you and the team of people and what you do for families and individuals going through this experience.

    Thank you