Mum recently diagnosed, seeing oncology next week

Hi, 

I don't know where to start really, only that I'm really scared. My mum was diagnosed last week with cancer in her small intestine that's travelled up to a lymph node in her neck (left) the consultant couldn't really tell us much other than this, he did say tho that surgery wasn't an option. And as she's so fit and otherwise well she would be an exerlemt candidate for chemo. He couldn't answer any of my questions  ie is it treatable? Can it be cured or are you just buying us time? She was booked into seeing an oncologist in 3 weeks however today has received a call saying there has been a cancellation so she can go next week instead, along with the letter from the consultant which neither of us could make head nor tail of the long words, so had to rely on

google which isn't always the best thing to do as it's frightened me more. It's all becoming very real now. I'm so scared, my mum however is very positive (which is good), I just wish I knew if it's been caught early. 

  • Hello Laalaa

    Welcome to the forum although I'm very sorry to hear about Mum's recent diagnosis and how scared you're feeling about things at the moment. 
    It's good to hear that your Mum has been told she's an excellent candidate for chemotherapy and I'm sure that the Oncologist will be able to answer some of your specific questions about your Mum's treatment and prognosis at the appointment this week. 

    We know that this period of uncertainty whilst waiting for appointments and information can be really hard for many people. It's tempting to look at Google to try and find answers but it really isn't helpful and will lead to you feeling more anxious. Try to avoid searching online for answers. 
    I wonder if you might find it helpful to have a chat with one of our nurses before Mum's appointment. I'm sure that they will be able to give you some advice and information. If you'd like to call them they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope this helps. Do keep in touch and let us know how Mum gets on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Sorry for such a late response, 2 days after the oncologist appointment I woke up with severe head pain and a dropped face, thankfully it wasn't a stroke as 1st suspected. I'm currently waiting to see a neurologist as things are no better. 
    Anyway enough bout that update on my mum, her oncologist confirmed our worst fears, her cancer cannot be cured and she is receiving palliative chemo (Folfox) she's had 1 round so far couple of days off her food, diarrhoea and fatigue side effects wise but that's all. Her appetite is back with a vengeance now tho and she doesn't stop eating. She's having 3 more rounds then another ct scan to see if it's had any effect. I always was under the impression that 'palliative' meant end of life. I'm absolutely all over the place at the moment. I keep reading so many conflicting stories of palliative chemo and I'm so confused, please any advice good or bad will be very much appreciated.