Mum diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer

Hi,

 

Today we received the news that my mum has stage 4 lung cancer which has spread to her kidney after a PET scan. 

She was admitted to hospital a month ago with pneumonia related symptoms and had fluid drained from her heart which was sent off to be found as cancerous. 

Mum has been offered treatment (we are waiting for an appointment with an oncologist to find out what treatment) but have been told it will only prolong the inevitable.

So I guess I am looking for advice. From other people who've have family members with Stage 4 Lung cancer and going about making the best of the time we have. My work have been very accommodating regarding taking her to appointments but I would like to do a couple of holidays (in the UK) to mums favourite places. Llandudno and Whitby. I don't want anything to make her uncomfortable and I am not expecting miracles in terms of being able to do things.

What are peoples experiences of living with somebody with a terminal illness? Do we take each day as it comes? Are there any tips people could offer?

 

Thank you in advance :happy:

  • Hi Laura, I noticed no one had replied regarding Mum's diagnosis.  My husband has stage 4 lung, liver cancer he is 74 years old, diagnosed three years ago.  So really until you know what they are planning for Mum just keep it as normal as you can.  My husband hates people being upset around him and we always have a laugh and a good family get together so we aren't constantly moping about what is happening.  It's very hard for our daughters but they follow our lead, are both grown up and are there if we need them.  We just want a normal family life and won't let cancer interfere more than it has too.  I've not been able to go and see them so they come to us, the grandchildren know he's not well but they also go with the flow.  Hope this helps a little.  Post more if you need to.  Kind regards, Carol x 

  • Hi Carol 

     

    Thank you so much for your response and helpful advice. I also hope you and yours are doing well. 

    We have our appointment with the oncologist on Tuesday. I have a million and one questions for when we get there. 

    I am putting on a brave face and trying to not show mum how I worried I am, I want to make the most of every little thing. Does your husband have treatment? If so how does it make him feel? (I know everyone is different) just as a rough guide.

    I'm worried about mum slipping into a routine. The past few days I'm asking if she wants to go for a run out in the car, just for a coffee or an ice cream but prefers to sit indoors. I'm worried that this will hinder her even more in regards to breathing.

    Kindest regards,

    Laura x

  • Dear Laura, I don't know how old Mum is but my husband was 72 when diagnosed and is now 74.  He had chemotherapy which he coped with but there were problems obviously but we got through it, then radiotherapy whuch shrunk his tumour to stage 3.  This year at Christmas he had a scan and it had grown again and secondary mets in his liver.  We were offered immunotherapy and he's had that every 21 days since February and as yet no scan but he's doing well.  I truly think you need to let Mum cope the best as to how she feels each day.  Don't give up encouraging her to go out, I had to do that but he's my husband and he knew better than to argue!!  It's such a lot to take in and minds go into overload which is tiring in itself.  Think of when you've had a busy day, answering phones, working, trying to carry on as normal it's exhausting for you so imagine how Mum feels.  Let me know how it goes and if I can help you I will.  Carol x