Trying to understand diagnosis

Hi, my mum has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and emphysema. We've been told she has an 8cm tumour and the cancer has spread to her lymph nodes. Realistically what kind of life expectancy are we looking at? 
What can we do to support her? She's sticking her head in the sand pretending it's not as serious as it is, but I don't feel hopeful. Do we need to start having difficult conversations about funeral wishes etc...?

Parents
  • Welcome to the Cancer Chat community Millie although I'm very sorry about your mum's diagnosis.

    Unfortunately we cannot advise on time frames but if you'd like to get a general idea of how long your mum may have it would be best to discuss this with her medical team (if you have her permission to do so). 

    Hopefully some of our members who have been on this journey with their loved ones will offer their support and advice to you soon but whilst you wait, I hope this information we have for family, friends and caregivers will help you support your mum at this time.

    If you'd like to talk things through with our team of cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Reply
  • Welcome to the Cancer Chat community Millie although I'm very sorry about your mum's diagnosis.

    Unfortunately we cannot advise on time frames but if you'd like to get a general idea of how long your mum may have it would be best to discuss this with her medical team (if you have her permission to do so). 

    Hopefully some of our members who have been on this journey with their loved ones will offer their support and advice to you soon but whilst you wait, I hope this information we have for family, friends and caregivers will help you support your mum at this time.

    If you'd like to talk things through with our team of cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Children
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