Hello Emily2022

I'm sorry to hear about your Mum's health problems. It's understandably a worrying time for you all. 

We know that for many people this period of uncertainty and not knowing can be very difficult. The unknown is a scary prospect to face but often once you have a diagnosis and the information that comes with that many people find it a little easier. 

Lots of our members have found it helpful to chat things through with our team of nurses and I wonder if you might find it beneficial. I'm sure they will be happy to talk things through with you and offer any advice, information, and support that they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

Hopefully, this next round of tests will give the Consultants the information they need to properly diagnose your Mum's condition, and then you can discuss the next steps. 

Keep in touch Emily and let us know how she gets on. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hi Emily,

I'm so sorry to hear that things are tough at the moment. When you say your mum isn't able to eat, do you mean physically unable or a loss of appetite? My dad has cancer at the moment with some similar symptoms to your mum, but his symptoms were different at the beginning to what your mum has now so it's probably not the same. Have the doctors mentioned cancer or what it could potentially be? 

If you need someone to talk I'm happy to be that person. 
My advice is to not stress too much until you know what it is. It may not be cancer at all. 
 

Sending peace x 

Hello,

Thank you for take the time to respond. firstly, I am sorry to hear about your dad, I hope he has a speedy recovery and likewise if you ever need anyone to talk to! Since my original post she was admitted to hospital and has undergone tests which have confirmed it to be cancer. It has also spread to her lymph nodes. She's currently still admitted and is having more tests to determine a treatment plan. I'm happy we have a diagnosis but very nervous about what's to come...
 

Hi Emily, I'm sorry to hear that your mum has got the cancer diagnosis. Have they said why type of cancer it is? Lots of cancers are very treatable (unfortunately my dad just happened to get one which isn't).

At least now they can get the process underway of deciding on her treatment and giving it to her. 
Do you have siblings? I've found talking to my sisters to be very helpful. I suppose they're one of the only people  who fully know what I'm going through. 

Hi Snow,

It just got worse from there to be honest. We haven't been given a stage or the name of her type but we have been told they don't know how long she has left. The tumour is inoperable due to it spreading to her lungs and she can't have a stent due to the location of the tumour. She is having radiotherapy to hopefully shrink and control the cancer and a feeding tube for her nutrition. They are quite confident it will kill the cancer on her lungs but her treatment is now palitative. I do have an older brother and we both feel a bit lost as we don't know exactly what the diagnosis means. Will she live for years? Months? We just don't know. Trying to take it day by day and be strong for my mum. I haven't cried in her presence and I don't plan on doing so as she has been so strong through it all. They have said after the first round of radiotherapy they'll know more about "time" but we're just anxiously waiting at the moment. I'm praying for some good news. I hope your dad is doing well.