My Aunt was dx with cancer in both breast and secondaries in the bone last july She had also been treated for early stomach cancer After diagnosis she was ill but after carefully enticing her to eat she recovered to be able to get on with life She was prescribed Femara Over the last few weeks she has lost a tremendous amout of weight and her skin is a peculiar colour I rang the bc nurse told her my concerns (I live 300 miles away)and she sent the mc millan nurse round Bloods bone scan chest xray were arranged Her appt with onc brought forward Seemingly she said the treatment was working but she wants a stomach scan As I wasnt there I am worried what is going on She has lost her appetite I went down to see her on sun home yesterday and cant beleive how ill and thin she is What can I do I feel helpless
Sue
Hi Sue – I’m so very sorry to hear about your aunt’s situation, and can understand your worry and frustration – you have already done the best you can for her by ringing the BC nurse which set in place some more diagnostic tests for her. It does sound as if she might be having some problems with her liver – the scans will give her oncology team more information, to help them put together a treatment plan for her. Is it possible for you, or another member of the family, to spend some time with her while she has the scans & tests? If not, you might want to have a talk with her Macmillan nurse about your concerns, with a view to ensuring your aunt gets the support she needs locally. And, of course, you can speak to her on the phone – when my mother was in her final weeks (she had lung cancer) 3000+ miles away, I spoke to her at least once a day when I wasn’t there with her. I think it helped her – she told me she loved my calls – and it certainly helped me to feel less helpless.
Sending you love & strength.
Marilyn x
Dear Sue
If you feel it would help, you are welcome to call our helpline. The specialist nurses on here will be able to offer you further support, information and advice, the line is open weekdays 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm. I hope you find this useful Sue.
Best wishes
Lucy