Hi
My mother in law has battled breast cancer for the past 3 yrs, she has had a lumpectomy with lymph removal, radiotherapy, chemo then cancer discovered in her lymph nodes again, had second operation & more chemo.
Diagnosed as terminal late last year with prognosis of 1-2yrs with treatment. In April all chemo was stopped no update on prognosis. She is suffering with lymphadema and her arm is swelling in a great deal of pain. Since April been on morphine, gradually dose has been increased since May. Cancer has now spread to her sstomach, she has been given steroids to build her strength as she may be suitable for trials. On 75mg patch, oral morphine and tablets but still in untollerable pain. In bed most days but not always sleeping still very alert.
She has a young daughter whho lives with her alone, what do I do next? Is this a slow decline and action needs to be taken for her daughters care, is it depression, is it her pain killers.
Contacted Macmillan but no real direction they asked me what I wanted them to do, but I don’t know. Her other daughter is still in early twenties, her son is not good with this. I need to be the one who’s strong and pushes things as she tends to keep people at a distance and keeps family and nurses etc seperate. she has agreed for me to speak to Macmillan nurses about the situation but I need a little direction, guidance or assurance I’m doing the right thing. Any advice?
Hi… Sorry to hear this has been left to you, unfortunately I cannot advise on this but hopefully bumping you up women will come along and give you the advise you need…
Good luck…
Love Teresa xxx
Hi Lynsey Lou
I am sure your fellow users will be along soon with valuable support for you, in addition, please feel free to call our helpline where you can speak to one of our team who can also offer you further support and information, it may help to talk things through with someone to help you to decide what help is required.
The number to call is 0808 800 6000, weekdays 9-5 and Sat 9-2.
Take care
Lucy
Hi Lynsey Lou
I am sorry to hear about your Mother in Law and her prognosis. Although I have secondary bc I can’t really offer you any advice as to your situation but may be one of the other ladies on here can? The only thing that may be a problem is that you are not directly related to her and this may mean you can’t have any (legal) say in what her treatment is? Is there a closer relative who is able to do this? It is tremendous pressure for you, from what you have said, so I would suggest that you do involve other members of her family, but obviously not her children. Sorry I can’t be of any help.
Take care
Nicky
thanks for nice comments, she was told to take 2 tablets instead of 1 and what a difference, she’s like a different person up and about. We have had her pain relief reviewed and she has started a new routine and is on morphine tablets 2 per day so we will see how it goes. Lymphadema nurse been and she has some support sleeves now which have made a difference. I know it hasn’t given her extra time but at least her time is a bit easier at the moment and she can do things with her youngest daughter and grandchildren now.