End of life

Carrew 9 months ago

4 replies

Hi everyone. Thanks for letting me join. I was just wanting to ask a question around end of life. My Mum had sarcoma of uterus, this was surgically removed. Sadly the cancer spread to her liver, lungs, spine and pelvis. She managed 4 rounds of chemo. Unfortunately this caused so many side effects. We are months down the line now. She has just had an admission to her DGH. She to us is deteriorating. She has palliative care and district nurse involvement but nobody has actually told us she is nearing the end of life. I know this must be difficult to detect but everyone is skirting around this..... Would it be normal for someone to tell us that she is?? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you x

admin 9 months ago

Hello Carrew,

Welcome and thank you for joining our Online Community.

We’re sorry to read about your mum’s condition and all that you’re going through as a family.

As you say, it’s difficult to detect when someone is nearing the end of their life, as everyone’s experiences are different. There are some changes that can happen near to the end of someone’s life that may be signs that they are dying. We have information about these changes on our website here: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/terminal-illness/preparing/what-to-expect and https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/being-there/end-of-life-preparation/signs-of-dying including a short video featuring one of our nurses talking about the signs of dying.

You may wish to discuss this with your mum’s healthcare professionals, who are there to support both the family as well as their patients.

If you would like to chat through what to expect at the end of someone’s life in more detail, we have Specialist Palliative Care Nurses available to talk to on our Support Line. You can call us for free on 0800 090 2309 or book a call back and we'll call you.

Take good care,

Marie Curie Online Community Team

Jan1 9 months ago

Edited by Jan1 9 months ago

Hello Carrew,

My name is Jan, and I am a specialist palliative care nurse hospice based.

Firstly I am sorry to hear about your Mum's condition and the challenging time you are all going through as a family.

In addition to speaking to the healthcare professionals looking after you Mum, you may wish to call the Information and Support line on 0800 090 2309, and ask to book a nurse call back. Whilst not permitted to give advice, more than happy to listen and share information, which may be helpful for you and the family.

Take care for now

Jan

Carrew 9 months ago

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I will her nurses and look at the link above thanks. Think seem to be changing daily. The pal care team came out yesterday and will be back to see her again. My sister or myself will try to be there when they visit. Thanks again

admin 9 months ago

You’re more than welcome Carrew.

Some people find it helpful to write down what they wish to ask so that when the healthcare professionals are there they don’t forget.

If you have any other questions, would like to talk anything through, or simply need a listening ear, we’re here for you on our Online Community. 💛