Hi, my name is Amanda, and I am caring for my Mum who has COPD and breast cancer, along with the rare condition padgets disease of the nipple. She is not able to get any treatment, so we are managing symptoms. I am finding it quite difficult to get any support. I would like some help purchasing a sofa bed so that I can stay at my Mum’s, and I would love to get a short holiday in with my Mum and my kids (adults) too. Any help or advice more than welcome xx
Welcome to the community Amanda and thanks for sharing your present situation. I’m sorry to read about your mum who is no longer able to get treatment and is coping with three different health challenges - the fact that you are managing symptoms and have practical ideas too, like a holiday and a new sofa to be present with your mum is encouraging. As you say, support is required to make this a reality and hopefully there are readers who can offer their knowledge and experience to you as a way forward. A holiday is a lovely idea and with your adult children too it can be an opportunity to bond further and make precious memories. Of course being with your mum is something you feel is important. Thanks for being so open and sharing Amanda - I’m sending kind thoughts and hoping you get some advice regarding support.
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Good morning McPhie
Firstly let me acknowledge how very difficult it must be having to cope with looking after Mum when you appear to have no external support. I am unsure where you are based geographically, but can recommend an organisation called VOCAL who are very helpful at steering you in the right direction as to possible financial help as well as being able to link you in to other such support services. Currently does Mum`s GP not offer any support by way of Community Nursing Services etc? Maybe worth having a chat with them too. Please feel free to use this forum whenever you would like to chat and perhaps my colleagues can suggest other avenues you can explore. Meantime be reassured you are doing all you can for Mum, and getting a wee break as a family sounds a very good idea. Thinking of you at this trying time.
Yvonne1
Thank you both for responding, we have managed to get a short break booked at a discounted price which is fab.
We are in Corby, Northamptonshire so not sure that VOCAL will be able to help. We have more tests getting done on Friday and once the results of that are in we will know if the palliative care team will then look after Mum or not. I am also going to ask at the local hospice that Mum attends.
Hi Amanda,
I’m sorry to read about mum’s diagnosis and all you’re going through as a family.
A holiday sounds like a lovely idea, and I’m glad you’ve managed to find one at a discounted price.
I hope the tests on Friday went as well as they could. In case it’s helpful, I just wanted to let you know that we have a nurse available to talk to on our Support Line. While they won’t have access to your mum’s medical records or be able to give advice, they can certainly talk through the results, or any symptoms mum may be experiencing. You can call our Support Line on 0800 090 2309 and ask to speak to a nurse.
You mentioned in your initial message finding it difficult to get support, please can I ask what type of support you feel would be most helpful at the moment?
In terms of financial support, we have Energy Support Officers available to talk to on our Support Line. They can provide information on energy related support, grants, and finances.
Speaking with the team at your local hospice also sounds like a good idea.
You are also most welcome to continue chatting with us here on the Online Community as often as you like 