Hi all my mum has terminal brain cancer we found out 2 weeks ago. Some days she is chatty and said she is going to fight this and then next day is planning her funeral its kind of like having whiplash. Please is this normal and how can I help her thank you xxx
Hello Stephanie.
Welcome to the Marie Curie Community.
I am very sorry to read about your mum and I am pleased you have felt able to contact us.
I can assure you that what you are experiencing, and how your mum is behaving, is completely normal.
Some people who have experienced similar situations have said it is like being on a rollercoaster, with wide ranging emotions and it can be extremely tiring.
It is understandable that you would like to help your mum during this time. Your mum is probably working through complex thoughts and feelings, and you are there to listen to these.
We have some information on our Marie Curie website about talking to a loved one about their future https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/terminal-illness/planning-ahead/talking-about-future-plans
Also, our pages on how someone diagnosed with a terminal illness may feel and how you can support them may be helpful for you-
http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/diagnosed/practical-emotional-support/coping
http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/diagnosed/practical-emotional-support/supporting-someone
It is important that you can talk to people, should you wish to.
Hopefully, other members of the Community will feel able to share their experiences with you. In the meantime, please do use this as a safe space to express your thoughts and feelings.
We are here to listen and to provide you with a space to share.
If you would like to call us our number is Freephone 0800 090 2309.
Thinking of you
Alexia
Support Line Officer