Dealing with cancer diagnosis

My mum was diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2017 she’s been through so much chemotherapy then radiotherapy she’s been so unwell following both of them, we have found out she now has brain mets and I feel totally hopeless and vet low in mood. I am a health professional and deal with this everyday in work but I can’t seem to cope in my personal life. I come from a very close family and have great support from my husband and friends. I just feel I need to be very strong as I’m the nurse but I am finding this really difficult to cope with plus I am the eldest sister. Just looking for some support really and advise I’m feeling very low in mood but don’t want to burden my family as we are all going through so much. 

  •  Hello,Misha

     My Dad found out in july he has lung cancer. Did chemo and Radiation.  After tests  its met to bone , both lungs and multi lymph nodes . Just started Tecentriq and declined to check if met to brain. 

      I too am very down with all that is going on. You are allowed to feel differently about this. Its not a stranger, its you mom. Your just as frustrated,upset, afraid and Mad as any daughter should be.  You probably always handles anything and everything.  Right now you need to allow yourself to let others handle stuff and let your family know your as lost as they are. 

      I have friend who is a nurse. She said its very hard to take off the work hat. Yet at times you need to .

    T

  • My dear Misha; sorry about your mum being so ill.  Your work - apart from giving you more technical knowledge - has no bearing to your response to your mum's situation.  When it comes down to it first and foremost we are all human with the same reactions.    Also if your siblings are adults I think everyone should chip in.   Of course if you are someone who is used to being organised and sorting things out they may automatically think you (a) want to do this, and (b) would be better than them.  Well, we learn by practice so don't let yourself become overwhelmed. This is a difficult time for the entire family, yourself as much as anyone.  I don't of course know where you all live in relation to your mum's home and if your dad is still with your mum all of which has a bearing on who is doing what!