Sorry you're all going thru this CovKid

Does your mum have  an Oncologist she's been seeing?  They Should pass you over to a Palliative Dr who would give you more guidance I'm sure

And what about GP?  You need more support in the coming weeks and if you knew who to contact that would put your mind at ease a bit

No oncologist. Mum spoke to a consultant in June. Was rushed to hospital 2 days later. Kept in forva week. Scanned. Told she had terminal cancer with a 3 month survival prognosis. Sent home. In and out over July and August with pneumonia. After last admission we were told there was no point her going back in.  We keep being promised support - specialist palliative carers were supposed to come in 4 time daily but then we're told there's no capacity. Our local district nursing team have been frankly woeful. 

As a family we've had to come to terms with mum's diagnosis and survival prognosis in a very short space of time. Me and my sister split her care between us. It's the blind leading the blind currently. 

Hello and thank you for your post.

I have replied to a post form you before so I know a little about your mum's situation. I am very sorry to hear that she is more poorly.

I can see that she has carers coming in every day and a district nurse coming in weekly. I think you may be concerned that she is not getting enough support particularly as she now is getting confused and breathless. 

When someone is in the last few weeks of their life it can mean that the gradual decline in health sees people becoming less active and sleeping more, perhaps getting disorientated and possibly confused and developing symptoms associated with their cancer.  This may explain why your mum now has a hoarse voice and shortness of breath but there could be other reasons for these symptoms (for example infection)  so it is important that you let her nurse or GP know about it.

As your mum's health declines it may become a changing situation and means that as the time goes by your mum's needs will differ. I know I have mentioned the community palliative care team (often known as the Macmillan) team) before, I wonder if this service is available and if your mum has been seen by this team. In some parts of the UK the district nurses carry out this role. While these nurses do not provide hands on care (like a hospital based nurse) they provide support, and expert symptom control and can often communicate with other health professionals to ensure the best care for someone.  

I am afraid to say that the NHS and hospice care is usually not able to offer around the clock nursing care for anyone in their home.  However, in some areas of the country a night nurse service might be available. These nurses can be provided by the charity Marie Curie or some district nurse services are able to offer this. Do ask your mum's district nurse or GP about this. In a few areas of the UK the local hospice offers a hospice at home service, this is when nursing care is given to people in the last few weeks or days in their homes.  It is similar to care that would be provided at a hospice. Your mum's district nurses or GP will know if is available. Some people, do decide that in the last few days or weeks of life that being cared for in a hospice is what they want, look here 

The charity Marie Curie has some useful information on their website about dying, look here. Our information might also be helpful to read here.

This must be a difficult and possibly a stressful time for you so do speak with he team caring for your mum.

You are very welcome to give us a call to talk this through, sometimes its easier to talk.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Caroline