My 91-year old mother has dementia - the exact type has never been diagnosed though it seems to present as Alzheimers. My brother has moved in with her and is her primary carer; he has a half hour visit from a carer every day and I go over for one or two nights twice a month to give him a bit of a break.
Last week my mother found a breast lump. The GP saw her the next day and she got a very quick referral for tests, which happened today. We are waiting for the result of the biopsy, but my brother has been told that it's very likely to be cancer. If so, they do not recommend surgery (my brother and I both agree with this); they could however try chemo by tablet.
I know that people with dementia are not likely to get cancer so this is possibly unusual. I'm very worried as to how things are likely to pan out. I'd really like to know if anyone has experience of caring for someone with both dementia and cancer or how we can get any advice or help as things proceed.
Mum's short-term memory is practically non-existent; this means that she will not remember her condition. This may be a benefit in that she won't get upset by it but I can see that it might present problems in other ways.
Any replies will be much appreciated!
Last week my mother found a breast lump. The GP saw her the next day and she got a very quick referral for tests, which happened today. We are waiting for the result of the biopsy, but my brother has been told that it's very likely to be cancer. If so, they do not recommend surgery (my brother and I both agree with this); they could however try chemo by tablet.
I know that people with dementia are not likely to get cancer so this is possibly unusual. I'm very worried as to how things are likely to pan out. I'd really like to know if anyone has experience of caring for someone with both dementia and cancer or how we can get any advice or help as things proceed.
Mum's short-term memory is practically non-existent; this means that she will not remember her condition. This may be a benefit in that she won't get upset by it but I can see that it might present problems in other ways.
Any replies will be much appreciated!