My mother was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the doctors decided it was best to not check what stage the cancer was at or to treat mum e.g., chemotherapy. Moving back to her care home from the hospital mum became very agitated and delusional. She has not been eating or drinking well hence being in the hospital in the first place. Mum is now more settled and not delusional. Mum's dementia means more for short term things but also that she gets confused easily and does not like questions. However, mum recognises everyone and there are very much moments of clarity.
We are pretty sure that mum does not know she has cancer, though as I say she is very much still with us and there have been palliative care visits with coded conversations that would not take much to de-code.
Nevertheless it is the general opinion of the family to tell mum. So, impossible question I am sure but are there some general tips on how family approach family with news such as inoperable cancer, where we do not know the stage?
Many thanks.
We are pretty sure that mum does not know she has cancer, though as I say she is very much still with us and there have been palliative care visits with coded conversations that would not take much to de-code.
Nevertheless it is the general opinion of the family to tell mum. So, impossible question I am sure but are there some general tips on how family approach family with news such as inoperable cancer, where we do not know the stage?
Many thanks.