REAL LIFE STORIES
Meet the mums we support and read their stories
WHO WE ARE
Meet the mums we support and read their stories
The news of a pregnancy or a recent birth is an exciting time for all prospective and existing parents. It can, however, be cruelly interrupted by the news of a cancer diagnosis and the worry that this brings to both you and your wider family.
Mummy’s Star has been set up specifically to offer support if you find yourself in this situation and we hope that by providing comprehensive information and links in this section, it will help you to get the support you need, access services that are available to you but most importantly know that you are not alone when you are going through this.
The information contained here is reviewed on an ongoing basis and will also be added to as new information becomes known about cancer in pregnancy. Likewise, as we receive more enquiries, we will add to the FAQs section in order to be able to try and answer as many of your questions in one place as possible.
Please contact us here and we can discuss more specifically how we can support you and your family.
REAL LIFE STORIES
Meet the mums we support and read their stories
WHO WE ARE
Meet the mums we support and read their stories
PREGNANCY | BIRTH | LOSS | BEYOND
CANCER SUPPORT IN & AROUND
If a cancer spreads and becomes secondary, metastatic or incurable, we still offer you all our usual support, including a dedicated Information and Support Worker who can help process the emotional and psychological impact of your diagnosis, and access to our online peer-support Forum.
In addition, we can also offer you:
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memory making support (including a memory box)
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an online space where you and your loved ones can build a virtual memory store for the future
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guidance in making end of life preparations, including financial and funeral plans
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support in choosing and accessing the right palliative care
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referrals and signposting to additional sources of bereavement support
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articles and advice specifically related to incurable cancer
Please note: we are not a counselling service or a crisis support service.
If cancer cells spread to other parts or organs within the body than the original diagnosis, this is known as secondary cancer, also known as metastatic ('mets'), secondary or stage 4 cancer.
Unfortunately, this now means that the cancer is no longer curable.
Living With Secondary Cancer
There are still a variety of different treatment options available in this situation, depending on where your cancer has spread, to control and prevent further growth or spread of secondary cancer. Treatment can continue to be given as long as it remains effective and is being well-tolerated. Many people continue to live well with secondary cancer.
End Of Life Support
End of life care supports an individual to live as well as possible until they die, and to then die with dignity. It also supports the family and friends who are part of that journey, including bereavement support afterwards.
Open and honest conversations around an incurable prognosis and end of life isn’t easy, but are important for everyone involved. They can ensure everyone receives the support they need and encourages open discussions about other services, options and support that may not have previously been considered.
#CPAW2021 - 'When Cancer Cannot Be Cured'
For Cancer and Pregnancy Awareness Week 2021 we focused exclusively on the lived experience of secondary cancer as shared with us by the mums, parents and families we support.
The week's content covered topics such as:
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Language
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Loss and change
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The importance of connection
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Supporting someone living with incurable cancer
