Support for mums with secondary or incurable cancer

If you have been diagnosed with a secondary, sometimes called metastatic cancer, we are here to help support you to live your best possible life alongside your cancer diagnosis. We recognise that this might feel overwhelmingly, but we are here for you as long as you want us.

Treatment options

Your medical team will be able to talk you through the treatment options that may help to slow or prevent further growth or spread of your cancer if that is something you wish to explore. They can also advise on ways to ease any symptoms that you may be dealing with. While we aren’t able to offer medical advice, we are always here to provide a safe space for you to talk things through. If you’re facing difficult decisions, we are here to listen and help you explore what feels right for you.

Memory making

Memory making is a lovely thing we often do without realising it; in little moments, conversations, photos and keepsakes. You might also be thinking about ways to hold onto or capture some of these memories more intentionally, so that special moments and stories can be shared with those you love in the future.

There is no pressure or expectation. Everyone moves through this in their own way and it may not feel right for you now, or it may never feel like something that you want to do. Whatever you choose is completely okay.

If memory making feels overwhelming or you’re unsure how to begin, your Information & Support Worker can be there to help, taking things at a pace that feels comfortable for you. They can support you to explore what might bring meaning for your family - whether that’s connecting with organisations who can help create a special day out for you and your loved ones or finding simple ways to preserve cherished moments.

They can also help you in creating a physical or virtual memory space to gather treasured items and keepsakes, helping you build something personal and lasting for those dearest to you.

Practical arrangements

Talking about some of the practical side of things after a secondary or incurable diagnosis can feel incredibly hard.

This might including planning adjustments or new arrangements to your lifestyle or living space, now that your diagnosis is incurable. You might also want to get some advice on speaking to your children about what your new diagnosis might mean for the future.

At some stage, you might wish to begin considering arrangements for end of life; like funeral wishes, writing a will or other legal matters. For some people this can bring a sense of clarity or reassurance, while for others, it can feel overwhelming or too painful to explore.

There is no right or expected way to approach this, it is whatever feels right for you.

If there ever comes a time when you would like to talk about any of these practical matters, we are here to listen, and if you choose, help you connect with organisations who offer gentle guidance and support at a pace that feels comfortable for you.