I had an interesting phone call today. The cancer Doctor who assessed mum’s incurable cancer gave me and my family some small glimmer of hope today.

Obviously the cancer is advanced in the lung. They can only now control it and allow mum to live as long as possible with a view to getting a normal life back. He stressed that his word is not set in stone, but if she responds to treatment she could have up to another two years.

She is poorly right now, and due to that she might not get that chance. The Doctor and I spoke about mind over matter and he is a strong believer that if a patient has the strength and character to live, then it actually has quite a benefit in controlling the cancer.

My mum has that in abundance. At times in her life I have wondered if she had any inner strength, but the last few months showed that she has a remarkable energy that helps her to bounce back.

We also discussed treatment in regards to the cancer. She is too weak for chemo, but that will happen in the future. Her cancer is a hormonal based one, and she will take Letrozole (femara) which is a hormone therapy.

As far as I am aware, the breast tumour was shrinking due to that tablet. Perhaps it could be the magic tablet they spoke about. Instead of curing her, perhaps it will keep her with us for much longer.

It all depends on her, and luck.

I visited her tonight. She knows what the prognosis is and she was distressed, calling out for people who are long since dead.

However she calmed down and grabbed my arm, squeezed it tight and said she wont be going anywhere soon. She will forget she is ill and focus on gaining strength and weight.

I actually believe her. She has the will to carry on and lead as normal a life as possible during treatment. But its down to Mr Cancer and luck.

We can all sleep a bit better this evening. Yesterday was not a good day. All we knew that it was incurable and that she was very poorly.

Where there is life, there is hope.