Today I handed in my notice at work - I only work part-time anyway - so that I can spend more time with Dad. As my Mum has to go for her treatment for neuropathy every four weeks for a week Dad would be on his own and as we don't know how soon things are going to get worse we decided that this would be a good idea and give me a chance to spend some quality time with him too.
We went to the oncology department, got stuck in a load of traffic on the way to the hospital, dropped them off at the dept and then it took me another half an hour to find somewhere to park - rant over! We saw Dads consultant who explained that he has Stage 4 Adenocarcinoma NSCLC (2cm tumour on left lung spread to lining of the lung). He told Dad again that it was inoperable, Dad wanted to know how long he had and the consultant told him 2 - 12 months (approximately).
We waited and saw the Mac nurse who was very helpful. Dad wanted to know if it would spread to his heart as he thought that would make him die quicker but unfortunately she said it usually goes to lymph nodes, bones, liver & brain. She told us about our nearest hospice and about any benefits Mum & Dad were entitled to.
We have to go back in a month for another x-ray, to see the consultant and to see another Dr about chemo options which we aren't sure about if Dad only has a small amount of time left.
As I have been caring for Dad and live about half an hour away, my sisters live a lot further away, I talked it over with my Mum before deciding to hand my notice in - she would prefer me looking after Dad to getting a stranger in while she isn't there.
