The week after next my dad has his final session of chemotherapy. He will have had 10 sessions at the highest dose, which started in February. In January he was told if he didn't have the chemo, he had around 3 months to live. Now it is about to end I am terrified. He responded so well to chemo, had no sickness, and not even all his hair fell out, and his PSA is now 38 which is much, much lower than it used to be. But he also has lymphodoema which will come back quickly after the chemo stops and may prove fatal even before the cancer, as in January the fluid had already started going into his lungs and only starts draining when he has the chemo.
Even though my dad has been so much better from chemo, these past few months have been terrible, since my parents' marriage has been falling apart (they are now going to RELATE) and my sister has repeatedly tried to kill herself, and my dad has been on Prozac, but I am afraid it is about to get so much worse. I don't know how much time to expect we have left, and nobody seems to be telling us anything, but we have just filled in a disability allowance form that people who are expected to have less than 6 months get to fill in.
I am scared. I love my dad so much.
FormerMember
Hi Minuet,
I am sorry that you are having to go through this. But bear in mind, my husband got better and we had wonderful summer last year after his chemo was abondoned due to low platelets and while cell counts.
It's not surprising that your parents are finding it difficult to cope with each other, but at least they are trying to work things out by going to RELATE.
Please try to look for positive elements in your life as there are, and when you can't, come to the forum to get some support.
Try not to get too upset re the 6 months thing. I am a medical secretary and can't tell you how many patients went well over the 6 months - in fact if you read the small print - it teels you that it will run no longer than three years - meaning that some people must do it!
Hi Minuet, sorry you're feeling so bad right now, take one day at a time and try to enjoy the time you have with your dad. I know it's very difficult, especially with the worry over your sister too. Know that I am thinking about you and come back and have a chat anytime you feel like it.
You have so much going on with your life it must be difficult to get your head straight. Well done to your Mum and Dad for recognising they needed some help with their relationship, the stress you are all going throught tests all relationships to the limit.
My sister was given three months in March 2008 and thanks godness is still with us. She filled in the forms too as the time scale was similar to yoiur dads.
Treasure every moment you have with your dad, and live each day like it's his last, build those beautiful memories and for as long as he is able to enjoy them make every day special.
