Eating, drinking and sleeping

Hi Dondons338

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name is Fiona and I’m one of the Macmillan cancer information nurses.

I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s recent diagnosis of lung cancer. It may be that the deterioration that you mentioned is partly due to the chest infection. So, it’s good to read that he has started on antibiotics.

It’s important to let his GP and cancer team know about any worsening symptoms or new symptoms so that they can assess him, and give him the support and treatment he needs.

You may find our booklet on eating problems and diet useful. His GP may be able to prescribe build up drinks to help with his nutritional needs if required.

You may find that the Irish Cancer Society have information that is useful for you. As a UK cancer charity, we are only able to give information about the healthcare system in the UK.

Supporting someone with cancer can be emotionally and physically exhausting. It’s important that you also take time to look after yourself. You will also find support from others on the online community. You might like to look at the carers forum, and the family and friends forum.

I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

Best wishes,

Fiona P,

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref/LZD

Hi Fiona thank you for your email. 
My dad currently isn't undergoing any treatment at the moment as he was unable to attend his biopsy today as he is too unwell so I am not too sure who his cancer specialist is, I have let the GP know what's going on 
My dad lives in Northern Ireland so would I still have to contact the Irish cancer support? 
I am worried about when I go back home on Sunday are there any services that would be able to support him when I go as I am worried about him eating and drinking when I am not here? 
He is now on codine  just still sleeping so much is this normal? 
I am struggling at the moment I just don't know how to help him and feeling like he is just giving up. 
I am sorry to burden you I just don't know who else to talk to but will follow the links you have provided 

thank you, 

Donna 

Hello Donna

Thanks for getting in touch with us again. I am sorry to read that your father is still unwell and drowsy. Here at the Macmillan Support Line, we can give general information and support. We are independent from the NHS and don’t have access to medical records so we can’t give personalised information.

With any new, worsening or changing symptoms we would always recommend that you contact the hospital team looking after your father or his GP straight away. As the GP surgery is now closed, you need to contact NHS direct or 111. NHS Direct is the Northern Ireland NHS 24 hour support service and they can assess your father and give medical advice.

Our service is now closed but tomorrow you can contact us by phone on 0808 808 0000 from 8am to 8pm and we can advise on where you can get further help and support for your father and yourself. You can also contact your father's GP again and update them on the situation so that they can advise on appropriate support. 

I hope that you are able to get the help that you need this evening but please feel welcome to contact us tomorrow and we can help further.

With best wishes

Debbie

Hello Dondons338

Just getting back in touch. I hope your father feels a little better today having started on antibiotics.

I am not sure if you called our support line today as suggested, I hope you did and was able to get information and support with regards to your dad’s situation.

The Irish Cancer Society may only cover the Republic of Ireland, or it may extend to  Northern Ireland, but Macmillan’s services are available in NI hospitals across the region.

You mentioned being worried about leaving your dad on Sunday to come back to England. Hopefully you have now spoken to your dad’s GP and some support has been set up regarding his symptom management.

If you haven’t called our support line, please do consider giving us a call – we are here till 8pm each evening.

I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.

The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

Best wishes, Helen

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

Ref HM/CF