My lovely 83 year old father has recently been diagnosed with colon cancer. He had the colonoscopy nearly 3 weeks ago and was told they had found what looked like a large malignant tumour in his rectum but he went into a bit of denial and was pinning hope on it being a polyp.
Yesterday they phoned with the biopsy results and confirmed it was definitely cancer which seems to have really hit him hard and it makes me feel so sad. They have also seen a spot on his liver so he needs a second MRI on his upper body to investigate this which has really scared me. It is the first time I have thought I could lose my dad as I had been thinking positive.
I went to see him this evening and he seemed stressed and angry. I am trying to keep upbeat and positive for my parents but it is breaking my heart as I adore my Dad. I just want some answers now but it seems such a long wait.
Hi Nubster52a7a68c and a warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your dad….. unfortunately waiting and getting clear information go hand in hand on a cancer journey but let’s look fir answers soon.
A cancer diagnosis in the family like this can be such a challenging and stressful time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' support challenges can help you a lot.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you look to join and post in our…….
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
……. support group.
This group is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members who are navigating the same support journey.
As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your dad and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our……
Carers only (if you are his caregiver)
Supporting someone with incurable cancer (If this is applicable)
……. support groups where you will connect with a wide range of members navigating the exact same support challenges.
To connect with a group click on the “Bold Italic Links” I have created above …… then once the group page opens click in the [Black - Click to Join - Banner] that appears at the bottom of the page and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
It is an emotional time supporting family so you might find this Macmillan information your feelings when someone has cancer helpful as well as this link getting help with your emotions.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear.
Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
((hugs))
