Fed up

Hi Amy, 

Am sorry to hear about your Dads diagnosis and can relate to much of your post. My mum has stage 4 ovarian cancer which has returned  and is undergoing chemotherapy. Like you I am my Mums main source of support and often struggle in that role. I think there is so much information and focus put on the physical side and not on the persons mental health. I also feel, I don’t know if you do to, caring for a parent comes with its own set of challenges. My mum will often use the “I’m the parent card” which can often cause tension between us. Like your Dad my Mum can push people away which at times can be very overwhelming as the load isn’t spread around. With your Dads drinking it sounds like a really difficult situation which must be hard on top of everything else. Unfortunately as your Dad isn’t worried about his drinking and is still in denial all I can suggest is to try to talk to him. But instead of talking about how much he drinks maybe talk about how is drinking impacts you and how it makes you feel. 
Practically I would suggest looking into some professional support. My mum doesn’t have carers but receives support from the local palliative care team. Also maybe a local support group ? As I am sure many people feel the way your Dad does, if he is ready to attend one. Am glad to hear you have a strong support system. But maybe if you have the time you could find a carers group helpful. 
Sorry I could offer more advice. But you are doing really well in a tough situation! 

Hi Amy,  I have just joined and posted on this group tonight . I understand your frustration and pain with your dad not doing the healthy things needed . My mum has COPD and lung cancer and will not stop smoking , I know it won't change anything now , but sometimes I just feel so angry when I and trying to improve her breathing with nebulizer  etc and then she wants a cigarette.  Often the needs the nebulizer again .  The responsibility for caring for someone is enormous and so depleting,  we need to ensure that we get and take a break,  just time to breath and  top up again . I am trying to get some kind of help and respite as I want to care for my mum till the end,  but recognise now I need breaks as well . I hope you get  the support you need , and never worry about ranting , you are hu man and have needs to x 

Hi Orla, 

thanks for taking the time to reply. Yeah I’m feeling the exact same as you. It’s a horrid thing to say but I dread most days, I’m tired beyond belief and feel like my caring nature is diminishing. The drinking issue has actually sorted itself now as he is in antibiotics for the foreseeable due to the side effects of the treatment.
Yeah I would be open to going to a carers support group it’s just finding the right one with me being in my early twenties. 
I hope you’re okay and managing to save some time to do things you enjoy as well. 

Hi Sukie, 

thanks for replying to me! Oh gosh that’s frustrating and I really feel your pain. It’s so heartbreaking to see them go against advice when you do your utmost to keep them safe and healthy. But you’re right a break is most definitely needed for the pair of us. I have booked some time away with friends each month until March which I’m hoping will really do me some good. I hope you’ve managed to find a suitable respite and manage to have some fun doing things that you enjoy. Look after yourself x