My dad has been unwell for a few months now. He started with abdominal pains and dysphagia, so the GP sent him for an endoscopy under the 2 week referral. All they found was a small hiatus hernia - phew! Anyhow, despite medication his symptoms continued & got worse, so he was referred to a specialist about his hernia. He's always been slim but the weight started dropping off. It's bound to, we thought, if the hernia is making him feel full and be sick. But then he started with back pains. Not back pains like I've pulled something, constant back pain, stopping him from sleeping, even getting to the point where he can barely walk. Been to GP a few times, but they say you're bound to feel rubbish - its your hernia. We did bloods in April and they were fine so it must be your hernia...and so on.
Then about 4 weeks ago we noticed a lump on his collarbone. Then another popped up further up his neck. Saw another GP who referred him to head & neck who arranged for an ultrasound biopsy + CT scan of head to pelvis. He ended up at the urgent treatment centre last week in between appointments because the pain in his back was so bad he could barely stand, but was told there was nothing they could do as he was already waiting to be investigated. We had an appointment yesterday for the results but got there to find they're not back yet and the next clinic isn't for another week.
I get that these things take time, but nobody seems to see that he's suffering - regardless of the results surely there must be something they can offer for the pain until we find out? He's got to the point where he sees no point in even asking the GP as he just gets told it's your hernia or we'll see what these tests show, here take a cocodamol. Nothing touches it. And here I have to sit and watch him in agony with little I can do. Unfortunately I think the tests will only confirm my suspicions, that it's not an if it's more a where - particularly as he now has swollen nodes on both sides of his neck/jaw. I just feel a bit at a loss at the minute & don't really know what to do.
Also, I lost my mum 3 years ago to lung cancer +brain mets (feels like only yesterday) & struggling to get my head around the fact we might be starting all over again with this blasted thing.
Apologies for the pity party anyhow, but thank you for reading
