Hi,
Earlier in the year, we found out that my dad had Cancer, a few weeks after finding out he was in the hospital getting his stomach removed. During the operation they discovered that he also had to have his gallbladder and part of his diaphragm removed. That was a tough time.
Its been around 6 months since he had the operation and he’s still recovering. The recovery process has been really hard, he is continuing to loose weight and is struggling to eat or face food in general. I’m finding it really difficult as I can see apart from physical changes that it’s affected him mentally (understandably) I feel useless as I don’t know how to help anymore than I currently am and it’s stressing me out. I want to be there for my dad but I don’t know what to do to help. I can only imagine how tough things are for him and don’t want to add to his worries and stress by telling I’m that I’m struggling.
Ive joined this group in hope that I’m not alone in feeling this way.
Hi and a warm welcome to the online community
You are certainly not alone in finding it hard to cope when a parent has cancer. I have not been in your position, as it was me that had cancer, but I noticed that your post hadn't had any responses.
Try to focus on the fact that your dad is recovering but accept the fact that it will take a long time to recover from such major operations. If he is struggling to face food and eat it might be an idea for him to speak to his CNS so that she can offer some advice and maybe refer him to see a dietitian.
Also, try not to be so hard on yourself. You say you don't know how to help your dad anymore that what you're currently doing but I'm sure your dad doesn't see it that way. I don't know whether you live with him or not but I'm sure he appreciates the things that you are able to do.
Sending a supportive ((hug))
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
