Since lock down we have discovered my dad (60) has pancreatic cancer, initially we were confident with some treatment and surgery we could fight this. Due to a Easter we waited nearly 3 weeks to speak to a consultant that confirmed the cancer had spread to Lungs and other organs, surgery is not an option, he may be able to have chemo but waiting for a biopsy which is still a week away and then obviously a further agonising wait for those results.
we are such a close family, my parents have been together since they were 18, best friends and soul mates, my twin sister lives 3 hours away and I'm 45 minutes from them, my dad has 3 young grandsons, 3,2 and 1 and we are so devastated by this news. We feel totally robbed. This is supposed to be the time he can relax and enjoy what he has worked so hard for and instead the path has changed.
I feel totally helpless and unable to offer any support with covid keeping us apart. My family unit have now isolated for 5 weeks to ensure we are safe to see him at the first possible opportunity.
I feel so helpless and I just could do with some advice of how I can support my mum and dad. Reality is I want to give them a big cuddle and wake up from this horrific nightmare we have found ourselves in but I know that's not possible.
With potentially no treatment time is so precious and I feel like I'm wasting so much of it being locked away but equally we need to keep everyone safe.
Hi and welcome to the community though sorry you find yourself joining us in this strange new world we live in.
Most family members feel a sense of helplessness in the time between diagnosis and getting results and especially considering what the treatment plan might be, sometimes we hear how even a simple text message can lift the patients spirit just to know their loved ones are thinking of them. If everyone has the tech there are now a number of options for video calls than can be very helpful too.
Perhaps the best form of support we can give our loved ones though is to look after ourselves, you might like to look at Looking after someone with cancer because I am sure as much as you are worried about your dad he will be worried about you.
Keep strong and when you feel the need post on here, someone is always listening.
<<hugs>>
Steve
