Brain Cancer - Helping Dad come to terms with diagnosis

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Last week my father was diagnosed with Brain Cancer. He was then advised that without surgery he had only weeks to live.

He is scheduled for surgery next Wednesday and it finding it really hard to comprehend what is happening to him.

He is understandably very emotional and struggling with how to cope with seeing people and feeling like he needs to say good bye.

I am fortunate to be with him and my Mum to support them and would like to hear any advice as to how I can support him and mum to work through this next week in anticipation of the surgery.

Much appreciated

  • Hi , you might want to join the Brain cancer group as well as this one.

    You may also want to ring the helpline on 0808 808 0000 to talk to someone about it all.

    Did they say how long he'd have with surgery?

    Fear of the unknown is the worst thing. Once we know what we're facing, we find the strength to deal with it.
  • Hi . Your parents will benefit so much from you being there for them. I imagine your mum might like it if you could help with meals and all the basic things, but we're all different and she might prefer to keep busy. Possibly the best thing would be to ask her what you can do. With your dad, I found with my aunt that she became distressed if anyone contradicted her when she misunderstood things and was muddled so I just listened. Patience is worth jewels while your parents are stressed and gentle hugs go a long way.

    Love and hugs,

    LoobyLou
    If you find dust in my house, write your name in it. When the signatures overlap I'll get the polish. 

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  • HI Whanau, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. As a parent who is drawing a lot of support from her kids through my husband's brain tumour journey, I'm sure just knowing you're there when you need them is enough.  My husband was diagnosed at the end of August, had surgery to debulk the tumour in September and is currently going through radiotherapy in combination with oral chemo to buy him some more time. My kids have been there every step of the way. They were with us when spoke to the neurosurgeon, they've helped by keeping their dad entertained (Mario Kart has been a Godsend although I'm rubbish at it!) We've just spent time together. Take your lead from your dad. Watch tv with him or listen to music or whatever you would normally do. Don't forget to spare time for your mum too. Even a simple hug goes a very long way at this time. Remember to look after yourself too. Make sure you have a friend you can talk to. Stay strong. Big hugs xx

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

  • HI Whanau, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. As a parent who is drawing a lot of support from her kids through my husband's brain tumour journey, I'm sure just knowing you're there when you need them is enough.  My husband was diagnosed at the end of August, had surgery to debulk the tumour in September and is currently going through radiotherapy in combination with oral chemo to buy him some more time. My kids have been there every step of the way. They were with us when spoke to the neurosurgeon, they've helped by keeping their dad entertained (Mario Kart has been a Godsend although I'm rubbish at it!) We've just spent time together. Take your lead from your dad. Watch tv with him or listen to music or whatever you would normally do. Don't forget to spare time for your mum too. Even a simple hug goes a very long way at this time. Remember to look after yourself too. Make sure you have a friend you can talk to. Stay strong. Big hugs xx

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm