I am new to this. My stepmum was diagnosed with s4 lung cancer recently and was undergoing treatment in hospital. It seemed to be going quite well and my dad and family were hopeful she’d was looking going home before Christmas. Specialist equipment has been delivered. Last 2 days I received heartbreaking news that she’d caught Covid whilst in hospital and am devastated. I’m looking for positives for my dad who’s in his seventies and want to offer him support because he’s trying to be strong and finds it hard to talk. Is there any advice someone, anyone can offer?
Hi and welcome to the community though sorry to hear about your stepmum.
Sorry but I do not think there is enough known really about the joint effects of cancer and covid as even basic research on covid has concentrated on people more generally.
Thinking about your dad and perhaps yourself too it might be helpful to look at Looking after someone with cancer especially the bits about the emotional effects on those given care. For your dad perhaps a key element is listening to what he wants,
The local council should be a need assessment and your dad would also be entitled to a carers assessment - a necessary step in making sure appropriate support is in place so he can keep going.
I know when my mum was ill my dad perhaps tended to play things down a bit so as not to worry me - it did not really help.
I found talking to strangers rather easier - your dad would be more than welcome to ring our helpline if he feels that might help him.
<<hugs>>
Steve
