Hi,
My Dad received a call today, after surgery for a bladder blockage 4 weeks ago they have diagnosed what I believe to be radiation-induced soft tissue sarcoma.
I feel very lost and alone, I want to support my parents to the best of my abilities but we’re in an unknown period whilst we find out what happens next. Due to covid we haven’t seen much of them this year and that makes me so angry.
mum is a talker and needs to share and dad isn’t so I know to point her towards Macmillan when she’s ready but honestly how can I help? I feel so useless.
thank you.
Hi
Sorry to hear about your dad, we can all relate to the whole diagnosis process and getting to decide on what treatment plan might be appropriate. From what you say does he have a full diagnosis yet and would I be right in guessing he had some previous cancer treatment?
I wonder if the information on talking about cancer might help you mum to talk with your dad and also you though of course the most important thing of all can be listening.
Covid on top of everything else has been really difficult for everyone, but when someone we love is ill and we just want to be there and touch them it is extra difficult. This can lead to a real sense of frustration but we need to focus on those problems being down to a virus and think of what we do to protect those we love rather than perhaps turning inward feeling useless and then getting angry.
If you look at our tool in your area and enter their postcode, and the hosptial postcode then there may be a range of support services available near your mum and dad some of which may feel more approachable to them. Clearly of course they are welcome in the community and especially in Soft tissue sarcomas forum - I am often to be found there as my wife has Leiomyosarcoma but the phone line works very well too for people who prefer to talk.
When you feel useless - just remember you came and asked for help - the biggest journey starts with that first step.
<<hugs>>
Steve
