Hi everyone,
My dad recently had a lump of skin cancer removed from behind his ear; we thought he would then be starting radiotherapy, but it turns out there is a lump (about pea-sized) in his parotid salivary gland, so it's more surgery first, which it seems could result in part paralysis of his face. He's in his seventies (I'm in my forties), and although he has my mum with him, I'm an hour and a half away, and with Covid restrictions it feels so hard to do anything. I have visited for a daytime meet-up in their garden, and we speak on the phone, I've sent cards and flowers, but I wish there was more I could do to support both my dad and my mum. Has anyone had any experience of this kind of facial surgery before? Any advice on what to expect? And what kind of help is most appreciated? I realise he's often very tired, and doesn't need to be worrying about my feelings as well as everything else.
Any first-hand wisdom greatly appreciated!
Hi
Sorry to read about your dad - from what you say it sounds like he is a great dad and will of course be concerned about your feelings too. It might be helpful to look through our booklet talking with someone who has cancer
The consequences of any treatment are always a bit of a worry and that is a reason a whole team will give approval before doing an operation but it does help to concentrate on the why are they doing this - but that is difficult I know.
<<hugs>>
Steve
