Hi everyone,
I'm new to the group here.
My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer on Wednesday just gone and it's been a huge shock to everyone. He had been ill with a bad cough for a few months which was not getting better.
He had a chest x-ray and mri scan last week which confirms he has a mass at the top of the right lung. He has had a PET scan today and is due for a CT scan, Lung Function test and biopsy in the next couple of weeks.
I'm completely heartbroken and love my dad to bits. He is 71 and is very fit for his age. I don't know how to feel about it at all. I've been feeling numb all week then been in floods of tears today.
I had permission from him to post on Facebook about this, as a lot of my friends share their Cancer support stories this way. We told all of the family on Wednesday about my dad, and I got permission to share it on Facebook.
Today I've been made to feel guilty about sharing my dad's story and asking for my friends support in this difficult time. All of my family members have partners to turn to for support, but I don't as I'm on my own, and was only reaching out to my friends for their advice.
I've since taken down the post, and in hindsight I suppose I was being a bit insensitive but how else was I supposed to reach out to people?
I love my dad dearly 
and I just want him back to full health again xx.
How did you all cope when you first found out your loved ones have cancer?
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community. I'm sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your Dad’s diagnosis. A cancer diagnosis brings many questions but talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer treatment journey as your Dad will help you navigate this challenging time.
The "C" word has a strange effect on people, their eyes seem glaze over and they change the subject. The point is we never think it will happen to one of our own. I don't think you were insensitive in sharing on FB. I found my friends were about 60/40, some really supportive, others drifted away. By joining this forum you'll get plenty of support and be able to reach out to those who'll be able to answer your questions.
The Community is organised into support groups and I see you have already joined our supportive Family & Friends forum. I’m also going to suggest you join our Lung cancer group, this will be a good place to connect with patients and families navigating the same type of cancer journey as your Dad. I've tagged the Community Champ, chellesimo, and she'll pop along to welcome you.
To go to the group just click on the link above then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (if using a phone), you could just copy and paste the text from this post. You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.
It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two or three working days for replies from our expert team.
Sending hugs, B xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
