Hi
struggling. Took dad to A&E in August and they found pancreatic cancer. His been in hospital 90% of the time since. Dad is 79 and first time his been ill he has been independent up to now. I find it hard as he has broken down in tears and keeps saying sorry to me. Doctors can’t tell us anything so just don’t know what to expect. How do I comfort him what do I say? Xx
Hi Poppy10
Any stay in hospital can be challenging and one that long extra difficult. When my wife was in hospital for some time she kept reminding me that I had to look after myself and my son and while that was of course very true it did not stop me worrying about her.
One thing I know as a frequent hospital visitor is that looking after yourself in these circumstances can be quite hard, often the food choice for visitor catering is not the most healthy and of course there are a whole range of emotional issues for us too. You talk of finding it hard and if we look at your feelings when someone has cancer I know I recognize a lot of what I went through. Do you have any friends or family supporting you? We were really lucky to find an extra special "friend in need".
We have a bit of a guide What to say to someone who has cancer that might help you plan a bit more, though perhaps the most important of all might be to listen. I used to find crying really hard - big boys and all that sort of thing - but now I just think of it as love overflowing from my eyes.
<<hugs>>
Steve
