Hi
My dad has been diagnosed with primary liver cancer. They have said it is a rare form (I don’t have a name) and he is to start immunotherapy. It is incurable and treatment is to only to add months to his life. He currently has no symptoms and seems fine but I reckon he is hiding his feelings.
I have been very fortunate that I have never ever been on this journey before of cancer or grief/loss. So I am blindsided. I am very weepy and my eyes leak randomly. I am trying to support my mum and my anxious daughter who is distraught. My husband and son seem in a much better place. Can anyone give some top tips and advice on what I can expect on this journey and how I can support my dad, family and cope myself. I feel I am grieving even though he is still alive.
thank you
Hello Cornflakecrunch and welcome to the forum, I am so sorry to hear about your dad and how emotional it is for you, I cared for mum when she had terminal cancer and it takes a lot out of you physically and the emotional side can be even harder. The best thing you can do now is to get all the help and support available to your dad in place, Your GP should help with referrals to a district nurse and the palliative nursing team who can make sure anything your dad nay need is ready for him. It would help to talk to a social worker as well. as they will support you as well as your dad. I am happy your dad is doing ok, you say you think your dad is hiding his feelings, i wouldn't know, but i can say i have terminal cancer and i keep things from my daughters. Looking after my mum was difficult, but rewarding, we grew even closer and had many more good days than bad, after diagnosis. You are taking on a lot looking after your dad as well as your family but don't forget yo look after yourself as well, give yourself a little time every day to do something you like and it will benefit all your family and remember the most important thing regarding you dads care is that he knows he is loved. please take care.
Eddie
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