my dad found out yesterday that he has secondary liver cancer. They don’t know where it’s spread from yet but because it’s already spread to his liver they aren’t hopeful. He has to have more tests but the doctor said it’s boarderline that he will be able to have treatment because of other severe health conditions. Even if it can it will likely only prolong the inevitable. I promised to go see him today but I can’t stop crying. I need to stop crying for him, my son and myself. My dad is very much a hippy and tries to make light of everything. His response was ‘so time to plan a big party ay’. He hasn’t told anyone else yet, my younger sisters don’t know so I can’t confide in them till he’s ready to tell others. I don’t know what else to say, except thank you for listening. X
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, although I am so sorry to see you having to find us.
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. A cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of stress on a family and it is hard to be the strong person but you have to take each day as it comes, deal with what comes along and make plans to get through this rollercoaster as best as you all can.
Talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot and will reduce the whirlwind wind that is rushing in your head.
As my cancer journey was rather different you may like to follow this link to our Liver, secondary cancer forum as a starting point where you will connect with people who understand the journey your dad is on. You can ask the folks questions about treatments, what to expect and how to help him during this time.
Follow the link and join the group by hitting the ‘Join the Group’ tab just under the main group name. At this point go to the right on the group home page and select how you want to receive email notifications when someone answers your posts.
The best way to get support is to go to the 'Start a Discussion' tab just under the main group name. Set up your own Discussion and Introduce yourself to the group - you could just copy an paste what you have in this first post.
We do have lots of support groups that are Cancer specific and also ones that are general Cancer experience groups.
You my find these forums where you can connect with others supporting family and friends through their cancer journey: Carers Forum and Friends and Family Forum.
You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00 This free service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.
We also have our ‘Ask an Expert’ section where you can post questions to our mostly Volunteer Experts but please allow 2 working days to get a reply.
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find some great pages covering the cancer diagnosis, treatment and information pages covering most types of cancers.
Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support Groups in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing.
When you feel up to it think about putting some information in your profile. This really helps others when answering. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself.
To do this click on YOUR username, look to the left and select 'Edit Profile'. Put as much or as little in your profile and you can amend it at any time - you can see members profiles by hitting our forum names.
All the best and a ((hug))
