Hi there,
My dad was recently diagnosed with quite aggressive stage 4 prostate cancer. He has been on injections and hormones and starting radiation in the next few weeks.
My parents are coping really well so far all considered, taking it one day at a time and remaining optimistic.
It might seem strange but at the moment the thing we are all most worried about is telling my daughter, which we have avoided so far.
For me it's a bit of a trigger as I was 8 (the same age) when my brother developed a chikdhood brain tumour. Thankfully he survived, but it was something that has affected me emotionally as it wasn't really dealt with at the time.
My daughter is so close to her grandparents. I know once radiation starts the real changes will start. As a family we will be there to help him thru and that is our top priority. But I want to be mindful of how we talk to my daughter about it. She can be a sensitive soul and and worry a lot sometimes. Any advice gratefully received.
With many thanks x
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about your dad and the challenges surrounding his treatment.
Talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot so can I first direct you to this link to our very supportive Prostate cancer group as this will open up your treatment concerns to a wider audience who know exactly what you dad is going through at the moment.
To join just click on the link I've created and then choose 'join this group' on the page that opens. You can then introduce yourself and post questions after selecting 'start a discussion' and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
Talking with children can be hard, our 4 small granddaughter have always known that Granddad was poorly so it has been part of their growing up and a good excuse to play Nurses and Doctors.
You may also find our Carers Only and Friends and Family groups to be good places where you can connect with others supporting family through their cancer journey but more importantly the carers care for each other.
We have info pages about Talking to Family & Friends about Cancer and Talking to Children and Teenagers about Cancer
Can I also highly recommend our various Macmillan Support Line Services - you can call them free on 0808 808 00 00 This 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.
Check to see if you have a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing with children.
You may want to put some information in your profile can help a lot Click here to see how to add details as this helps everyone to see a little about you
All the very best.
