Contact during Covid 19 advice

FormerMember
FormerMember
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My wonderful dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer in June 2019 and underwent surgery to remove his large bowel . He decided against chemotherapy due to his age and the potential outcomes for the over 80’s. At his six month CT colonoscopy it was found that another tumour had developed in the abdominal cavity. Dad was told a deep tissue scan would be organised and palliative chemotherapy would potentially be offered. Then COVID 19 hit and all treatment was suspended. Dad’s condition continues to worsen he has been shielding for 9 weeks. Concerned that he had not been referred to the palliative care team or been prescribed analgesia . I spoke to his clinical team and we attended an emergency appointment yesterday. I took all necessary precautions in taking dad to his appointment and we both wore PPE. At the appointment we were told that no further treatment (apart from palliative care will now be offered). Dad has been prescribed morphine and will be referred for palliative care. This was heartbreaking news for my family. My dad would like to see his granddaughters (aged 26 and 18) and would like to spend time with us. We feel the same. Are we able to do this ? Or is contact only with one family member outside the house. Dad lives with my stepmother in a retirement community. Would we be permitted to sit in the garden area wearing PPE ? This is an awful situation made so much worse by the present pandemic. As we live in Wales lockdown is still ongoing. I would be grateful for any guidance as this is breaking our hearts. Thank you so much x

  • Hi and welcome to the online community

    I'm very sorry to hear that your dad's bowel cancer has returned and it's completely understandable that you and your daughters would like to spend time with him.

    I don't know what the lockdown rules are in Wales but probably the first place to contact would be the retirement home where he lives and ask them what their policy is for visiting while the coronavirus is around.

    This is Macmillan's information on cancer and coronavirus and this next link will take you to the government's website with guidance on what the restrictions are. There is also a link from the main government site to additional guidance for people living in Wales.

    x

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