Hello,
18 months ago my dad was unexpectedly diagnosed with kidney cancer. He had the kidney removed and the cancer with it although he has been left with stage 4 kidney failure in the remaining kidney and he has to self-catheterise every 4 hours as his bladder no longer functions properly. He then had surgery for an aneurysm which put extra strain on the remaining kidney, then had cellulitis. It was a very difficult time for us all.
Just as his health began to improve, my lovely mum was diagnosed a couple of months ago with liver cancer, again out of the blue. She had no risk factors for primary liver cancer, being a fit and not overweight non-drinker who had never had hepatitis etc. She is losing weight, has no appetite and is in constant discomfort. She’s had numerous tests to try and find a primary cancer site but there doesn’t appear to be one so the consensus seems to be that it must have started in the liver. However, time is going by and there still doesn’t seem to be a plan of care, she isn’t seeing an oncologist and all we are doing is waiting for someone to tell us what the treatment, if any is possible, will be. I’m just about at the end of my tether, I’m worried sick and I’m terrified my mum will become a statistic as someone who got treatment for her cancer too late because of COVID-related delays. After all we went through as a family with dad, it’s been such a cruel blow to have this happen to mum so soon after.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, although I am so sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about your parents diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis indeed brings a lot of confusion, stress and many questions but I found talking with other people who are on the same type of journey helped a lot.
This Community is organised into various support groups. Our first list is for our Cancer specific Groups. The second list is for our various our Cancer experience groups. These are places where you will connect you with people walking the treatment journey. as patients and family.
Follow the links I've created above have a look through then choose 'click to join' on the page that opens to join the most suitable groups.
You can then introduce yourself and post questions using ’+New' and join in with existing discussions by clicking on 'reply'.
You may also find our Carers only and Family and friends groups a benefit as you will connect with others supporting family through their cancer journey.
It’s always good to talk, so can I highlight the Macmillan Support Line 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
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find information covering cancer diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.
All the very best.
Mike
