Hello!
My dad aged 77 was diagnosed with AML in early September. He has also contracted covid (we are in an area where it is one of the highest rates at the moment). On the day he was diagnosed with covid he got admitted for neutropenic sepsis. They discharged him on last Sunday and for the last week he has been battling a temperature. My mum also now has covid. So physically being there to support them is difficult. We managed to get a blood test on Friday from District nurse and in the end Dad's temp was up over 39 so Mum took him to A&E. He came home 5 hours later after being given the all clear for further sepsis and it's safer for him at home.
Since then he's had 2 falls so I have managed to get the community rapid response team to check him over and assessed for physio support etc. He is still battling a temperature but not as bad as Friday. The main concern is that he is not eating, and losing even more weight. He can't chew anything so everything is mushed or pureed. My mum is so worried that she's also not really eating now and her emotional state is worrying me. She is emotionally and physically drained and covid means she is physically isolated from anyone and can't get any respite such as even going for a walk for another 8 days. I did go over to support her while dad was in A&E as she was so worried he wouldn't come home and now I need to isolate. My sister is a nursery teacher and currently awaiting covid results, whilst also supporting her other half who has just finished his prostate cancer treatment.
The short term care package team are seeing them tomorrow and but I'm not really sure what exactly they offer.
So this is where we are right now. Feeling a little lost to know how to support them.
Hi and a warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community, a Community that no one really plans to see themselves joining, and so sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis and ongoing issues.
In normal times dealing with AML is hard work but during COVID it’s just much more challenging.
A blood cancer cancer diagnosis brings a lot of confusion, stress and many questions but talking with other people who are on the same type of journey helps a lot.
The Community is organised into two types of support groups - Cancer specific and Cancer experience but you may want to start in our Acute myeloid leukaemia group as this is the place where you will connect with others walking the treatment journey both as a patient or family.
Follow the above link then choose ‘click to join' or ‘join’ when the page opens.
You can then introduce yourself, post questions or just join in with existing discussions by clicking on 'reply'.
You may also find our Carers only, Family and friends and groups a great benefit as you will connect with others supporting family through their cancer journey.
Its always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support or just a listing ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available.
You can use other methods to contact our Support Services (LINK) and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.
All the very best.
Thank you Mike for your quick reply! I will take a look at the links
I have lived and been treated for a rare type of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for over 21 years now so do understand a lot of the challenges but not during COVID times.
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
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