My dad has been fighting lymphoma for years now and he’s about to have another round of chemotherapy. The fear of not knowing whether it will work and the fact that my mum and I have to support and care for him without actually being able to touch him (due to him shielding) means it’s really starting to feel like I’m getting to a breaking point.
Tonight he broke down in tears infront of me and he hasn’t done that in a very long time. I feel so helpless and just want to take his pain away. I really had to fight my own tears so that he doesn’t see how it’s affecting me and so I can be strong for him, but I really just don’t know what to do. Also the fact that he has to go into hospital during a pandemic where he is going to become even more vulnerable once he starts the chemo is another worry on our minds.
I feel a bit like an imposter writing on here as many people that have actually been diagnosed with cancer themselves seem to be writing on here so apologies. If anyone has advice for family members of cancer patients I would really be grateful. Sending so much love and support out there x
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community, a Community that no one really looks to see themselves joining, and so sorry to hear about your dad.
A Lymphoma journey brings confusion, stress and many questions but I found talking with other people who are on the same type of journey helped a lot. I fact I was diagnosed in 1999 with a rare type of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma so I understand the challenges your dad abd the family will be facing.
The Community is organised into support groups so you may want to start by joining one our supportive Lymphoma Groups
General Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma
As this is the place where you will connect with others walking the treatment journey both as patient or family.
Follow the above links 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'.
It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance 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 and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
All the very best.
Thank you, Mike. That is a big help! He was also diagnosed with a rare Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, in 2013. I was 18 at the time and it was a lot to process, but I’m grateful that it seems to be a very treatable cancer and he has been able to still lead an active life with it up to now.
Thanks for your help 
Do join the best Lymphoma group and put up a post - I will keep an eye open for you.
