Hi all,
My dad became unwell October last year where he had a cough and shortness of breath which caused admission for 3 wks where he also had a chest drain, haf investigations for bowel and liver cancer which had some showings on ct scan. The waiting was and is so painful and worrying. Was the Discharged and re admitted within 4 days with a pulmonary embolism since chest drain had been removed. My dad was back in for another 3 and half wks where he was told on his own the worst news of the results he had advanced bowel cancer which was inoperable where the surgeon was really blunt and cold to him about it. He was told he had advanced bowel cancer to liver and lung. Amongst all this my dad then caught covid and moved to covid ward where he was for 2 wks. My dad only 65 yrs old became so weak with covid he couldnt even contact us for two wks. We were completely unprepared and devastated when we went to get him home as he had so much muscle waste and weight loss. Always been a big strong man with all this happening to him in such a short time it's so hard to adjust and absorb. He had to come home with home oxygen in place. My dad looked like something out of a war camp and was crying his heart out. We all were crying so overwhelmed when we saw each other again, even harder cause iv never seen my dad upset in my life. I feel for him so much and feel helpless. Always protected me through my life. It breaks my heart seeing how much he has deteriorated in appearance. Covid has done a lot of damage and it makes me so angry. My dad had his appt with oncologist two wks later who said chemo would do more harm than good. Which was more devastating and heartbreaking news. We decided to get second opinion and I have done so much research to prepare for next appt. My dad appetite and strength is building slowly and appetite aswell as being able to do a bit more Independantly and not having to wear his oxygen all the time. He has his good days and bad days. I'm.worried about chemo being good idea or not? And if anyone has had it when they been weak? Is there good support from palli care team with chemo effects? I've also read about radio ablation for lung tumours which we will ask about to the next oncologist. I just want my dad to be helped so bad it hurts. It's so cruel.
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community but sorry that you needed to find us. I am also very sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis. This has been such a shock for not only your dad but all the family and is a very difficult time to navigate.
The Community is organised into dedicated support groups so can I recommend you join our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer group, this will be a good place to connect with others navigating the support of a family member on the same type of cancer journey.
Follow the link above then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’, you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also join in with existing discussions by clicking on 'reply'.
Talking with others caring for family and friends will help a lot so do checkout our Family and friends, Carers only and supporting someone with incurable cancer group, Groups as you will connect with others walking the same journey supporting family and friends through their cancer journey.
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.
((hugs))
