Hello,
I have come here today to see whether talking to you about Myeloma (blood cancer) and hopefully develop some ways of coping with the fact that my Dad has it. While my Dad has been diagnosed with Myeloma for 6 years (I think - he told me a year or two after his first being diagnosed), I feel that I haven't really dealt with any of the emotions that go with learning your Dad has cancer and that there is no cure for it. I thought I would explain my current situation in more depth, so please be aware that you may find the next paragraph a bit distressing. If you want to avoid this, skip to the end paragraph. I look forward to hearing from you.
The pandemic, and all the time it has allowed us all to dwell on things, has finally got to me and I am now having to face my Dad's illness alongside work stress, looking after my partner (who has his own issues) and a number of my other family members with health issues (my grandparents are 90 years old, my Auntie also has cancer, and I worry about my Mum who has to care for her husband - my Dad - and her parents - my grandparents), in addition to my partner's Dad suffering from long-COVID (post-viral fatigue) and my partner's Mum working as a keyworker). As you can see, there is a lot to deal with here.
I thought that connecting on here might be a positive step to at least deal with my Dad's illness. From being told he might only have a few months to live to him being here for 6 years (and hopefully a lot more) is admittedly a blessing, and I am grateful, but I am also very aware of the inevitable. I've never 'done' a forum before, although I have heard that they are useful. Having said that, no one I know has used one (or at least, they haven't told me), and so I'm not sure what to expect. But am open minded and I want to get better at coping with the current situation I find myself in and to prepare for the future. I look forward to hearing from you.
Hi and warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community although sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis brings many questions, confusion and lots of stress but talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer journey will help you navigate this challenging time.
I was diagnosed way back in 1999 with an incurable type of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and yes I have had a lot of treatment but fortunately was told I was in remission back in Sep 2016 for the first time in 17 years.
I see you have joined and posted in our supportive Myeloma group, this will be a good place to connect with patients and families navigating the same type of cancer journey.
Talking with others caring for family and friends will help a lot so do check out our Family and friends and Carers only 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 listening 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.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.
All the very best
