Hi!
English is not my mother tongue, but I hope you will understand my questions.
My stepfather has been struggling with stomach cancer for a year now.
The doctors gave him half a year, but he’s still fighting hard. In recent times, however, his symptoms are getting worse and he is starting to lose his will to fight .
He barely eats anymore as his mouth is sore and he also has trouble digesting.
He hasn't been able to sleep properly for about a month and the painkillers don't work either, even though he has been prescribed the strongest medications available in our country.
So far, he has spent most of the day watching TV, but his vision has also deteriorated a lot due to the treatment and now he lies in bed all day thinking about cancer.
I want to ask for ideas on how to motivate him? How can we alleviate his pain? What activities to suggest for him to do in his freetime?
I would be very happy for any kind of tip or suggestion.
Thank you very much in advance for your help!
Hi and warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community although sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your stepfathers diagnosis.
Talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer treatment journey will help you navigate this challenging time.
The Community is organised into support groups so can I recommend you join our supportive Stomach cancer group as this will be a good place to connect with patients and families navigating the same type of cancer journey.
To join a group just click on the link above then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens.
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones), 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 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.
((hugs))
