Hello. I am not someone that would usually use these sort of forums and I don't really know what I want to get from it.
My dad has had multiple myeloma for 22 years this year, has had numerous bouts of chemo and stem cell transplant, and until just recently we have been able to still enjoy holidays as a family and life has just been great (even with the myeloma niggling in the background) I think because life has been so normal we have become quite blazey about things.
That being said on and off for the last year, dad kept having cancerous lumps appear on his face, would go in have them removed and back and forth... until one day they said the tumour had got quite big and he would néed to have radiotherapy for a whole month. January this year, that's exactly what he had.... mon-fri for 4 weeks, the side effects were out of this world.... and to make matters worse he's myeloma medication was stopped as he couldn't have both. Dad since January just became so weak, lost around 8 stone in weight.
4 weeks ago, dad was rushed into hospital with breathing problems, here we found that the tumours had returned to his head and face and unfortunately had taken over both of his lungs (lung metastasis), his myeloma is also spreading. And now will likely only be with us for a few months at most. He is now comfortable at home with a palliative care team looking after him.
After all these years never did I think we would be at this point, I honestly thought he would go of old age. (He's 62) it is honestly the hardest thing just watching him in his hospital bed (located in our lounge) and I am constantly anxious worrying what the deteriation is going to look like and how quick it's going to happen. I know I need to be strong for me and mum, and I'm hoping this page will help when I just need to get my feelings out there.
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 and how things have developed.
A blood cancer diagnosis developing like this can be challenging in so many ways but talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer treatment journey will help you navigate this difficult time.
The Community is organised into support groups and when it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from talking with others caring for family and friends so do check out our Carers only and supporting someone with incurable cancer groups as you will connect with others supporting family and friends through their 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'.
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service can give lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
((hugs))
Having lived for over 21 years with an incurable blood cancer and having had two Allo (donor) Stem Cell Transplants myself I understand the reality of the shock you all have had ((hugs))
