I have recently found out that my mum has cancer. She has cancer of the blood and her doctor has said that there isn't anything aggressive going on at the moment and she is waiting for a report to find out what treatment she will need. My mum and my dad came over to my house today and whilst my dad was painting one of the rooms I talked to my mum. I understand that of course it is only recently she has found out and it is a shock but she doesn't seem her self she seems very quiet when she is usually so chatty, she doesn't want to do anything she usually finds helpful and enjoys. She has always loved plants and gardening and I suggested a trip to a garden but she said she didn't want to. My dad loves to play golf and mum said that he doesn't really play anymore. I don't know what to do I try to be there for her as I don't want her to be alone should my dad go anywhere. They are pensioners in their late seventies and my dad has had health problems and so I don't want my dad to fall ill too they have been together for over fourty years its their wedding anniversary this year and I don't know what to do. My dad needs to keep his mind active and so does as many jobs as he feels fit enough to do so he isn't facing it mum is his rock and he falls to pieces when he isn't with her.
Hi and warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community but sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your mum’s blood cancer diagnosis.
Your mum, dad, you and the family are like rabbits in headlights at the moment and the word cancer is such a challenging word to hear but when it’s used in the family.....
But until everything is found out you are panicking without full knowledge and understanding.
I was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer (Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) in 1999 and I am still around to tell the tail, doing great and around to help you navigate this.
The clear diagnosis of a blood cancer takes time and there are rather a lot of different types like Lymphoma, Leukaemia, Myeloma...... and a few others but the link below will help you understand it more.
www.macmillan.org.uk/.../blood-cancer
Me type of blood cancer was not aggressive and it took over 14 years before I needed any full on treatments and this can be the same for many blood cancer but until all the results are in you and the family are in limbo land and it’s not a great place but once the truth is found this start to make more sense. We have support groups for most of the blood cancer types but as they are so different there is no point indeed it would confuse you posting in these group at the moment
Buy once you have her diagnosis come back on this thread and I can help you more
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 Family and friends group 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.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.
Always around to talk more ((hugs))
If at any time you need more help do get back to me as I do totally understand the complications of a blood cancer journey ((hugs))
