My dad is currently having treatment for incurable bladder cancer that has spread to his spine and Lymph nodes . He has had surgery to remove most of primary tumour and is having chemotherapy, he isn’t eating and feeling very dizzy and has had a fall recently . It’s his 80th birthday in 2 days and I’ve contacted a lot of his old friends and family members and asked them to give him a ring to wish him happy birthday because I don’t feel it’s safe for him to have a get together because of Covid. I’m prepared for this to probably be his last birthday and Christmas, as prepared as I feel I can be if anyone has any tips or ideas as to how to help us prepare ourselves and of course him and my mum for the difficult times ahead we would as a family appreciate it .
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis, this is such a hard time for all the family but I do hope you will find lots of comfort and support from people who understand here on the Online Community.
The Online Community has many dedicated support groups so can I recommend you start by joining our Bladder cancer group. This is a safe place to talk to other people who might have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience or are supporting family.
If you'd like to connect into this group, you need to join the group. First click on the Green link I have created above. Then click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a new post by clicking in the box near the top right with + New (Computers) or + (Mobile Devices). You will then see a dropdown menu so why not hit ‘Start a Discussion in New here, say hello’
You could copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also search through existing ‘Discussions’ and click [reply] if you want to put up a comment.
When it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from joining our supportive Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
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 provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, benefit and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
