Hello all,
Hope you are well and enjoying the glorious weather!
I have started caring for my lovely dad Tom, 87 years of age who was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel and liver cancer in January 2022. He had a stent fitted in January and feels very well at the moment.
We delayed the start of his chemotherapy (capecitabine tablets 3000mg per day) until now as my lovely mum was very ill and sadly passed away on 6th February, we are all heartbroken and miss her terribly.
Tom lives alone, I have kept the carers that my mum had on so that dad is looked after although he is independent and active at the moment.
My fear is adverse side effects to the drugs and wanted to reach out to anyone else in this situation for any advice and support.
Many thanks in advance.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis and also about your mum, my sincere condolences.
As cancer diagnosis can be a very stressful and challenging time for everyone involved but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where you can be signpost to our various cancer support groups and other services so can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer and Liver cancer groups These will be safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and talk with others who are supporting family and friends on their journey.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green link I have created above. Then once the page opens 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 or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post and as always you can reply to existing ‘Discussions’ by click [reply].
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting someone on their cancer journey you may benefit from joining our supportive Carers only group where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. You may also find our Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face when on a cancer journey (patient or family) can be very helpful but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing and provide support for all the family.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
Mike (Thehighlander)
It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela
