I'm 16 and my dad has terminal cancer

Hi  and welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis.

A cancer journey like this in the family can be so stressful and challenging in many ways 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.

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 and Supporting someone with incurable cancer groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends.

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].

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))

Hi Gizmo. 

I am sorry to hear what you are going through. I feel selfish to say that hearing other peoples’ stories brings me slight comfort. 

I am new to this forum too, and alike to you, I am hoping that this will help me to cope. 

I have a loved one who has recently been diagnosed with cancer - my grandmother. She has a condition where, when the bonemarrow creates cells; the cells do not develop like that of a healthy person. Medics are not yet able to give us exact details but we have been told that due to underlying health conditions, my grandmother cannot have a biopsy, cancer treatment or a transplant. She is left having blood transfusions very often (becoming increasingly more so) and then we ask ourselves the questions about quality of life and how humane is this?

We are due to meet with medics (finally) next week - 6-7 weeks after her hospital admission (which was initiated with other issues - the cancer in fact is the third serious illness we’ve had to deal with). I fear the information I am about to find out. I fear the truth. I fear the days before then, and the days after it. 

I just want you to know that you are not alone. I relate to the loneliness - and questioning why us? And how unfair it is. I always feel sad, too, and I have cried more recently than in my whole life (I am in my 20s). How do you get through the hardest time of your life, knowing it’s also going to get harder? Many people ask if you are ok but they’re not really up for listening to the true answer - no. “You ok?” becomes more of a rhetorical question. 

I just want to say that you are amazing however and I hope we will find the strength somewhere within!