Hi everyone,
My grandad has been diagnosed with both lung and throat cancer. He starts chemotherapy on Monday then will have radiotherapy.
I can tell both grandparents are completely overwhelmed and frightened. All our family are overseas so its down to me to help them/reassure them/everything really.
My grandad is insisting on taking himself to his first session - is this advisable? Will he really feel okay to drive? Im also concerned he may not understand what the nurses explain to him or any discussions about his medication going forward (he'll be taking the 2 tablets the 2 days after his first session) as my nan has always been his voice at appointments...
He understandably has lost his appetite already, half a slice of toast and 2 mouthfuls of spaghetti for the day. Hes so weak and tired and im trying to get him to eat to keep his strength up.
I know there are high calorie drinks etc he can have but how do we get our hands on these?
Im very overwhelmed myself and want to do eveything i can do help/make it easier for them.
Any advice welcome.
Thank you
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your grandads diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis in the family can be such a stressful and challenging time 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 we can signpost you to our various cancer support groups and other services. So can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Head and neck cancer and Lung 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 (Bold) link I have created above. Then once the group 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 you may benefit from joining our general 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 and 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.
