Hi, my head feels mashed. Mum was diagnosed with oesophagul cancer end of January, she's had radiotherapy, but it's terminally...we are waiting to speak to the consultant on the 20th June to find out how it went and how long she might have. A few weeks later in February Dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer. 2 weeks ago he had surgery to remove the tumor. It was bigger than expected but they got it all & it went better than we hoped. He went to have his bloods checked yesterday and the consultant was (unexpectedly) waiting to see him. He told us that from the tumor they now know the cancer is in 7 of dad's glands. We don't know which glands or anything else. How can they tell that from the tumor? Anyway, as we weren't expecting to see the consultant we weren't expecting any 'news' and it feels like the rugs been pulled from under us again. So now we're waiting again for another consultant and who knows what else...its the not knowing that's driving us mad, and after yesterday we didn't even get to ask any questions. We've spent all this year so far wishing time away to get from one appointment or event to another, when it seems like my parents may not have much time left. I'm sorry for sounding whiney...my head is all over the place, I feel I can't string a thought together. I'm sure I'm asking and saying the wrong things.
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about both your mum and dad’s diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis like this in the family can be so stressful and challenging but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The New to Community area is our reception desk where we can signpost you to our various cancer support groups and other services so for your dad’s cancer journey can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer and Lymph nodes, secondary 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.
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from joining our general Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer groups 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 may be helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and provide support for all the family.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
Wishing you all the very best.
