Where to begin... Although I am new to Macmillan I am not new to this horrible disease Cancer. This time it's different, my father was diagnosed with Cancer on Wedndesday, my heart is broken. I'm Tina, daughter to my amazing Dad Bill, 82 years young. Dad was diagnosed with severe emphysema (COPD) in March this year. He has lost a lot weight over the last year, lacking in appetite, having a lot of phlem etc.. His had X-rays, CT Scan and ultra scans, none of which showed signs of a cancer. A week or so ago he underwent a fluid drain on his lung, the fluid was tested and before we know it, we are told he has advanced Cancer as cancer cells were found in his fluid. Am I missing something? I'm so mad, confused, upset all sorts of emotions right now. They have said he has Cancer, they say it's advanced, they say he has 4 months possibly more, no, here is what we could or might try. How can they know all these things when they don't know where the Cancer is!!! Bearing in mind this has been told to us by his Respiratory consultant, not a oncology consultant. God I have so many things going round in my head, ifs, but’s and most of all why? My poor Dad, I feel has given up, before we went to the appointment and was told this devastating news he was a totally different person. I won't give up, I have to be strong for both my parents and me. CT scan awaits on Monday, lets see what that shows.
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis and prognosis. 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 support groups and other services and when it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from joining our general Carers only andSupporting 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 (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].
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.
