Hi everyone, my dad has had secondary lung cancer, originally diagnosed with kidney cancer but kidney was removed, for over 7 years now and we have been very lucky as all he has needed is 6 monthly scans and appointments with his consultant. At his last appointment in June his consultant said the cancer was a little bigger and closer to the heart so he may need radiotherapy but he's OK for now.
However he recently got very ill, no appetite or taste, fatigue and just generally feeling very down. My mum made him a doctors appointment and because she had had a very mild dose of covid a few months ago, my dad tested negative the whole time, the GP presumed my dad may have had covid and now had long covid. He took some bloods and prescribed steroids for him but didn't do a chest xray as he had recently had his ct scan. Fast forward to Saturday and my dad was rushed to hospital with severe chest pains and after several tests he is being given I. V antibiotics and they want to drain the lung although they haven't told us when but it may be today. They have also put a catheter in. The problem is the doctor won't tell my dad, how long he may be in hospital or what may happen next. He still has no appetite so is hardly eating and although he is a little better he is very down. Every time my mum and I go to visit there are no doctors around and although the nurses are lovely they don't seem to know much. I have read his notes and they are giving him antibiotics, paracetamol and yesterday he had sabutamol which I presume is to help with his breathing. His sats are OK and he is constantly hooked up to a heart monitor. We are now very worried about what will happen next especially as they have now moved him to the oncology ward but again nobody seems to know why except for that they needed the bed on the medical decisions unit which is where he has been since Saturday. Has anyone else been in this situation or can offer any advice. Thanks in advance everyone xxx
Hi Ralfie and welcome to the Online Community although I am sorry to hear about your dad. A cancer diagnosis in the family can be such a stressful and challenging time but I do hope you will find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I suggest you consider joining our supportive Lung, secondary cancer group. This is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting someone you may also benefit from joining our general Family and friends group where you will connect with others navigating the same challenges.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link(s) I have created above. 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.
Macmillan have many support services so do check out the Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. These services provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section 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 supporting all the family.
Please do get back to me if you need further help.
All the very best.
