Hello and thank you for allowing me to join the group.
My 81 year old father has recently been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, which has spread to his spine and possibly other areas. I say possibly, as he seems to be struggling to get any answers from Sunderland Royal Hospital. He has numerous scans and X rays but still he can't get a straight answer!
I'm very worried, as for the last 35+ years he had been living with his partner. They both supported each other and in recent years became each others carer. However, she recently passed away. So he is now living on his own. My sister and I, have been trying to provide support. We call him every day and try to take it in turns to visit when we can. But we both work full-time, so it is very difficult to provide him with the care he needs.
I've turned to Macmillan Cancer Support in a bid to find information about what kind of help is available, in the Houghton-le- Spring area. Ideally I would love to find him another home, where he can be around people of a similar age, perhaps in a supported living facility.
Thank you
Hi and welcome to the Community although I am sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis. 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) and when it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting family you may also benefit from joining our general Carers only 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 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 where you can ask your questions to our expert team 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 aim to give support to all the family.
Please do get back to me if you need further help.
((hugs))
