My Dad recently received a confirmed diagnosis for a stage 4, terminal, glioblastoma multiforme (aggressive brain tumour), given a year to two, dependent on treatment progression. He is due to begin radiotherapy on the 24th October to prolong as good a quality life as possible. But such is this news, he has good days and bad days; ones of positivity and others not so much (so much so that treatment is discussed as fruitless). We are a very practical, realistic family and so the ways with which I want to help are such. Unfortunately, it is also a logistical nightmare. My Dad and family are in Scotland. I live in Northern Ireland with my husband and two young sons. And I’m not sure how best to support my Dad nor am I sure of how I will spend more time with him when he has a short time left. I’m hoping to share in others experiences of living far from their loved ones during this difficult and unknowing time. Thank you so much for reading.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis. A cancer diagnosis like this in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time but I do hope you will find the Community a safe place to get support and to 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 benefit from joining our general Family and friends, Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer support groups where you will connect with others navigating the same support challenges. These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar experience, to ask questions and get support from family members on the same journey.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) links 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.
Please do get back to me if you need further help.
All the very best.
