Hi. I’ve just found this group during my search for some support. We have just found that my Dad has several cancers and has recently been discharged from hospital. He is 86 and lives alone. On discharge, no one gave me any information, help, advice, he was just discharged. There is no package of care in place. After a week of constantly calling the Marie Curie nurses at night because of his pain, he has gone into a hospice to try to get his pain under control. I want to get us both some support in place ready for if/when he comes home (I have moved in with him temporarily) but I still don’t know who to talk to. I’m having to blindly go through one crisis after another, speaking briefly to so many different people and agencies, and none of them seem to be linked and talking to each other, when what we need is just one point of contact. Can anyone advise me who/what/where i can get some support please.
Hi and a welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis and the challenges you are facing.
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 from family members who are navigating the same journey.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our general Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer support groups where you will connect with others dealing with the same challenges while supporting family.
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.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just connect with 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 and aim to give support to all the family.
Please do get back to me if you need further help ((hugs))
