Hi. I've joined this community group as the sole carer for my father. At 81 years of age, he was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. This was as a result of a low haemoglobin level in a routine bloodtest that promped a scan, detecting a secondary cancer on his liver. Since chemotherapy started on 07/02/23, he's become a bit confused, something I've possibly identified on here as 'chemo-brain'. Has anyone else experienced this ?
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 reaching out to the community will give you the opportunity to ask questions and getting support from others who are on the ‘exact’ same journey.
I personally have a totally different type of (incurable) cancer and yes, Chemo Brain (cancer-related cognitive impairment) is a very real thing, at times a rather bizarre event and even now over 7+ years out from my last treatment, to this day I still hear stories of the bizarre things I did or said and have no recollection off….. but this all clears once the body deals with the toxicity of the chemo. I was aged 58 - 60 when I had my chemo so your dad’s age will most likely make this more noticeable.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you consider joining our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer and Liver, secondary cancer support groups.
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members who are navigating the same journey.
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting family and friends you may also benefit from joining our Carers only support group where you will connect with others navigating the same support challenges.
To join a group first click on the “Bold Links” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
You can also scroll through other members posts and click “Reply” to get involved.
Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat where you will find one of team there to help you out.
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.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
