Hi and thanks for having me.
Both of my parents have recently been diagnosed. Dad's prognosis is good and they expect that surgery is all his prostate cancer will need, just waiting on a date. Mum has colon cancer that's spread to her liver. Not treatment plan yet - probably chemo but they want to do another biopsy first - but she's been told she won't get better.
I'm struggling with them both having it at once. They'll be treated at different hospitals as well, just for that added bit of fun. I've also got a brother, who is wonderful, but he lives in London and I'm around the corner so things naturally fall to me. I've also just begun my own fertility treatment and now feel under more pressure for that to work whilst mum's here.
I'm heartbroken and overwhelmed and would appreciate any thoughts.
Thank you.
Hi Wimwans - Welcome.
I can only speak on the Prostate Cancer side of things but here on MacMillan's there's a cracking set of people on the Prostate Cancer forum who can help and guide you through your dad's surgery and recovery. Just pop along, introduce yourself and ask anything you want, we are a happy set of people and all too pleased to help.
I hope you find some help on the Colon/ Liver Cancer threads for your mum - I can understand the issues you are going through.
I wish you well and remember you are not alone on this cancer journey - we are all with you.
Kind regards
Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
Hello Wimwams,
Welcome to the Online Community.
I am sorry to hear that both your parents have been diagnosed with cancer. I can understand how worrying this must be for you all.
You already have a lot happening with your fertility treatment and it must all feel a bit overwhelming at the moment. Having a family member being diagnosed is naturally a stressful time where you have lots of questions and there are also the practical arrangements. It's a shame that they are being treated at different hospitals. It is good that your brother is supportive and even if he is not there physically, just being able to speak with him and share what is happening will help. It did with me.
The Online Community is divided into forums and I found it helpful to share with people going through similar circumstances. It is fine to post on here but I will pop some links below that when you have a moment you might want to look into.
Family and friends forum - Macmillan Online Community
Prostate cancer forum - Macmillan Online Community
Bowel (colon and rectal) cancer forum - Macmillan Online Community
We have an ask the expert section for more medical questions and the nurses will normally get back to you within 3 working days. I will pop a link here in case it is ever of help.
Ask a Nurse - Macmillan Online Community
There is also a Support Line that you are welcome to call if you feel it would help to talk to someone. They are lovely on there. The number is at the bottom of this. They are also able to tell you if there is any support in your area.
I hope this helps a bit. I hope that Dad is given a date for his surgery soon. I hope that once Mum has had her biopsy done that she can be given a treatment plan and get started with it as soon as possible. It is hard waiting around to find out about treatment and waiting for it to start but I found once I knew what I needed to do and had a date for when it would start, It did all feel a bit under control.
If there is anything else that we can do to support you, your Mum and Dad please do ask.
Jane
