Hi,
I'm new here. We've just found out my dad has lung cancer. Now we need to wait for him to have more tests to diagnose exactly what he's dealing with. I have 6 children of my own who we haven't told yet, they want to wait to find out what he has first. They range from age 19-6 years old. My dad has been unwell a while. He sleeps a lot. Doesn't eat a lot and has struggled with his memory. He only retired in November.
Anyway I suppose I feel like a fish out of water. And I don't know where to begin on being a support to them. Luckily we don't live far apart and I don't work due to my own health so I can be there. I'm so scared. I'm dreading telling the kids too.
Many thanks for reading
Hi Evielou and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your dad’s ongoing diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type or support challenges will help you a lot.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we try to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated……
…… support group. This group is a 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 support journey.
As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your dad and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our……
……. support group where you will connect with a wide range of members navigating the exact same support challenges.
To connect with a group click on the “Bold Italic Links” I have created above …… then once the group page opens click in the [ Black - Click to Join - Banner ] that appears at the bottom of the page and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [ + Create new post] or [ + ] in the top right of the group page and putting
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
You may find some of these Macmillan resources helpful on understanding childrens' reactions and also Talking to Children and Teenagers about Cancer when an adult has cancer. You can also download, or order a paper copy, of this booklet.
You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides 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 3 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 support all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
