Hello, last September my 41 year old, married daughter, and mum to three, was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. This was a total shock to the whole family, she'd been complaining of a pain in her tummy and eventually went for blood tests. My world collapsed the day she was diagnosed and it took me weeks to realise the only way I could cope with this devastating news, and help her as best I can, was to take one day at a time. I don't allow myself to think too far into the future, I say to myself 'today is a good day', we can cope today.
Since her diagnosis she has been through 12 rounds of chemotherapy and recently had surgery to remove four tumors from her liver. I put on a smile when we're together but in reality it breaks my heart seeing her health decline. She has lost 2.5 stone in the last 6 weeks, due to a blocked bowel and having to be put on a clear fluid diet. She's now able to have a soft food diet but it must be low fibre. Having been starved for so long her appetite is very poor, I wondered if anyone on this forum has any meal suggestions I could tempt her with?
Hi Sophie2 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your daughter’s 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……. I have a completely different type of cancer and treatment journey.
This New to Community area 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……
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
……. 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 daughter and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our……
Carers only (if you are his caregiver)
……. support groups 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.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
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.
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.
