Hi, I'm new here as just found out my dad has some kind of cancer in the throat. I'm not sure which as its taken a bit for him to say he's been told he has cancer, so my information is limited. It started some months ago now. He lost his voice weeks ago. Again I don't have loads of details as they've been trying to keep it under wraps to not worry me or my brother, who currently doesn't know. He had the biopsy result yesterday and has then had a CT scan and been told to come back today for the results. I'm now hugely worried as that feels very quick and there seemed to be some suggestion of an unclear verdict from pathology (this could also be him avoiding telling us everything) but they had questions on whether it may also be in his lungs or whether it originated there or elsewhere. I'm guessing we will know more today, I guess I'm here looking for positivity as feel it is going to be worse news today. I'm scared and sad for him and what it means for the future. I'm scared if its the worst news what will happen then, how he will cope, how mum will cope. Thanks for reading x
Hi Flic and a warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your dad.
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 or cancer support challenges can help a lot.
I personally have been on my incurable cancer journey for over 25 years with 2 rare, hard to treat blood cancers so there is always hope until hope runs out.
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)……… but as you don’t yet what type of cancer your dad has…….. once you do know you can have a look through THIS LIST you will find all our dedicated cancer support groups listed…… it’s so important to get the right group as not all cancers react in the same way.
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 you are ready have a look through the LIST above and once you find the support group for your dad’s cancer type....... click on the link and when the group page opens you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
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.
As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your dad and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our……..
Family and Friends (I do see you have already posted in)
Carers only (if you are their caregiver)
Supporting someone with incurable cancer (if this is going to be appropriate)
……support groups where you will connect with others navigating the same support challenges.
It is an emotional time supporting family so you might find this Macmillan information your feelings when someone has cancer helpful as well as this link getting help with your emotions.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 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 abd support all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community ((hugs))
Until a clear diagnosis is put in place it’s all a guess….. take a big breath….. and another and let’s look for a good way forward for your dad ((hugs))
