My dad was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer and was receiving immunotherapy but this been been stopped because he has now lost the ability to walk unaided. They are running more tests to find out what is causing this new symptom but it is so hard to watch the mental torment my dad is going through. He doesn't want to live like this
Hi Blue222 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.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)……… but you don’t say what type of cancer your dad has…….. but if you care to have a look through this link Cancer Specific Groups you will find all our dedicated cancer support groups listed.
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.
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.
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.
As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your dad and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our……..
Carers only (if you are his/her caregiver)
Supporting someone with incurable cancer (If this is applicable)
……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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
