Hi
Decided to join this as my Dad who has COPD was diagnosed with lung cancer and treatment isn't an option.
He lives in Manchester and I live in Scotland and we communicate via Whatsapp and tonight was our weekly catch up.
He was supposed to speak to someone from Macmillan this week but after reading the info he was given he and his wife decided not to go ahead as it as they think it is too soon to worry about whatever. He says he will get in touch when he isn't well. I understand this but I know cancer can creep up on you and before you know it it is too late. I just want him to take control before he can't. This led me to getting upset and we ended the phone call.
Even with his COPD I would suggest things to make his and his wife's life easier and I would hit a brick wall.
I know this is probably a nothing but I have ASD and so been spiralling a bit. I guess this is why I have joined
Hi SamJas and a warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis in the family like this can be such a challenging and stressful time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' support challenges can help you a lot.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) and when it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your dad and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our general cancer……
Supporting someone with incurable cancer
……. 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 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.
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 and 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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
