My dad was diagnosed with Bowel cancer Christmas 2024 - its now spread to his liver and he's in hospital following aggressive chemo treatment - we're awating scans to find out if this chemo is actually working or not, as previous attempts haven't done anything. I've been told that if this doesn't work, they'll be moving to pallative care.
My mother in law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer also at Christmas 2024 and passed away in July 2025 (a year ago on Friday).
Myself and my husband are in our 20's. Struggling to know what to do and how to support my dad, my mum and our family, as well as, my husband and his family.
Its hard. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi amcdg97 and a warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but I am sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis.
I know from experience having been on my cancer journey for over 26 years with two very rare, hard to treat types of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (one incurable), Asbestosis and Prostate Cancer that navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but talking with and getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' treatment journey, be it as a patient or caregiver can help a lot.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you look to join and post in our dedicated…….
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
……. support groups.
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 support journey.
As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your dad and indeed yourself and the ready if the family 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.
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.
As always 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.
Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local 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.
