My amazing Dad has been battling terminal cancer in the jaw for the past 18 months and over the past couple of days has been in more and more pain. He had been taking paracetamol, but when that wasn’t effective he contacted his GP for something stronger. That wasn’t easy as it was a telephone consultation and they asked him when he was first diagnosed; not exactly a confidence boost as this was 11 years ago! Anyway, he was prescribed some codeine, but this hasn’t provided any relief over the past couple of days.
He’s very low as he feels that this will be it now, and the pain will just get worse. He has no confidence in his GP. He was ‘signed off’ by his oncologist when he opted for palliative radiotherapy rather than a major and invasive operation, and has had two rounds of radiotherapy - the second not as successful as the first. I feel like he’s just been left to fend for himself and don’t know who is best to contact for help with the next ‘stage’ which we all know is inevitable. He is such a proud man and won’t readily ask for help. I don’t know what the options are for end of life care and struggle so much as he won’t talk about it.
I am an only child and struggle with not having any siblings to share this awful journey with. Sorry, perhaps journey is the wrong word.
Does anyone have any advice as to where to turn to help Dad’s remaining time as comfortable as possible? I don’t want to lose him, but can’t stand to see him in so much pain.
Thank you x
Hello Frejadog,
I am so sorry to read that your Dad is in so much discomfort, and I understand how frightening a time this is for you both. I am slightly concerned to read that Dad has been signed off by the oncologist! does he have any cancer support at all?
As a suggestion, the first thing I would do is call 111 (if that is the right number for non-emergency medical information. It may be that they will be able to arrange a doctor consultation and although this is likely to be over the phone, Dad will only have to give his permission for you to answer for him if that is a more comfortable option. The consultation may result in a prescription for a different type of pain relief sent straight to the pharmacist.
You could Ask A Nurse although response will not be as quick as 111
I will also flag your post to the community team to see if there is any other help that they can suggest.
Lowe'
