Mum and dad both have incurable cancer.

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i don't really know where to begin with this or what i need from it. Maybe i just need to talk about it with people who understand what its like. 

2 years ago, mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer and secondary cancer in her liver. Due to the amount on her liver, surgery isn't an option so she is just on chemotherapy to manage it at the moment. 

In april this year, my dad tells us he has been having stomach pains and passing blood. He went to the doctors who referred him for a colonoscopy. Dad was told he had some tumours on his intestine and that they would take biopsies. After a biopsy confirmed bowel cancer, he was booked in for surgery and sent for scans. Day before surgery, it gets canceled as they found a spot on his liver and some area of concern in his collarbone. They took a biopsy of the area in his collar bone and we had the results we were dreading last week. Its spread to his lymph nodes too and its incurable. 

Straight away, dad was adamant he wasn't having Treatment as he has seen how ill mum is with chemo and wanted to enjoy living, not feeling unwell from treatment. After speaking with oncology, he has decided to give chemo a go, but has said that if he gets too ill or it doesn't make an improvement after a cycle and a scan, he doesn't want any more treatment. His prognosis if he chose that option is less than a year. 

I am absolutely heartbroken that my parents are both going through this at the same time and i have no idea who to talk to about it. I have a 2 year old who absolutely adores her nanny and grandad and i am trying to be strong around her, but im pretty sure she knows something is wrong. 

As i said at the beginning, i don't know what the point is of this post, other than to talk to people who are going through the same thing. 

  • Hi MorganAE

    Sometimes there are no words that can reach back to you and give clarity. sometimes, it is just a need to share, to know we are not alone 

    And you are not alone!

    I am so sorry to read, both your parents have a diagnosis, that is not only extremely difficult for both of them, but also, for you.

    I can only offer a small glimmer of hope, in so far as saying, diagnosis in the cancer world, and the treatment that is provided for it has moved on so far, and quickly that I would urge you to not give up hope.

    I hope you will reach out again, sometimes, the first step is the biggest...

    Keep in touch

    Lowe'

    Call the helpline for free on 08088080000, 8am to 8pm everyday.
    Tomorrow is not promised but it always has potential. Aim for your potential!