need advice - I'm 16 and my dad has terminal cancer

Hi there.  Im so.sorry to hear your story, my story is the same, my dads been given 6 months, but im a lot older than you. Its very hard to take in the news even at my age I feel devastated and everything you are feeling is quite normal.

I know its extremely difficult but try to make memories, spend all the time with your dad you can, take lots of pictures and smile and laugh even when you dont feel like it, as in the future you will look back with fond memories and tell.your children about him one day. 

I try to concentrate on how lucky I am to have a dad like mine, which brings me comfort. Also you could look up some groups on supporting young people in situations like yourself so you can talk to people your own age.  

When I find it difficult sleeping I look up meditation for sleep on you tube or yoga nidra, just focusing on your self and listening to the recording helps me to relax. 

I hope this helps you alittle. Look after yourself as well x

Hi, I'm so sorry to hear you are going through this, I'm going through a very similar situation,  my dad was also diagnosed 2 years ago, and we have just found out that his cancer is terminal,  I just don't know what to do with myself, I feel empty inside, I'm crying on and off all the time, constantly on my mind. I'm just hurting so much, I don't really have much advice as I have just found out myself and new on here, but I just want to say that you are not alone , I know the pain you are going through, and that I am happy to chat with you any time , you are not much younger then my son so I know how hard it is for you at your age , my dad has been a father figure to my son as my sons dad has not been part of his life, as you can expect his taken it quite hard, as I say to my son, look after yourself, be kind to yourself xxx

Hey, 

I'm really sorry to hear this. I'm not much older than you and am in a similar situation. The thoughts that keep going through my head is that my dad will never get to meet my children. I am still trying to navigate how to cope with the feelings, on my 'better' days I just feel numb and empty, and on my bad days all I want to do is sleep all day. Feel free to message me whenever you want as I think talking to someone who is in a very similar situation can be more comforting than someone you know can't really understand what you're going through x

Hi Gizmo,

I know exactly how you feel. I am only 25 and my dad has been diagnosed with terminal cancer too. I often think (probably most days) how can this be happening to me when I’m so young! I have gone through every emotion possible from feeling angry at the world to crying myself to sleep too. 

sending all my love, you are not alone. Xx

Hi , I’m so sorry you feel like this. I’m 49 and have just had the devastating news my dad has months to live. A massive shock and he was so fit and healthy. I feel exactly the same as you and I’m struggling so badly. I’m an extremely strong person with 6 kids and two grandchildren run my own business and cope with everything life gives me but I can’t cope with what is happening right now. I tell myself all the right things in my head and such a positive person in life but the sadness is immense and the most saddest and awful thing. 
my dad starts his first lot of chemo soon. Both mum and dad want to cancel Christmas and I’ve had them for Christmas since I was 21 every year. I’ve not had the heart to tell the kids yet. 
I just wanted to let you know it’s not just you and I’m sending you all the love I can. Please ask for help if you need it. I’m finding reading peoples posts on here very helpful as it makes you realise it’s not just you. 
I just have people being sad and wish I could make it all better for you. Please take care and talk to people. Xx

Hi Claire.

Just read your post. Im sorry to hear your devatating news.  Its been 8 months since I posted on this thread and during this time I sadly lost my dad in August to this vile disease.  I have been where you are now and I totally understand your devastation and all the other emotions what it brings and how it affects the whole family. Until this happened to me, I didnt realise how awful it makes you feel. I described it as a big tunnel you just cant get out of.  My mom wanted to cancel xmas but dad told her no before he went he said he wanted us to carry on and to do it for him. So weve put the tree up and going to celebrate his life on that day.  Its hard to do this. I cant even bring myself to buy a card with just mom on it this year.   Talking to others does help,  it is hard to stay positive and after the devastation sets in you have to try and focus on trying to make every day count. We did with dad, we spent time together, having little trips out and doing little parties together. Im glad we had that time together. Its a difficult journey to be on,  The pain of loosing my dad doesnt go away but time has started to heal. Be kind to yourself and very best wishes for your family x