I posted 4 days ago because we were so worried about my Father in Law who has recently been diagnosed with bowel cancer. He was really struggling physically and mentally, and had not really eaten anything for weeks.
I reached out to this group for some positive stories which would hopefully give him some hope. I passed all of your replies onto him, and they, along with some great support from The MacMillan support line, have had an incredible effect.
When I read so many of your stories to him, it seemed that the penny really dropped. He started to understand (and more importantly, believe) that his diagnosis does not mean death. He has gradually started to eat a little more each day. The support line suggested that we ask the GP for some steroids to boost his appetite and mood, and these have been prescribed today. Tonight, he has eaten a fried egg and a sausage!
We really feel that he will now be able to attend his first round of chemo on 7th January - I never thought 4 days ago, that this would be possible.
So thank you all for your words of encouragement and support- they have been invaluable. I realise also, that they have changed my husband’s, and my own perception and understanding of what a cancer diagnosis means.
Thank you all for your generous words, and Happy New Year
