Hey everyone,
About 4 weeks ago, my mom was taken into hospital because she was really poorly. She'd been losing weight fairly rapidly, couldn't keep any food or drink down, she had bad back pain and found it really uncomfortable to sit or stand. She had a CT scan done to see what might be causing it, then they found a mass.
After further investigations, she was told that it was cancer and that it was both inoperable and terminal. She's waiting to receive palliative chemo, they've done other palliative interventions like fitting a stent, as the primary tumour has caused a gastric outlet obstruction. Her cancer has spread to distant organs, and this form of cancer is both rare and aggressive.
My dad is also ill and due in for heart surgery in a few weeks time. With everything that is going on I'm trying to stay strong, but with a pile of final year uni work to do (I turned 21 a couple of days ago), helping with caring for my parents and dealing with my own pre-existing mental health conditions I'm struggling at the minute quite badly. I thought I'd share my story in case there's anyone who can relate to where I am, it can feel quite isolating and alone sometimes even when I'm around other people.
It has all felt so sudden and so severe. To be talking to my mom on the phone the day before she was admitted, then rushing back home from uni a couple of days later and finding out she wasn't going to get better. Seeing her in hospital having been away for the past three months, it was soul destroying.
Sending my love to everyone, I wouldn't wish this pain on anybody.
Hi chr1ssy_x
I’m so sorry to read how much you’ve got going on in your life right now, especially being so young. This is a huge amount to cope with. I’d like to suggest that you discuss your situation with your university-you should have a personal tutor or support service staff who can help you.
I used to work as a university admin manager and there was a lot of help we could provide to students in difficult circumstances-extensions to deadlines for coursework, deferment of studies etc. It’s important to let them know what’s going on to let them put help in place, and support services should be able to refer you for counselling or other help with your mental health. Please get some help for yourself, and don’t struggle on alone-I’d start with your personal tutor or whatever the equivalent is called at your uni. They are usually responsible for pastoral care in addition to academic support in my experience and they should know how you can access help.
Sarah xx
