Morning everyone.
I'm not really sure what I'm asking, really, but I saw my dad yesterday, and he was diagnosed with secondary liver cancer around 2 ish weeks ago. I've noticed he's gone downhill already in that he seems very low and flat and incredibly tired. He used to go to bed always at 10 and now it's around 8.30/9pm. He didn't have any energy at all a couple of days ago to even have a shower, and he just stayed in his dressing gown all day. My mum said he's not eating. He said to me yesterday that he didn't know why he had gone downhill, but he thinks it's his COPD. I think it's the cancer, but none of us know the liver cancer journey if that's the right way of wording it? They can't treat him, unfortunately, as he has severe COPD, so it is on oxygen most of the day. He hasn't told us anything except its spread to his liver. He takes liquid morphine but says for his COPD? Is the morphine making him go downhill? Sorry to ask on here it's like a new journey for us as a family. My brother lives in Canada and is coming over on 25th Aug. I'm angry at him for coming so late...he hasn't seen my dad for 5 yrs (covid a bit to blame)....I think if he's gone downhill in 2 weeks what will he be like in another 4 weeks????
Thanks for reading ....lol...
Hi Loves and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I'm sorry to read that your dad has gone downhill quickly after recently being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer which has spread to his liver and it must be a very anxious time for you.
I can't help with your question about why this is happening but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. You might find this leaflet from Macmillan about dealing with advanced cancer helpful in answering some of your questions. You can either download it or order it paper format if you'd prefer.
As you know the online community is divided up into different support groups so I'm going to recommend that you also join the supporting someone with incurable cancer group where you can share your worries and emotions with others who have a loved one living with cancer.
To join just click on the link I've created and, once you've joined, you can start a new post like you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Do you know if your dad spoken to his hospital team about how he's feeling? If he hasn't been in touch with them then this would be a good place to start. Also, don't be afraid to call 111 for advice or 999 if you feel it's an emergency.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
He should have been assigned a cancer nurse specialist (CNS), sometimes referred to as a keyworker. If he hasn't been assigned one then he could phone his consultant's secretary and she should be able to arrange to put him in contact with a CNS or for him to speak to his consultant.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi Loves
I'm very sorry to hear about your dad's condition. When I read your post I did wonder if it was mental problems as well as physical. If he is taking painkillers this will affect his toileting and make him constipated. Given that he is not suitable for treatment, is his GP aware of his new diagnosis? It could be worth speaking to the surgery as he may be eligible for district nurse visits. This would help improve communication with him and help with his symptoms. Hope this helps.
A x
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