Helping grandparents following grandads diagnosis

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Hi everyone,

My grandad has been diagnosed with both lung and throat cancer. He starts chemotherapy on Monday then will have radiotherapy.

I can tell both grandparents are completely overwhelmed and frightened. All our family are overseas so its down to me to help them/reassure them/everything really.

My grandad is insisting on taking himself to his first session - is this advisable? Will he really feel okay to drive? Im also concerned he may not understand what the nurses explain to him or any discussions about his medication going forward (he'll be taking the 2 tablets the 2 days after his first session) as my nan has always been his voice at appointments...

He understandably has lost his appetite already, half a slice of toast and 2 mouthfuls of spaghetti for the day. Hes so weak and tired and im trying to get him to eat to keep his strength up.

I know there are high calorie drinks etc he can have but how do we get our hands on these?

Im very overwhelmed myself and want to do eveything i can do help/make it easier for them.

Any advice welcome.

Thank you

Bubs over 2 years ago

Hi, my hubby is probably similar age to your grandad (78). He found it very useful for me to go to appointment with him and take notes as he said he was focused on one answer and the consultant was already moving on to the next issue and he couldnt remember or focus. I have referred back to those notes days and weeks later to reconfirm. He gets a protein drink from Tesco in the fridge section but I think you may also get them from Holland and Barrett. If there is anything he can eat easily i.e.soup/trifle/yoghurts may help with his appetite. My hubby is ok to drive immediately after he had his chemo and immunotherapy and other gents do the same. Wishing you and your Grandad all the best

Indian over 2 years ago in reply to Bubs

Hello

re protein drinks, your grandads GP will prescribe these for him, should also be able to refer to a dietitian for advice. Good luck

Good morning lovely people.

2nd CT scan on 17 April this tear (R upper lobectomy Dec. 2022) recent scan has shown my middle lobe is compressed. Having bronchial lavage on the 23rd May. Letter to GP from consultant described it as possible middle lobe syndrome, GP unsure what this is. Regular chest infections but one in December this year & a few weeks ago really floored me. Throat is quite raw & my voice is quite hoarse. Anyone able to suggest any ideas on what's going on with me ?

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Helping grandparents following grandads diagnosis