Dealing with a parent who has lung cancer

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Hi everyone, I am new to the group. My Dad was diagnosed with stage 3b lung cancer in early 2021. In that time he has done radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Unfortunately he failed all the immunotherapy options despite being a 'good' candidate for them. Last year his cancer spread to his pelvic bone and adrenal gland.  He is now on another course of chemotherapy. It's been 2.5 years. He has done fairly well on the chemotherapy as far as side effects but he does experience them. As the daughter and caretaker, this process has been an extremely emotional journey. I am a naturally anxious person so this circumstance has sent my own health and well being into a spiral. I suppose I wanted to see how others cope with such a massive life event and watching someone you love go through this, with no idea what the future holds. It's just made me highly anxious all the time, I have lashed out in some moments at other loved ones, and just felt like I have been losing myself in the process. I don't think anyone quite understands how brutal of a situation this is unless you have been through something similar. I also recently lost a good friend due to snapping a bit and I apologised, but I feel like I am alone in dealing with the grief and what that does to you. Everything feels so fragile. I just wanted to get a sense of how you put one foot in front of the other and get through such a trying time. 

  • Hi star60

    I am so sorry that you’re finding this so hard.
    It’s a very anxious time and it may help for you to talk to other carers. 
    I myself was a carer and really struggled so I talked to  my GP who was caring for my loved one but this isn’t always possible 

    Theres another group here  Carers only forum 

    that may help as well.
    Life is fragile I agree and all I can send you is a hug and hope that you feel stronger tomorrow x

    Take care 

    Ann
     ‍Art