I’m new here, my dad has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Hi Purple prickles welcome to the group, but sorry to hear about your dad. That would have been a huge shock for you both. It sounds like dad already knows what he needs to do about his job, if he is saying he won’t be returning.  Stopping work is a huge adjustment to anyone, and sounds like it wasn’t something he was ready to do until this awful disease made that decision for him. Cancer diagnosis is life changing unfortunately. I tried to carry on working, but was having to take so much time off, and had no support from my employer at all, but wanted to try and continue for as long as possible, as that was my last part remaining of my “normal” life. 

Is there a treatment plan in place for Dad, or is he still undergoing tests? 

Hi Chelle

Thank you for replying.  Yes a huge shock for us, he’s had a cough since May so we knew something was up when all the antibiotics didn’t clear it over the summer.  He’s finished all the tests and biopsy and had the appointment yesterday to confirm stage 4 and that it had indeed spread to his brain.  We found out from his previous scan that it was in his bones and liver so I knew it wasn’t looking good.  He now has to wait for another appointment to discuss a treatment plan.  Feels like we have to keep waiting for - shame they couldn’t discuss the treatment all in one appointment.  

thanks x

Hi purple prickles

I am stage 4 with bone mets, if you tap on my avatar you can have a read about my cancer so far.

I started my treatment doing chemotherapy and immunotherapy and I can tell you that was hard I took time off work approximately 6 months. I did this to get through my initial treatment and assess how I could cope. Once I had completed the chemotherapy and immunotherapy combination I returned to work. With some adjustments in the work place I have been able to continue to work. I can honestly say it's been a good thing going back to work it's kept me busy and I get to keep things pretty normal, I haven't had time to feel depressed, stressed or have anxiety. I have immunotherapy every 3 weeks and apart from feeling tired and the odd side effect I'm doing ok and work is a good thing

What I'm trying to say is tell your dad not to give up his job just yet. Tell him to see his GP and get them yo give him a 3 month fit for work note. This will allow him to cope with the initial treatment and explore how work can fit in to life when he's ready to return to work. Please remember being at work and dealing with cancer isn't for everyone so your dad might feel he want to resign from his job.

I'm happy to chat about my experience and dealing with stage 4 cancer and work if it helps, just message me. 

Have a good day 

Donna

Thanks for your reply and sharing your experiences.  He seems to think they’ll give him his notice anyway now that he has these results but I’m not sure they can do that.  I’d like to get some advice on this but not sure where to get it.  There are so many unknown factors at the moment.

Sounds like you’re doing good as you are back at work now but I’ll try and tap your avatar to understand better.  Still getting to grips with this site!

thanks again for your reply!

Hi 

Your dad has employment law on his side, the employer can't just dismiss him. They are required to make reasonable adjustment to help you dad stay employed if that's what your dad wants, he needs to speak with the employer first. My best advice is don't have a knee jurk reaction tell him to ask his GP for a fit for work note and submit to the employer then get him to take this time to assess what he wants to do.

Donna

Thanks, I think at this stage he doesn’t feel well enough to return and we don’t know about treatment yet or how well he will respond to it.  I guess he just feels tired and with the news of all of this it’s easy to just hand in his notice.  However I want him to make the right decisions  and not rush into anything.

Good morning

Just take it one stage at a time, it is hard at the beginning because you don't know anything, but things will become clearer for you and your dad. He will be tried and that's understandable, please keep in touch I'm happy to lend an ear if you need it. Just message me 

Hugs Donna