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I’m struggling.

H27.
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Hi all,

My name is Heather. I am 15 years old and my dad has stage 4 lung cancer. He was diagnosed 5 years ago, I was 10. It has affected me since day 1, and I used to use this chat site fairly often. I took a break to try and work on myself and I thought it would work. However, I am struggling. My dad is still here, but he is so ill every single day. I have been diagnosed with depression and it feels like I'm barley getting any support by anyone. I feel awful talking to my dad about this, because if I say anything, he is sure to think that it's his fault when it is certainly not. My friends don't understand and my best friend doesn't seem to realise how much it affects me. The truth is, I've come on here to see if there is anyone who has been through the same thing I'm going through, or anyone who is going through the same thing. I really need to talk to someone right now and it almost feels as though there is no one left on this planet. I might just be tired, but today was truly difficult to get through and I'm not sure why I feel so low. 

 

Thank you.

 

Heather. 

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    To Heather,

    I can't begin to understand how difficult things have been for you, especially at a young age. You have 

    shown a lot of courage in your situation and you should be very proud of what you have achieved

    so far, in helping your father. When you are feeling low, hold on to that fact ,and that you have done 

    REALLY well to have coped with what you have had to face. It shows strength of character and I wish

    you all the best for the future- you deserve it. 

     

     

     

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    Hi Heather 

    I'm new on here too. I guess we ate both on the same page but different chapters in life.

    You should be very proud if yourself how you have coped so far.

    Please do get some assistance through the samaritans especially when you are feeling low and depressed. 

    I lost my father when I was 5.5 years of age I am now 58 with grandchildren. 

    My wife is going through TNBC and soon chemo .

    May the almighty God bless and guide you. Tc .

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    Hi Heather,

    Welcome back to our forum.

    I am so sorry to hear all that you have been through and are going through, at such a young age. It's no wonder that you are struggling. Is your mum still around and,if so, can you talk to her? It certainly sounds as if you do need someone to talk to and, to help support you through this. Do you have a Maggies Centre or The Haven near you? Both of these organisations offer free counselling to those with cancer and their families. There will also be other more local cancer charities that can help you. 

    Your GP or your dad's care team should also be able to provide advice about similar services. If you speak to one of your teachers at school, they should also be able to arrange for you to see a counsellor. It really does help to talk to someone. You must be finding your schoolwork hard, with all that is going on. Do the staff at school know of your home situation?

    Please don't delay in contacting some of these organisations. This is difficult for anyone, but it is even more so for you at this crucial stage of your own life.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

     

    Hi again Heather,

    I forgot to mention that there is also a forum for teenagers whose parents have cancer, which you might find helpful. It is http://www.riprap.org.uk/. I. Here you could talk to other young people who are struggling with a similar situation to your own.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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