Advice on juggling things

Hey guys, 

Just wondering if anyone can offer me advice please.

Long story short I'm at the start of a nightmare with my parents.  Dad has lung cancer and has come to the end of any treatment.  There's no more treatment available to him now and we have just found out that my mother has stomach cancer.  Both are in their 80's.

I'm wondering how people manage in this situation where they work full time.  A) with regard to getting them to appointments and looking after them and B) with managing work and not being able to spend much time with them in the last few months of life?

As I say, I work full time and can't afford to take unpaid time off as.  Any advice at all wold be much appreciated.  Anyone I know that has been in this kind of situation we're retired themselves so it wasn't such an issue.

  • Hello Uphillstruggle

    I'm so sorry to hear about the situation that both your parents and you find yourselves in. Undoubtedly there are some difficult times ahead and it's good that you're trying to put in place some things to make life easier for you all. 

    I don't know if you've spoken with your Mum and Dad about some care support. It's certainly something to consider and to chat with them about so that you can get that day-to-day input in place. 

    I'd really encourage you to talk with your employer about your situation so that you can explore any possible options that may be available to you.

    You may also want to think about contacting Macmillan. It may be that they can offer some advice and support that may help with the financial aspect of caring for your parents. 

    You don't mention in your post if you have any support from friends or other family members. Do take advantage of any support that you have around you to help you through the coming months. You may also want to reach out to any services such as Maggie's that may be local to you so that you have a listening ear available. This kind of support can be invaluable. 

    Hopefully some of our members who have cared for loved ones will post to share their advice and experiences with you. If you'd like to chat things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, 9 am to 5 pm after the bank holiday weekend. 

    Thinking of you at this difficult time. 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator