Young adult caring for a terminally ill parent

Hi, 

Fairly new to this forum but wanted to see if any individuals had the same sort of feelings. I am 25F and alongside my mum, take care of my terminally ill father. He was diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer and has been on treatment for a over a year. 

I feel sad but sometimes, angry as well, angry at the immense responsibility on my shoulders, at missing out on my 20s after covid had taken so much of it already. and trying to navigate career, relationship and travel. Being a carer for my dad and having to be therapist for my mum is so draining as well as supporting my partner in the grief he feels after losing his dad at 19 (he's not 24). What I'm trying to say, is how do you stop being so angry? How do you stop resenting everyone? How do you cope with it all when I'm technically only a 5 year old adult. It seems an awful lot to deal with yet you can't say anything for fear of being selfish. I guess it's not about the parent with cancer but sometimes the people around them that gets affected. 

  • Hello rapunzel2023

    I'm sorry to hear about your Dad's diagnosis and the impact that it is having on you all at the moment. Caring for a loved one can be a hard load to carry particularly when you're juggling many other aspects of life and supporting other loved ones. It's understandable that you're having some difficult feelings at the moment. 

    Whilst it can be difficult, sometimes we need to reach out and ask for support ourselves. This isn't selfish but simply practicing self-care. If you are struggling to meet your own needs, then it's likely that you can't offer the best that you can to those around you either. And can potentially damage the relationship with the people that you love the most. 

    We have some information on our website about taking care of yourself and I'd recommend having a look at this information about young carers on the Carer's Trust website and getting in touch with them for some support. There's also some information on the Maggie's website that you may find helpful. You might also want to think about talking with your GP about how you're feeling so that they can support you in any way they can including information about local carer support, and support that may be available for your Mum and for your partner. 

    If you'd like to chat things through with one of our team of nurses you're most welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. 

    It sounds like you're spinning a lot of plates at the moment Rupunzel2023 and it takes a toll to be all things to all people. Please do reach out for support. Keep in touch here on the forum if it helps to have somewhere to share how you're feeling and we'll do our best to offer any support we can. 

    Sending you my best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator