The whole experience has taken its toll on my dad's mental health

My dad has T3 bladder cancer. He is 82  ️he has always been strong, empathic, fun, compassionate with a loving heart and nature.

He was diagnosed in August, couldn't have chemo because of age and heart condition so he had 3 high dose bursts of radiotherapy in 1 week. 

We recently went back to the consultant for a progress report and were told that they are going to leave him alone now as tests can be intrusive. The consultant said that as he is symptom free, he doesn't need to go back until symptoms start again.

I'm just wondering if there is any free face to face counselling available? He doesn't do computers for video or talk much over the phone. He is so tearful and at a loss with everything. It breaks my heart to see him like this. He has gone through his life being so kind and would help anyone out. I know life isn't fair, I'm just hoping that some counselling therapy will help him emotionally.

I'm sorry this is a long post, thanks for reading. 

  • Hi Tes.gre68,

    I'm sorry to hear how your dad's feeling since the diagnosis. There is lots of infomation on mental health and cancer here and for ways to find a counsellor you can go here.

    I hope you'll be able to find something in your area,

    Moderator Anastasia

  • Hello I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, my partner is only 56 and has high risk myeloma this has affected his mental health greatly and he is really struggling. I mentioned it to the nurse whilst he was having his chemo and in my hospital there is a centre you can visit. It’s called Maggies they have counselling there and it’s so comfortable maybe you have something like this in a local hospital. Ring some of the hospitals in your area to see if there is this type of facility anywhere. 
    not sure if this helps but your GP may be able to help too. 
    hope you and your dad are ok good luck with finding something x