Hi pinkp0nyclub,

Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm sorry to hear of the situation with your Dad - this sounds like a lot to deal with and I can certainly understand it must be difficult for you and also your brother.

Sometimes it can be tough to know how best to support someone, especially if they are feeling a certain way about things and it feels difficult to get them to think or do otherwise.

We have some information on our website about helping to manage diet. It may be that there are some tips in there that can be helpful.

If you're able to, it may also be worth speaking to your Dad's doctor to see if they have any suggestions for how best to support him with this.

You are also welcome to give our nurses a call if you'd like to talk things through. You can reach them on freephone 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5 (although they are closed today as a one-off for training).

It's also important to look after yourself as much as possible too. Keep speaking to others around you where you feel able to, and you can also do this on this forum. It's a supportive community of people and I hope that it can be helpful for you.

There are also additional organisations such as Macmillan and Maggie's, who both provide resources and helplines if ever you need it.

Wishing you all the best,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi 

I just read your post identify a lot with what you've said. My Dad has oesophagus cancer and had a stent fitted 3 weeks ago. Its only treatment to help with symptoms he cant have chemo as not strong enough. So your Dads prognoisis sounds something to work towards. My Dad wasn't eating much before the stent and has little appetite now even though dietician we saw last week said he must eat even if he doesn't feel like it through the day. I've been trying to help to pick out things for him to try to eat. He's also on the drinks too.  So maybe ask to see dietician if you havent had access to one before, see if that helps with suggestions. He lives on his own so fiercely independent which is proving challenging and I'm trying my best to negotiate and listen but sometimes it gets a little heated. 

I'm also juggling a job and it's hard when you've been to an appointment to put on a brave face to carry on with things to.look normal. I didnt feel well after the bank holiday i think id been running on adrenaline for the last 2 months so a day or two down time my body just crashed. Work have been OK up to now flexible make up time if I'm out for part of the day etc. I just feel like it's not real some days and never any spare time.  Your definitely not alone with what your going through.