Liver cancer in an elderly parent with Alzheimers

It's getting really tough I don't know how to help my father. We've been told he has a 8cm tumor on his liver in April. He was also recently diagnosed with Alzhemers.  The treatment options are not suitable for him due to his age 84 yrs. Dr has prescribed morphine to help with the pain but he's recently started complaining of shortness of breath and feeling full and sick this is now daily thing. He keeps begging to be taken to the hospital. We've stopped telling him he has cancer because he forgets and we have to keep reminding him and the emotional toll it's taking is too much. What can I do to help him? 

  • A very warm welcome to the Cancer Chat community Maz46 although I'm so sorry to hear about your father. This must be such a difficult time for you and your family.

    Macmillan have some very useful information about cancer and dementia on their website, but if you haven't done so already it may be worth reaching out to the Alzheimer's Society. They have a support forum just like ours, including a section dedicated to those who are caring for someone with cancer and dementia.

    I hope this you find this useful, but if you'd like to discuss any of this further with one of our cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very insightful and will do all that they can to help.

    We're thinking of you Maz and sending all our strength and support your way.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator