Dad given 6-12 months

Hi,

my dad was given 6-12 months in feb after being diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread and is sadly incurable. He is undergoing immunotherapy presently and is doing well. It’s me who is struggling to come to terms with the thought of losing him. Sometimes I just feel so down and I’m worried how I’m going to cope when the time comes. Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you. Emma.

  • Hi Emma-, 

    This is terribly sad and it must be so hard to be told that your dad has been given so little time and that his cancer has spread and is incurable. The immunotherapy seems to be having a positive effect though and I am glad he is doing well on it. There is information on our website on targeted and immunotherapy treatment for lung cancer and I know it is really hard not to think about the timeframes you were given initially but it's best not to pay too much attention to them as these are only estimates. It is impossible really to know how long someone will live and how for example this person might react to treatment and it might be that treatment will give you more time with him than you were expecting; it's just really hard to predict so try and make the most of every single day you have with your dad. It's completely understandable that you feel so down given the situation and if you feel you are really struggling, it might be worth talking to your GP about how you are feeling and doing it now, having this conversation with your doctor about how this is upsetting for you might be a good step to take rather than wait until things become even more challenging. 

    You will also find supportive information on our website for Family, friends and carers and in particular have a look at the section on taking care of yourself which is not easy to do sometimes when going through such a heart-breaking situation. 

    We're thinking of you and your dad during this difficult time and I wanted you to know that you are not alone as many of our forum members are also currently going through something similar or have also been in a similar place before. I will now let them come and say hello and share their story with you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator