Dad struggling with recovery and mental health after a bone marrow transplant for AML. What can I do to help him?

My father was diagnosed with AML in January and had a bone marrow transplant in early June. He is now home and “recovering” from this. His mental health is not great and he is spending all day every day in bed rarely getting up (even to go to the toilet). Only time he’s leaving the house is to go to an appointment which is once a week. My mother is caring for him but it’s taking its toll on her too. What can I do to help? To encourage him to try and get up (even just for 30mins). Thank you for reading. Sorry it’s a long post. 

  • Welcome to the forum hps, although I'm sorry to hear about your father. This must be very difficult.

    Life after a bone marrow transplant can be very tough but I hope this information we have about mental health and cancer and supporting someone with cancer will be useful. We also have a team of cancer nurses you can discuss this with on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very insightful and will do all they can to answer your questions and help you find a way you can support your mother and your father as he continues his recovery from his transplant.

    Hopefully some of our members will be along soon to offer their thoughts and advice as well but in the meantime, we're thinking of you hps and sending all our support to you and parents at this very challenging time.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator