feeling helpless

How do you help someone who doesn't want to be helped my dad has cancer recently diagnosed my mam is sorting all appointments and looking after him as she has for two years since his heart attack we both want to help him but he will go to his appointments but doesn't want to talk about it or acknowledge it which I understand I don't think I would either but even asking him if he's OK he he doesn't want sympathy and tells everyone he wants to be left alone I keep trying to give him his space but its only been three days and I'm pulling my hair out even find it hard just to text and just say silly things like do u like this film I bought just to talk but I know he doesn't want to talk sorry for such along question 

  • GMorning Nat

    this is a predicament!! You are having a problem with his quietness over the diagnosis. This is a common appoach for people with a serious diagnosis = they want the time to let it sink in I suppose and also they are in shock.

    You feel stressed - that I totally understand and wish there was an answer for. Perhaps there will come a time when you can discuss your daily life again and hve fun. I hope that day is soon. You will be reeling with the diagnosis as well. Its terrible and I recall when my dad fell ill with cancer = I just didn't know what he wanted me to say and how he wanted me to be. I just found it all so hard and difficult. I was very close to my dad. I suppose we all find our way forwards - but in the meantimes its painful and just ordinary things don't feel right anymore. This is a time of drawing close = just being quiet and present to him and your ma. He will appreciate your being there, just like you were when you  were small.

    I wish life would never change  and it would carry on without hick-ups = but sometimes its doesn't! I will be thinking of you and hope you find peace and a place of acceptance.

    XXX

    Steven

  • Hi Nat,

    It is such a shock to be told you or a loved one has cancer, but we all deal with it our own way. I found it especially hard to tell my grown up children about my diagnosis. I didn't want them to be upset. Maybe he just wants to be as normal as he can right now, so he can sort out how he feels about it. Hard for everyone around I know, as you probably want to help urgently. Clearly he's not ok, he's coming to terms with the news he's had. Clearly your not ok, you want to fight this monster with him. Things will change as time passes the news wont seem so raw and once his doctors have a plan for treatment he will feel there is a way forward. So will you.

    Wishing you all well

    Aemi x