About my brother and dad

I lost my Grampy to lung cancer 3 days after finding out I was pregnant. Then my brother to bowel cancer 17 months ago, he was diagnosed just before my 12 week scan on my only son, my brother then past away 4 weeks before I gave birth to me son. In a sort 6 months my heart was just broken. My brother was only 30. At the birth of my son I decided to have my partner mum and dad there to see my son be born. I am so close to my family, we always have been. But just 3 weeks ago my whole world has crumbled again. Finding out the news that my dad has small cell lung cancer and it's already at stage 4. It's spread from his lung to lymph nodes to his liver and spine. My dad is my everything. He has been my strength through everything, he has been my mums strength and my sisters too. I live 3 doors down from him and now  I am his and my mums main carer I am 22 with a now 17 month old son. I struggle most days. But I pull myself together and just cry at night after I've done everything I need too and everyone is settled in bed. I just can expect that I'm going to lose my dad.. He is my best friend and always have been. I have been so close with him my whole life closer with him than anyone else in my family. So my I need him to survive this were trying everything as he doesn't want to leave us. I do him smoothies I go with him for his chemo I rub different oils on his tumors. I just want some advice with what else I could do. We need him more than a family has ever needed anyone his only just turned 50. I've looked up clinical trails but can't find any for his cancer? 

  • Hi Devastated, I am so sorry for what is happening in your family. It seems as though you are getting hit with it all at once, and from all sides. No wonder you're feeling overwhelmed with grief. Your Mom is so fortunate to have you close by and I'm sure she really appreciates all that you do. I wish there was something I could say to make this all go away for you, but I can't do that. What I can tell you though is you coming on this forum will be a big help to you in getting some support for yourself, even though it is virtual. People on here have all suffered from loss of loved ones and endured the pain of watching a loved one ill with this terrible disease. I hope you have other family and friends to help you through this difficult time. Try to take care of yourself as you take care of others. Remember you have a young child who depends on you to be there for him and he needs you too.

    Come on here anytime you need to vent, cry, or just write about your feelings. Getting them out there will be a big help for you. I'm sure others on here will respond to your post soon.

    Sending you hugs.

    Lorraine

  • Hello Devastateddaughter, 

    I'm so sorry to hear about your sad news, what a horrible time you've been having. Joining this site I hope you find plenty of support. 

    You are far from alone. I'm turning 27 next month and my Dad was diagnosed a year ago with Stage 4 bowel cancer which has spread to his lungs and liver. Devastated doesn't quite cut it. It's been a very tough year apart from the cancer he's had an emergency life saving operation, pneumonia, blood clot and last month he had a stroke. But he's still going strong, so what I'm trying to say is if your dad's a fighter like mine then he won't be giving up until his last breath. I think you just learn how to cope because there isn't any other option. I've cried, shouted, got angry, felt numb...but I've coped. I try to stay strong for both of my parents because I know they need me to be there for them my Dad needs to know that I'm strong so he doesn't have to worry. I have a 2 and a half year old little boy and I feel so sad because they are very close and love each other to bits. But I look at my son and he gives me most of my strength and I bet yours will too. Remember to look after yourself as best as you can and if you do feel the need to shout or cry then do so. You've been through a lot in a short space of time so be kind to yourself. My uncle died 18 months ago, then my dad was diagnosed 6 months later with stage 4 cancer, my nan was diagnosed 2 months ago with dementia and my mum found out 2 months ago the vertebrae in her spines crumbling and could end up wheel chair bound and is in a lot of pain. It feels like it's one thing after another but we learn to soldier on somehow. If you ever feel like you need a chat or to vent then feel free to message me as we're similar in age, both have a child and are on this journey with our Dad's.  Take care and I do wish your dad the best of luck with his fight x