How do I help?

What Do you do when your grandad,housemate,best friend gets told he has stage 4 stomach cancer?

nothing they can do apart from a trial with chemo, which he has refused as he is 74 and doesn't want the side effects? 

He has issues with swollowing things so at the moment it's a hit and miss weather he will manage to keep any food down? I guess I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas, what may of worked for you or a loved one I could possibly give him to try and make this at least a tiny bit easier on him. Apart from the being sick and a slight bit elderly (wouldn't be pleased if he knew I said that ha) he is okay. Just the being sick gets him down and fed up.

thank you in advance

  • Sounds to me like you are doing everything he would want. I expect he just wants your company, and to be reminded of happy memories etc.

    I cared for my dad in the last days of his cancer, and though we only found out 2 weeks before he died about the terminal cancer, i think my dad new a bit before then but didn't want treatment and so kept it from everyone. Feeling ill and knowing he was going to die really got him down, but he just wanted to carry on as normal for as long as he could. He wanted to hear what we had been doing and just enjoy his daily routine. But in your case ask your Grandad what he would like, you are really close from the sounds of things. There might be some favourite movies he would like to watch etc.

    On a practical note, frozen smoothie type lollies, custard and smooth soups are all good things to keep in for him to eat. My dad had trouble eating, and it was a case of letting him have whatever he fancied that he thought he could keep down. Also, the doctor / district nurse can prescibe a shake drink called fortisip which i good for patients who are not getting enough nutrition, but who struggle to eat.

    All in all though, sounds like you are doing the best thing by just being there for him! It isn't going ot be easy but use this forum and any friends and family around you to help you stay strong for your Grandad. Also make sure you take care of yourself first and foremost - you cannot be there for him if you are not fighting fit.

    My thoughts are with you, sending hugs x