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Grandfather with lung cancer ? Not 100% on what's going on .

holliew
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My grandfather is 82 and has been diagnosed with lung cancer , at the beginning we were told he would need radiotherapy as surgery was not a option for him (he also has COPD among other things ) so he has the treatment done, and managed extremely well with this ! All was looking well , but I was shocked when he went back for his review and was told he wouldn't need to be seen for 3 months and they didn't ask for a chest X-ray or anything , so I'm just curious as to how they would know it was all ok , without doing this ? I have also noticed a massive change in his behaviour since the diagnosis , he seems to be more impatient and angrier than normal ? Is this to be expected to? He lives with us permanently so I could care for him , but I am finding our relationship strained due to his change in behaviour .. can anyone be of help or any advice ? :)

  • Welcome to the forum Hollie although I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather's diagnosis and the reason you find yourself posting.

    Many members here who have cared for a partner, friend or family member with cancer will be able to identify with the changes in behaviour that you are noticing with your grandfather and I'm sure some of them will be along soon to offer their advice and share their experiences with you.

    If you have some concerns or questions about why he doesn't need to be seen for 3 months maybe you could ask your grandfather if he could arrange a consultation or a chat with his medical team that you could attend with him so you can ask these questions and find out why.

    Our cancer nurses are just a phone call away if you would like to chat to someone about this as well. Their freephone number is 0808 800 4040 and are available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Best wishes to you both, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi there ... so sorry bout your grandad ... I'm on the other side ... I'm the one with cancer and from my heart it is so hard seeing the ones you adore feeling worried and scared ... I have six grand kids with one being only 5 and wer like best buddies and she stays with me and most nights when I have her , she falls asleep in my arms telling me how much she loves me ... she lays on my 'falsey' boob coz she thinks it's her pillow ... and falls asleep ... so I know how close grand parents can be ... 

    if your grand dad feels anything like me , he will want to protect you and wrap you in cotton wool ... but I have told my Emily for years that the bright star in the sky is my mummie and she said to me "will you be up there one day with your mummy "  little ones are braver then us adults ... sometimes I have to be on my own just to get my head around things ... and it's normal for him to be a little 'tetchy" as lots of men find it so hard to say how they feel , but if you can get him on an up day and hold his hand and tell him how much you love him and your right there if he wants to talk .. and you say I m scared but we'll hold each other's hand through it all ... I know that's what my son said to me ... and to gether you'll make the most of every bit of time , long or short ... big hug Xx

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