Advanced prostate cancer

Hi all

 

My 81 year old father has been diagnosed with prostate cancer which has unfortunately spread to his bones- both femur and sternum.  He is a widow and loves on his own, and for 5 years has lived very well on his own.

 

i visit everyday, he has quite a lot of medical conditions too- diabetes, kidney failure, heart failure, copd, to name a few.... he has always been a proud man and dealt with all his illnesses, my mums death with dignity.

 

he does have a carer/ cleaner that goes in 3 hours a week which he pays for himself.

but in the last few weeks his pain in his back is unbearable and he can hardly stand up straight or get out of bed- I need to speak to the GP but where do I go with regards to getting care: pain management for him please?  He owns his own home and has savings and is worried.

 

if anyone can help as I’m feeling sick with worry 

many thanks

 

zoe

 

  • Hi

    It is good that your asking questions, sorry about his condition, with his previous illnesses giving him medication has to be carefully done, I would certainly contact the McMillan nurses and ask them they can visit your father as well and have a better idea of what painkillers could be taken.

    take care

    joe

  • Hello Zfb52; sorry your father is suffering and worried.  When this wretched long bank holiday weekend is over you should speak to the GP surgery and ask them about getting palliative care in the first instance.   Your father should not have to suffer like this.  Also joeven is right; MacMillan (Freefone 0808 808 0000) are a great source of information and help - again you will have to wait until tomorrow for their helpline to be open.  When I helped care for a terminally ill neighbour who also owned his home he had to pay a proportion of the costs of someone coming in daily to deal with tasks like washing up, shaving and other sundry things that needed to be done daily - this was arranged through the local council and it may be something else that might benefit your dad.    Let us know how you get on with these resources and I know we will try to advise you further if you so wish.  And  let us know how you yourself are coping.  Annie