Hello bvan95.  So sorry about your dad's mets.  This must be a shock to your system having believed your dad was doing so well.  If your friends have not been in your situation there is no way they could really understand it.  Have you tried telling them how it has affected you and what you would like from them at this time?  Or maybe you are not sure yourself - it knocks you for six to learn that you are possibly going to lose a loved one.  Go easy on yourself.  Are you able to talk to your dad about his prognosis and how he wants you to help him?  And have you got other family members who are helping in this situation?  Sorry to ask questions but you sound as though you are quite isolated with your worries.

I am attaching some advice for family of cancer patients and hope it may be of use to you.  It includes other organisations with who you can make contact - Macmillan Cancer Support are one well-known organisation to whom you can always talk (Freefone 0808 808 0000 Mon-Fri 9am-8pm).  And of course if you would like to tell us about your fears we too are always happy to chat with you.  Best wishes.  Annie

Thank you for your reply! 

My situation is a little bit strange. I'm a recent college grad who moved back to Vietnam from the US. Since I haven't been back for so long, I don't have a lot of close friends here and the one close friend *here* whom I shared with just didn't quite know what to do. The couple of friends whom I have been able to talk to are in the US :( 

About my family, I've been taking my dad to his appointments and I'm actually volunteering at the department he's getting treatment at so I've chances to talk to his oncologists. My dad doesn't quite share his struggles with me but I think he knows about his prognosis. My mother has been great with making sure we have the financial resources to deal with it but I can't open up to her. She thinks that my dad is dying because he is not praying to gods and ask for forgiveness. My older sister lives with her family in the US and we also don't talk about it.

Hello again bvan95; sorry for late response, have had to be away for a few days.  How are things going?   I am just trying to get the picture - have your parents also returned to Vietnam from the US?  Sorry to be inquisitive - and you of course don't have to tell me your family business!  Why does your older sister not want to talk about it - you don't have to tell me actually but it is a bit odd if he is her father too?  And how is your dad coping - is he talking to you a bit more?  I understand you have to let him decide how much he wants to discuss - it can take a while to come to terms with this prognosis.  How are you feeling yourself? 

I hope you don't mind my curiosity - I am naturally a nosey person and I know very little about Vietnam (apart from the war which I am old enough to remember).  What are the medical services like overall?  I realise that sounds very rude to suggest that they are anything less than first class but I, well I just don't know unless I ask.  Best wishes.  Annie