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lung cancer- What will happen next?

Fraggle
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Hi 

.ive read through quite a few posts and it’s terrifying how many people are going through this.

my dad(74) got diagnosed with lung cancer about 6 weeks ago. I don’t know what type but I believe it hasn’t spread. However he is very ill. He has lost a lot of weight, every time he eats he feels sick/is sick. 

He doesn’t seem to be in a lot of pain but says his lower back is painful at night sometimes . He deterioration seems to of happened quickly. He got diagnosed with copd 3 years ago and his breathing has got progressively worse the last 12 months but because of his weight loss the gp decided to send him for tests. He’s had a biopsy. At one point they thought it was the asbestos cancer but I don’t think it is now. From what I can gather it is one tumour in lung. They say he’s not strong enough to have any treatment. He’s currently in hospital as he became very dehydrated and weak from not eating.

Im going along to his  hospital appointment so I can hopefully get a clearer understanding of everything. 

I feel constantly sick and can’t sleep. The not knowing is unbearable. 

Im confused as to why he’s become so ill so quickly if it hasn’t spread yet and why they won’t try any treatment at all. 

 I’m really struggling to keep it together. I’ve hardly told anyone as saying it out loud makes its really hard for me. I’m trying so hard to keep my feelings hidden. 

I would just welcome some advice or to hear from others going through something similar.

Thanks for reading such a long post x

  • Offline

    Hello Fraggle and sorry about your father. Cancer, together with all its other unwelcome features, can vary a lot between patients with the same situation.  My son's dad died a few years ago; he became ill quickly and deteriorated over a three month period when he died.  There again, a relative has had the same stage lung cancer for a couple of years now and is still getting around and doing things.  Difficult to know what to expect,  Make a list of questions before you go to the hospital appointment with your dad; that way you won't forget anything which is easily done when you are distressed.  Let your feelings out here whenever it would help you to do so.  People here have been there and understand how chaotic feelings can be.  I am attaching some information from this websitre about caring for the carer; you need to look after yourself too.  Best wishes.  Annie

    https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/dying-with-cancer/caring-for-the-carer?

  • Offline in reply to Annieliz

    Thanks for the reply. I just feel like life is on hold right now and every time the phone rings my heart sinks. I already suffer with quite bad anxiety so this is hard but I’m trying to be strong for mum. I don’t live near to my folks either so that’s making it harder.

    i also have a young child to care for and feel bad for him as I don’t feel like doing anything at the moment.

    I will take a look at the link you posted 

    thanks again x

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