Advice - Partners dad has liver cancer

Hi everyone, I'm not sure if this is where I should ask so apologies if I'm in the wrong forum. My boyfriend's dad has liver cancer at the aggressive stage. He's at home. Diagnosed around 6/7 weeks ago. I've not seen him as private person doesn't want visitors which I appreciate. There is nothing I really can do but offer support and I know it's not about me but I feel useless. No time frame has been given only cud be weeks, months, years. He's not eating much  had jaundice talk of clinical trials but not forthcoming with jaundice, he said slurring speech yesterday wasn't sure if normal and expected from meds? Can anyone give advice on this? I've said there is plenty of professionals and others to reach out to and ask and just talk, I feel very frustrated for him and family as for me it feels like nothing is happening I'm sure I probably don't get full picture and hate asking as it's emotionally draining for my partner, he's quiet, but sometimes angry at the same time. It's hard I don't know what to say or suggest, he won't reach out and speak to anyone as says your here for me. Anyone have any advice or been in a similar situation. Thank you

  • Hello MN,

    You have joined the right forum to talk to others who will understand exactly what you are dealing with at the moment. I am sorry to hear your boyfriend's dad has been diagnosed with aggressive liver cancer and as you say, it sounds like he is a private person not wanting any visitors at the moment. You are doing the right thing though in just being there and offering support and just the fact you are posting here and asking for advice shows that you are worried for him and want to help in some way. It is a shame he hasn't got any appetite at the moment and isn't eating much. If having a slurred speech is a new symptom, I would suggest he brings it up with his medical team and checks whether it is indeed a side effect of the medication and whether there is anything they can do to help control this. You said exactly the right thing and the best thing to do in this situation is reach out to the health professionals and see whether they have some helpful suggestions. This must be emotionally draining not only for your partner but for yourself as well as you don't know what to do and what to suggest but it sounds like you are doing the right thing in just being there and supportive for your partner and his family.

    Should you have any medical questions on cancer, our nurses are around Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and they may be able to guide you or point you in the right direction. Their number is free if you live in the UK 0808 800 4040.

    I am sure there are others here who have been in a similar situation and I hope they'll come along and share their experience with you.

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator