Advice

Hi

My father has terminal throat cancer. He had a stent put in 3 weeks ago. He won't eat and is in denial as he buys food he knows he cant eat. No one has been to visit him at home. I just feel like he has given up and don't know how to help him. My mum is having a terrible time as he has become quite nasty when she tries to help him. I don't know what to do. All advice welcome.

  • Hi Lynda,  unfortunately this is normal behaviour for a lot of cancer patients.   There is a lot of anger and denial and Mum will be getting the brunt of it because she is there and we end up being very patient and helpful but it doesn't help.  Call the Mc Millan nurse he's been allocated they are meant to help you through this awful time.  When my husband was nasty to me I told him to stop it as I was the one he needed to rely on, it shocked him but it worked, or walk away, he can't be nasty if you're not there!  No matter what anyone says your Dad has to deal with this in his own way.  Try to be normal around him, men are meant to be strong and hate feeling out of control,  so that makes it worse.  He's your Dad and wants to still be a Dad despite his cancer.  I hope this helps you a little bit.   Post again if you're struggling some one will always reply because we understand .  Best wishes , Carol

  • Hi Lynda,

    My father has stage 4 advanced oropharyngeal inoperable cancer. We are getting the same thing from him. He can be very snappy with my mother who is trying her best. I live over 2 hours away and I am finding it very difficult to stay in control as he is almost stopping me from going down to see them. He will be seeing the oncologist on Tuesday to find out his results from a pet scan he had today as they have found nodules in his lungs. 

    I am so scared what the outcome is as I want to be there more but have a family to look after and job.

    Best wishes